Boarding your pet can be a stressful experience, not just for you but also for your furry friend. Whether it’s their first time being boarded or they’ve done it before, the change in environment can lead to anxiety for both dogs and cats. Luckily, there are a variety of strategies that can help make the experience smoother for everyone involved. Below, we’ll explore some helpful tips to ease your pet’s anxiety when boarded and ensure they remain comfortable and happy throughout their stay.

Help Your Pet Adjust to Boarding

Pets, especially those prone to anxiety, may need a bit of preparation before being boarded. Helping them adjust before their stay is a factor in reducing stress.

Familiarize Them With the Facility

One of the best ways to reduce anxiety is to visit the boarding facility before the stay. This way, your pet gets used to the sights, sounds, and smells. Short visits can help your pet feel more at ease when the boarding time comes.

Gradual Boarding Stays

For pets with severe anxiety, you might consider starting with shorter boarding stays and gradually increasing the duration. This approach helps them become more familiar with the process, which reduces stress over time. It’s similar to how humans get comfortable with new routines.

Maintain Their Routine

Keeping as much of their daily routine consistent as possible can also ease the transition. If your pet is used to eating, exercising, and sleeping at specific times, stick to that schedule. Be sure to communicate with the boarding facility about how they can accommodate your pet’s habits.

Familiar Items to Bring for Comfort

Familiar items from home can provide comfort and reassurance when easing anxiety. Dogs and cats often rely on familiar scents and textures to feel secure.

Favorite Toys and Blankets

Sending your pet’s favorite toy or blanket to the boarding facility can be incredibly helpful. These familiar items carry the comforting scent of home, which can help soothe your pet and reduce their anxiety. It’s also a great way to give them something to focus on during their stay.

Items With Your Scent

Pets, especially dogs, are highly attuned to their owner’s scent. Consider leaving a piece of your clothing, like a T-shirt, with them. The scent will calm them, reminding them of your presence even when you’re not physically there.

Feeding Bowls or Beds

If allowed by the boarding facility, sending their usual feeding bowls or beds can provide a sense of familiarity. This can make the new environment feel less strange, giving them a touch of home.

Understanding Your Pet’s Anxiety Triggers

Understanding what triggers your pet’s anxiety is vital in finding solutions. Every pet is different, and recognizing these triggers allows you to address their specific needs.

Separation Anxiety

One of the most common sources of anxiety in pets is separation from their owners. Dogs and cats can experience fear and stress when left alone, even in a well-staffed boarding facility. Addressing separation anxiety through gradual desensitization can help reduce this fear.

New Environments and Faces

Boarding involves a lot of new stimuli; new people, new smells, and new routines. This can be overwhelming for pets. Ensuring your pet is accustomed to socializing with others before boarding can alleviate some of this stress. Some pets may also benefit from staying in smaller, quieter sections of the facility, away from more excitable animals.

Unfamiliar Sounds

Loud or unexpected noises in the boarding environment can cause anxiety, especially in sensitive pets. Soundproofed areas or quiet spaces at the facility can help reduce stress. Noise-dampening music designed for pets may also be an option some boarding facilities provide.

Consult Your Veterinarian About Anxiety Solutions

If your pet suffers from extreme anxiety, it’s worth consulting your veterinarian before boarding. They may be able to provide recommendations or treatments that can help anxiety.

Calming Aids

Some pets respond well to natural calming aids such as pheromone sprays, anxiety wraps, or calming chews. These can be used before and during their boarding stay to ease stress. Discuss these options with your vet to ensure they’re safe and effective for your pet.

Medication

For pets with severe anxiety, your vet might prescribe anti-anxiety medication to help them remain calm during their stay. This option should be carefully monitored, and the facility should be made aware of any medication schedules.

Boarding doesn’t have to be a stressful experience for your pet if the correct steps are taken to ease their anxiety. From familiarizing them with the facility beforehand to providing comforting items from home, there are numerous ways to ensure they feel secure while you’re away. Understanding your pet’s anxiety triggers and consulting with your veterinarian are crucial steps in keeping them calm and happy during their stay. By preparing ahead of time and taking a few proactive measures, you can help your furry friend feel at ease while boarded, allowing you to enjoy peace of mind during your travels.