Boarding stress is rarely about the boarding. It is about the scramble the night before — the rabies certificate you cannot find, the medication count that comes up short, the feeding instructions you mean to write and never do. None of that is hard. It just needs to happen before you are standing at the counter with a leash in one hand and a duffel in the other.
Here is the plan, working backward from drop-off.
Two weeks out
This is when timing problems are still fixable. Pull up your pet's vaccine records and check the expiry dates against your travel window. Most facilities require current rabies and DHPP, and many require Bordetella given at least a week before arrival.
One week out
Confirm the reservation, the dates, and any add-ons (extra walks, medication administration, a private suite). Count your pet's medication and make sure you have enough for the full stay plus a couple of spare doses. Refill now if it is close.
This is also the week to assemble the paperwork into one place. If you keep records in PetPacket, build the Boarding Packet now so it is ready to send.
What facilities require
Requirements vary, but the core list is remarkably consistent across kennels.
Confirm each of these is current and on hand before drop-off day.
- Rabies certificate with a valid expiry date.
- DHPP / distemper proof, current.
- Bordetella (kennel cough), often within the last 6–12 months.
- Medication list with dose, time, and instructions.
- Feeding instructions — brand, portion, and schedule.
- Emergency contacts — your vet, you, and a backup human.
- Consent to treat note, if the facility asks for one.
Send the packet ahead of time.
Email a Boarding Packet a day early and many facilities can pre-clear your check-in.
The drop-off bag
Pack the bag the night before so the morning is calm. Label everything with your pet's name.
- Enough food for the full stay plus one extra day, pre-portioned if you can.
- Medication in its original container with a written schedule.
- A familiar item — an unwashed blanket or T-shirt that smells like home.
- One favorite toy (not the whole basket).
Skip anything you would be upset to lose. Boarding is hard on toys and bedding.
Drop-off day
Feed a lighter meal than usual if your pet gets carsick or anxious. Arrive with a few minutes to spare so the handoff is not rushed. Hand over the packet, confirm the medication schedule out loud, and point out anything the staff should watch for.
Easing the goodbye
Pets read your energy. A long, emotional goodbye tells them something is wrong; a brisk, matter-of-fact one tells them this is normal. Drop off, confirm details, and go. The hardest part is almost always yours, not theirs.
Frequently asked
What vaccines do most kennels require?
Rabies and DHPP almost always, plus Bordetella (kennel cough) in most cases. Some facilities also ask for canine influenza. Check your specific kennel’s policy a couple of weeks ahead.
How early should I book boarding?
For ordinary weekends, a week or two is usually fine. For holidays and summer, book several weeks to a month ahead — good facilities fill up fast.
Can I board a pet on medication?
Yes. Most facilities administer medication, sometimes for a small daily fee. Bring enough for the full stay plus spares, in the original container, with a written schedule.
What if my pet has never been boarded?
Consider a single overnight trial before a longer stay. It lets your pet learn the place is safe and lets you confirm the facility handles your pet well.
