When planning a trip or an extended time away from home, ensuring your dog’s safety and comfort is a top priority. Boarding your dog can provide a secure and caring environment while you’re on vacation, but careful preparation is needed to meet the specific requirements for boarding a dog. This dog boarding checklist covers everything you need to know to prepare your dog for a happy and healthy stay away from home. If you're looking for a boarding facility near you, Petropolis offers boarding services in St. Charles and Chesterfield.
Health and Medical Requirements
Boarding facilities require up-to-date vaccinations for the protection of the pets in their care. Dogs must typically have vaccinations for rabies, DHPP (distemper), and kennel cough (bordetella vaccine). Additional vaccines such as Lyme disease or canine influenza may also be required in some facilities, so make sure your dog's vaccination records are current and accurate. At Petropolis, we require our boarded dogs to have their rabies, DHPP, and bordetella vaccinations.
Facilities may also require a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian, providing written proof that your dog is healthy and fit for boarding. This document should be dated within 10-30 days of your dog's stay, depending on facility policies. Additionally, many boarding facilities mandate current flea and tick prevention treatments, or they require proof of spay/neuter procedures, particularly for dogs staying in close proximity to other dogs.
Documentation and Paperwork
Beyond health records, some boarding facilities may require other documentation to provide the best care. These documents protect both parties and establish clear expectations for your dog's care. Petropolis does not require additional paperwork, but at some boarding facilities, you may need to complete detailed application forms that include:
- Your contact information
- Emergency contact information
- Primary veterinarian information (if you don't have one, now is the perfect time to find a vet!)
- Pet insurance details (if applicable)
- Detailed feeding instructions
- Medication schedules
Some facilities may also require signed liability waivers and contracts outlining their policies and procedures.
Behavioral Assessment and Requirements
Responsible boarding facilities conduct thorough behavioral assessments to ensure every dog's safety and comfort. This process typically involves a temperament evaluation, socialization assessment, play style evaluation, and stress response observation. This allows staff members to better personalize the boarding experience to your dog's unique needs. Consequently, facilities may require dogs to demonstrate basic obedience skills and social behaviors. Dogs showing aggressive tendencies may need specialized accommodations or care plans. At Petropolis, we carefully evaluate dogs before boarding so that we can customize our care plan to their specific needs.
Personal Items and Supplies
Bringing familiar items helps your dog feel more comfortable, especially when going to a new facility. This may vary depending on the dog's health conditions, dietary requirements, and behavioral challenges. However, avoid bringing valuable or irreplaceable items, as boarding facilities cannot guarantee against loss or damage during your stay. Essential items include:
- Dog's usual food: in original packaging with clear feeding instructions, including extra food
- All medications and supplements: in original containers with detailed administration schedules
- Comfort items: such as chew toys, familiar blankets, and favorite snacks or treats
- Proper identification: including collar with current tags and microchip information
Petropolis advises that pet owners pack their dog's regular food (pre-bagged), all medications, and a familiar item with your scent.
Costs and Payment
Dog boarding pricing typically reflects the level of care, attention, and amenities provided. Costs will vary depending on the animal, accommodations, medical care (if applicable), and seasonality. The cost will also change if boarding is paired with another service, like grooming or training. Don't forget to read your chosen facility's cancellation policies and payment methods to prevent unexpected complications during your planning process.
Dogs boarded at Petropolis are eligible for other services, like grooming and training, which will affect costs. We accept cash, checks, and credit cards. If you have questions about payments with Petropolis, please give us a call in St. Charles at (636) 537-3634 or Chesterfield at (636) 537-2322.
Key Takeaways for Your Dog's Boarding Stay
Preparing for dog boarding means meeting specific requirements to ensure your dog's health, comfort, and safety while boarded. From up-to-date vaccinations and documentation, to bringing familiar items like a blanket or toy, thoughtful preparation helps reduce stress for both you and your pup. Choosing the right facility that prioritizes your dog's well-being, offers optimal pet care, and follows clear policies is essential. We believe in transparency at Petropolis, so please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns you have around dog boarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most reputable boarding facilities require up-to-date vaccinations, particularly rabies, DHPP, and bordetella. Puppies under 16 weeks may have limited boarding options until their vaccination series is complete. Petropolis will not board dogs that have not met our vaccination requirements.
There's typically no maximum limit for healthy dogs, though extended stays over several weeks may require special arrangements. Petropolis has no maximum stay limit, but we do not recommend boarding your dog for more than a month.
Ultimately, these services look completely different. Boarding your dog means leaving it at a facility where a team of professionals can tend your dog in your absence. Hiring a pet sitter means trusting someone into your home to care for your dog while you're away. The choice will be dependent on the dog owner's preferences.
Yes, most facilities can administer prescription medications with proper instructions and original prescription bottles. Additional fees for medication administration are common and should be discussed during booking. Petropolis is happy to administer medications and does not charge extra for the service.
Many facilities require temperament evaluations and may decline dogs with serious aggression issues for safety reasons. Petropolis is prepared to make accommodations for reactive dogs and has many certified dog trainers on hand who can help with behavioral issues.
