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A boarding facility can be challenging for dogs, often leading to stress because they are separated from their caregivers and home. Look for these calming techniques that help reduce stress and anxiety when visiting a boarding facility. 

A Calm Environment

Stress reduction begins with the physical environment.

• Sound management
  • Calming music such as classical music, talk radio, or white noise.
  • Box fans by individual kennels as white noise.
  • Speakers placed between dogs and the sources of external noise, by doors or windows.
• Atmosphere
  • Ask about calm periods during the day when lights are dimmed.
  • Beds and thick blankets available in every run. Ask about bringing familiar items from home.
  • Food puzzles and toys if appropriate to promote relaxation.
• Scent therapy
  • Dog pheromone plug-in diffusers for each area.
  • Pheromone spray on bedding to encourage kennel calmness.
• Visual barriers
  • Blankets or sheets attached to the kennel doors
  • Window film adhered to exterior windows to block the view of passing people and other dogs.
  • Stressed dogs are in quieter kennel areas with less foot traffic.

Desirable Behaviors Are Encouraged

• Create a positive association with people.
  • Buckets of treats mixed with kibble are located by each kennel door.
  • Team members toss treats into the kennel to create a positive association with people/dogs walking by.

• Capturing Desirable Behaviors.
  • Ask if team members are trained to capture desirable behaviors, such as remaining quiet, sitting, or keeping all four feet on the floor.

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Enrichment Opportunities Are Provided

Licking, chewing, and sniffing behaviors promote relaxation while dogs are kenneled.

• Food puzzle toys.
  • Food puzzle toys are located in each kennel.
  • Enrichment plan in place.
  • Alternatively, ask if you can bring your dog’s favorite food puzzle toys with them to the boarding facility.

• Sniffaris.
  • Kibble is tossed ahead of the dogs on walks for them to find.
  • Food smeared on kennel walls or kibble sprinkled in bedding for engagement after walks.

• Individualized enrichment.
  • Enrichment matched to the preferences of each dog.
  • Prescription or restricted diets are used for food puzzle toys when appropriate.
  • Food and toys are easily accessible in dog kennels and do not cause frustration.

• Monitor enrichment use.
  • Enrichment activities are monitored by staff.
  • If a dog is not using enrichment, their needs and stress levels are reevaluated, they are moved to a quieter area, and food or puzzle toys are changed.

• Individualized enrichment.
  • Enrichment matched to the preferences of each dog.
  • Prescription or restricted diets are used for food puzzle toys when appropriate.
  • Food and toys are easily accessible in dog kennels and do not cause frustration.

• Monitor enrichment use.
  • Enrichment activities are monitored by staff.
  • If the dog is not using enrichment, their needs and stress levels are reevaluated, they are moved to a quieter area, and food or puzzle toys are changed.

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Training Games and Exercise

Games can keep dogs engaged, provide valuable enrichment, and expand their coping skills in a boarding environment.

• Nose targeting. Staff train the dogs to nose target as a positive redirection from triggers while building confidence.  

• Pattern Games. Employees use simple pattern games, such as Whiplash Turn and 1-2-3, to make the kennel environment more fun and predictable.
• Exercise. Before arrival, pet caregivers are advised to keep their dog’s schedule as routine as possible for a few days to avoid exhaustion and increased stress.
• Play matching. Staff can identify those dogs that may do better in pairs or small groups, or prefer alone time with employees.
• Quiet time. Quiet decompression areas are available.

Trial Visits and Communication

• Pre-boarding visits are offered to help dogs acclimate.
• Clear communication with management and pet caregivers are available if a dog is struggling, not eating, or appears stressed.
• Plans for alternative care options are made before boarding.
  • a stay-at-home pet sitter;
  • boarding with their veterinary clinic;
  • choosing pet-friendly lodging for the family and dog.

Medical and Safety Protocols

Collect essential information at check-in:

• primary veterinarian and emergency contacts;
• detailed medication instructions;
• signed permission to treat emergencies.

Only trained staff should administer medications. All doses must be documented.

Veterinary Recommendations

Pet caregivers should discuss concerning behavior with their veterinarian before boarding. The veterinarian may:

• prescribe anti-anxiety medications or sedatives;
• recommend a qualified trainer for relaxation and coping skills.