Leaving your pet behind is one of the most difficult things to do for any pet parent. This is especially true if you leave your dog for a long vacation. You can’t help but feel worried that your pet won’t be happy at the doggy daycare.

It is natural to feel this way, and it is fine because there are ways you can make your pup happy and active while you are away. Below are some of the most important things to help your doggy transition easier at the dog boarding facility.

Prepare Your Dog Beforehand

One of the big no-nos is to suddenly leave your dog at the doggy daycare for the whole weekend. You have to prepare your pet beforehand by arranging for them to stay overnight a few times. It will help them adjust and know that you will come back.

Make Sure Your Dog Is Sufficiently Social

Your dog will be with many other dogs at the daycare facility, so it’s important that they can get along with other dogs. Before you take your dog to the doggy daycare, let them meet with other pets several times to get them properly socialized.

Get Your Dog Updated on Vaccinations

Whether you plan to board your dog for a short or a long time, getting them updated on their vaccinations is a must. This way, you can be sure your pet is healthy and can handle the stress health-wise. It’s also to protect them from getting sick while with other pets.

Get Your Dog Microchipped

If you haven’t microchipped them yet, get it done. It’s not a GPS tracker, but it helps veterinarians and shelters reunite lost pets with their owners. Hopefully, it doesn’t happen, but just in case, you should get your dog into the Free Pet Microchip Registry.

Look Into Pet Insurance

If your home insurance policy doesn’t cover your pet, you should get pet insurance. You can try to look by yourself or ask your veterinarian for recommendations on the best insurance for your pup.

Bring Food and Medicines

Dog boarding facilities do provide food. However, bringing your pet’s own food is still a great idea to ensure your pet doesn’t eat foods that can upset their stomach. If your dog is on any medicine, don’t forget to bring them and give specific instructions to the staff.

Bring Their Toys or Something that Smells Like You

You can bring their favorite toys, blanket, old shirt, or anything to help reassure your dog. Some facilities even allow you to bring their doghouse. These things can make your pet feel more comfortable at the doggy daycare and have a happy experience staying there.

Choose the Right Pet Boarding Facility

The most important thing to ensure your dog will be happy and active while you’re away is boarding them at the right facility. Find a daycare that truly loves and cares for dogs, has an excellent routine for the pets left there, and all other services your dog needs.

See if Malibu Coast Pet Retreat fits your pet by calling us at (424) 402-1500 or visiting our office in Malibu, California.