Prep for their first stay

The best time to prepare your dog for a future boarding stay is when they are a pup!
If your dog is a little older, that is OK, they can still be prepared and have a great boarding experience!

Before boarding your pup for the first time, it is great for them to come and stay for a couple of hours daycare a few times.  That way they are used to our facility, us, and the routine here.

If their first boarding is going to be longer than a night or two, they should also spend the night once before they come for their "official" first stay.

It is best to book these daycare days and the overnight during a slow time so that your pup doesn't feel overwhelmed. Midweek is usually good for this. 

Veterinary care and vaccines

Vaccines are important to keep your pup safe during their stay here at Happy Dog Acres.

In order for them to be fully protected, vaccines should be administered 2 weeks or more before your pup comes to stay. Plan ahead and make sure that you pup has had their rabies, distemper, and bordetella vaccines prior to coming.  

A clean Fecal Check within the past 3 months lets us know that your pet is parasite free and can have access to all of our real grass play yards

Regular veterinary care is important for your pet.  A veterinarian can spot any potential problems, and catch them early.  You want a healthy pup to stay away from home, and your veterinarian is a key member of the team!

timing

Planning ahead for your pup's first stay will help them to feel comfortable and enjoy their time away from home.  Preparing your pup for their stay is so important!  If you are going to be away and need boarding during a busy season - holidays, summer weekends - it is best for your pup to come for some daycare or an overnight beforehand during a quieter time.

If you know that you are going to need to board your pup during a holiday weekend, or other popular time, plan a stay prior.  This way they are already used to us when hey come during your vacation.  This will make boarding a wonderful experience for your pup at Happy Dog Acres. 

before each stay

Boarding can be a source of anxiety for some dogs. Just like for people that are away from home, things are different and this can make them nervous.  Even when they are enjoying their stay, it still isn't quite the same as home.

One of the most common effects of being away from home is a little bit of upset tummy. Often dogs will get some loose stool or diarrhea when they board.

The good new is- there are things that you can do at home before they come to help prevent this!
- For a week or so before they are going to stay, you can add a spoonful of pure pumpkin, plain yogurt, or a probiotic to their diet.
- Don't switch them to a new food for closer than a month before their stay.
- Be mindful of the treats that you give them before they come, or that you send with them.  Stick with ones that you know are good for your dog's gut. Only send treats that they have had before and agree with them.