6 Puppy Boarding Tips Pet Parents Should Know in Boynton Beach, FL

Are you thinking about boarding your puppy at a kennel for a while? If so, it’s important to brush up on some basics about boarding a younger dog. Although boarding always requires a little bit of planning and preparation, boarding a puppy can be trickier than an older dog.

In the article below, you’ll find 6 tips that can help make your puppy’s boarding experience easier and safer, too. Read through this information and be sure to talk to your vet or to the kennel if you have any further questions.

1. Wait for the Rabies Shot

Your puppy will need to have her rabies shot as one of her last vaccinations during the first few months of her life. Because rabies is so contagious and so deadly, you should wait until your puppy has had this vaccination before boarding her.

Many boarding facilities will not accept a dog who is unvaccinated for rabies, even if she is not yet old enough for the shot.

2. Finish All Puppy Shots

Aside from rabies, it’s a good idea to finish all of your puppy’s basic puppy vaccinations before boarding her. This way, she will not be at risk for contracting any of the many dangerous and deadly illnesses that are common in unvaccinated puppies.

Your puppy should, at the very least, be fully vaccinated against parvovirus and distemper, both of which are fatal to young puppies. Ideally, she should also be vaccinated against Bordetella, which can cause kennel cough. Most kennels will not accept a dog who is unvaccinated against any of these.

3. Check with the Kennel about Spay and Neuter Requirements

Some kennels require animals to be spayed or neutered before they can stay at the facility, regardless of age. For this reason, a puppy who is too young to be spayed or neutered may not be a good candidate for staying at this type of boarding facility.

However, many kennels will allow an intact puppy to stay on-site as long as the puppy has a letter from the veterinarian explaining why she is not yet fixed. If the vet gives you a note that states your puppy is too young to be spayed or neutered, this should suffice for the majority of boarding facilities.

4. Bring the Right Food

While she’s away from home, your puppy is likely to be nervous and get upset. She is going to be in unfamiliar surroundings, and everything feels a little bit scarier for puppies than it does for adult dogs, too. She may develop diarrhea as a result of her nervousness in this strange and confusing situation.

To help cut down on the risk of nervous diarrhea in your puppy, and to encourage her to continue eating normally while you’re away, make sure you bring the right kind of food for her. She should be given the same food in the same quantities that she has been eating at home.

5. Provide a Blanket from Home

If your puppy has a favorite blanket that stays in her crate with her, or if she likes to nap on a certain blanket in your home, be sure to bring it along with her for her stay. This blanket has a familiar smell to your puppy and will remind her of the comfort of home.

You may also choose to provide a blanket you have slept on. This way, your puppy will be able to smell you every time she lays down, and she will feel more comfortable with this familiar scent around her.

6. Look for Kennels Experienced with Puppies

Finally, be sure you choose a puppy boarding kennel that has some experience with puppies. By asking many questions of the kennel you’re considering working with, you can ensure your puppy has a safer and happier stay. Whether she will be staying one day or one week, your puppy will be well cared for when you choose a high-quality kennel that has puppy experience.

Puppy Boarding at Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center

Boarding a puppy can be a little bit of a challenge, but with the right planning, it doesn’t have to be. By making sure you follow the tips on this list, you can set your puppy up for a safer, healthier, and happier experience when she is boarded.

Remember, too, that you will need to ask your veterinarian for health records before taking your puppy to a boarding facility. If the vet does not think it’s a good idea to board your puppy for any reason, they will likely let you know at this point.

To book your puppy’s boarding stay at Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center give us a call at (561) 732-3629!