Five Expert Tips to Keep Your Dog Happy and Stress-Free While Boarding This Summer

By Olivia Heilemann

COCKEYSVILLE, MD - As summer approaches, more pet owners will be turning to doggy boarding services as they put their daily home and work lives behind and head out on vacation.

Experts urge pet owners to not only consider their dog’s physical needs, but their mental well-being, too. Changes in environment, routine and human attention can be stressful for dogs, especially seniors or those recovering from medical procedures.

“Leaving your dog for boarding can bring up a lot of emotions,” said Mary Steinebrunner, President of Best Friends Fur Ever, (BFFE) a leading dog daycare, boarding, and spa resort with operations in Cockeysville and Joppa. “Even when you know you’ve chosen a safe and loving place, it’s completely normal to feel nervous, especially if your dog is sensitive, anxious, or deeply attached to you. Boarding isn’t just about where your dog sleeps, it’s about how they feel while they’re here.”

To help ease this transition, Steinebrunner and her team at BFFE offers five simple tips to help your transition go smoothly:

1. Do a trial run before a longer stay
Switching to a new environment cold turkey can be stressful for your dog. To familiarize your dog with a new place, start with a short overnight stay or day visit to help your dog get used to the new environment, staff and routine prior to full-on boarding. Easing your dog into this transition prepares them for the shock that comes with a long separation from you.

2. Bring a piece of home
Every dog has a favorite toy or blanket, so it is important to bring it along for the stay. Even items like clothing that carry familiar scents from home can provide security and reassurance. Sending your dog with something that reminds them of home can help them feel at home.

3. Stick to a routine
A change in consistency is one of the biggest factors in stress for dogs. Creating a simple daily routine that can be shared with the boarding staff can help create a sense of normalcy for your dog. Don’t forget to include details about feeding schedules, exercise and sleep routines!

4. Communicate your dog’s needs clearly
You know your dog better than anyone else, so communicating the dos and don’ts of their care is essential prior to their stay. Clear communication with the staff ensures they receive the attention and care they need.

5. Choose the right environment
Every boarding facility is different, so it is crucial to find the right one for your dog. Some options even specialize in older dogs and dogs recovering from surgery.

Facilities like BFFE are adapting to these specifications through programs like Assisted Canine Care Plus (ACC+), a program that ensures calm, controlled environments with around-the-clock care. Originally created for dogs in post-surgery recovery, it has proven to help dogs with varying degrees of physical and emotional health.

Choosing a doggy daycare isn’t just about protecting your dog’s physical safety. It’s about creating an environment where they feel secure, supported, and at home, even when you’re away.