Boarding
Preparing Your Dog for Boarding
A smoother boarding stay begins before drop-off: confirm requirements, keep routines clear, and share what helps your dog settle.
A good boarding experience starts with clear information and familiar routines. Before the stay, confirm the facility’s current requirements, prepare labeled supplies, and tell the care team what helps your dog eat, rest, take medication, and feel comfortable.
Confirm requirements early
Do not wait until departure day to ask about records or check-in procedures. Contact the boarding team well ahead of time to confirm:
- Current vaccination and health requirements
- Drop-off and pickup windows
- Medication policies
- What food and personal items are accepted
- Emergency contact expectations
- Whether a first visit or assessment is needed
Vaccination decisions should be made with your veterinarian. The American Animal Hospital Association vaccination guidelines explain that recommendations depend on age, health, lifestyle, and exposure risk.
Make food instructions easy to follow
If the facility asks you to bring food, portion it by meal when practical and label it with your dog’s name. Provide exact amounts and feeding times. Changing food immediately before boarding can add another variable during an already different routine.
Tell staff about appetite habits: Does your dog eat slowly? Need quiet? Sometimes skip the first meal away from home? Clear information helps the team recognize what is typical for your dog.
Handle medication carefully
Bring medication in its original labeled container unless the facility directs otherwise. Provide written dosage and timing instructions that match the veterinary label. Identify the prescribing veterinarian and a contact who can make decisions if you are unavailable.
Never add an unapproved supplement or calming product just before the stay. Ask your veterinarian whether a medication or supplement is appropriate and tell the boarding team what has been prescribed.
Describe behavior without labels
“Friendly” or “nervous” can mean different things. Specific descriptions are more useful:
- “Moves away when feet are handled”
- “Needs a quiet moment before eating”
- “Plays well with calm dogs but becomes overwhelmed by high energy”
- “May guard a food bowl”
- “Has never stayed away from home”
Mention escape behaviors, separation distress, sensitivity to storms, barriers, handling, or unfamiliar dogs. The goal is preparation, not judgment.
Keep drop-off calm and direct
Exercise your dog appropriately before arrival, allow time for a bathroom break, and arrive within the confirmed window. A warm but simple handoff is often easier than a long, emotional goodbye. Keep your phone available in case the team needs clarification.
The American Veterinary Medical Association’s travel guidance recommends preparing identification, health information, medications, and emergency plans when pets travel or stay away from home.
Use a final checklist
Before leaving home, verify:
- Dates and pickup person
- Labeled food and feeding instructions
- Labeled medication and written directions
- Emergency contact and veterinarian
- Required records
- Current phone number
- Honest behavior and handling notes
La Pawz boarding is $35 per dog, per night, and stays of two or more nights include a free exit bath. Standard drop-off and pickup are available from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, seven days a week. After-hours service from 7:30–9:00 AM or 4:30–7:00 PM is available for an additional $15. A $5 per dog, per night surcharge applies on designated holiday and peak dates. You can request a boarding stay; our team will review the details and confirm availability and current requirements.
