Preparation · July 30, 2026 · 8 min read
Checklist before your dog's first boarding stay
Use this seven-day checklist to reduce improvisation: health, food, medication, behavior, emergency contact, and stress signals.
Quick answer: prepare with information, not last-minute pressure. One week before boarding, review records, food, behavior, and needed items; intake day should only confirm details.
| Prepare | Confirm records, parasite prevention, and health before booking. |
|---|---|
| Pack | Bring the regular food measured by day to avoid digestive changes. |
| Trust | Write clear instructions about schedules, fears, medication, and emergency contact. |
| Before booking | Villa CanInna recommends sharing even small details. |
Seven days before, review vaccines, boosters, and parasite prevention. If there is cough, vomiting, diarrhea, fleas, ticks, pain, or recent surgery, talk to your veterinarian and the boarding service first.
Three days before, portion regular food, label medication, prepare a secure leash, and write routine notes. Include feeding times, sleeping habits, noise fears, dog preferences, and escape tendencies.
One day before, avoid new food, heavy treats, stressful grooming, or extreme exercise. The goal is a stable dog, not an exhausted or upset one.
Villa CanInna recommends sharing even small details. Notes such as 'does not eat near other dogs' or 'gets stressed when lifted' help adjust care from day one.
Real source
Adapted from AVMA recommendations about preparing and documenting travel with dogs and cats.
AVMA viajar con perros y gatos
