How To Prepare Your Dog For Their First Boarding Stay...

Leaving your dog somewhere new for the first time can feel like a big step. Whether you're heading away for a weekend or a longer holiday, we understand that you want your dog to feel safe, comfortable, and cared for while you're away.

The good news is that a little preparation can go a long way in helping your dog settle into their boarding stay.

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Make Sure Vaccinations Are Up To Date!

At Canine & Co, all boarding guests are required to be vaccinated. This helps protect not only your dog but every guest in our care.

If you're unsure whether your dog's vaccinations are current, we recommend checking with your veterinarian before your booking.

Book A Trial Day Stay With Us!

If your dog has never stayed away from home before, we highly recommend booking a trial Day Stay with us before their boarding stay.

This gives your dog the opportunity to become familiar with our team, environment, and daily routine before spending the night. It also allows us to get to know your dog, understand their personality, and ensure we can provide the best possible experience during their stay.

Many owners find that a trial day helps build confidence for both themselves and their dog, making boarding feel much more familiar when the time comes.

Food & Medication

If your dog requires medication, please ensure it is clearly labelled and provide detailed instructions for our team. Our staff are experienced in administering medication and will ensure your dog's routine is maintained throughout their stay.

For guests who don't have any special dietary requirements ( Please bring your own food if that is the case) , we also offer Kooky Kibbled biscuits and Roar Chicken & Veg as a wet food option.

What else should I bring?

We want your dog's stay to feel as comfortable and familiar as possible.

If your dog is crate trained, you are more than welcome to bring their crate along with any bedding they usually sleep on. Having familiar items from home can help some dogs settle in more quickly.

If your dog isn't crate trained, feel free to bring whatever you think will help them feel comfortable. We provide beds and blankets for all of our guests, however if your dog has a favourite bed, blanket, or comfort item, we encourage you to bring it along.

Toys can also be a lovely addition, particularly if your dog has a special toy they enjoy relaxing with.

If your pup doesn't need much, we recommend bringing at least a towel or blanket from home so they have something familiar that smells like you and their home environment.

Don't Stress At Drop Off

Dogs are incredibly good at picking up on our emotions. While it can be hard saying goodbye, a calm and positive drop-off helps your dog feel confident about their stay.

Our experienced team will take it from there and help them settle in at their own pace.

Trust The Process

It's completely normal for dogs to take a little time to adjust to a new environment. Some settle in immediately, while others need a day or two to find their rhythm.

Our team closely monitors every guest and ensures they are comfortable, safe, and receiving the care they need.

Before you know it, many dogs are treating Canine & Co as their second home.

If you're planning your dog's first boarding stay and have any questions, we'd love to hear from you. Our team is always happy to help make the process as smooth as possible for both you and your dog. We know leaving your dog can sometimes feel daunting, especially if it's their first stay away from home. Our team is here to make the experience as positive and comfortable as possible for both you and your pup.

If you'd like to learn more about what your dog will get up to during their stay, be sure to check out our blog, A Day in the Life of a Boarding Guest at Canine & Co, where we take you through a typical day with us.

We look forward to welcoming your pup for their next holiday at Canine & Co 🐾