Boarding your dog can be stressful—for both you and your fur-family.

We see it often: a dog can’t settle, starts barking, and then gets other guests worked up. Whether it’s a short overnight stay or a longer vacation, preparation makes boarding smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. Many of these early stress behaviours are driven by overstimulation and difficulty regulating in new environments, which is explored in more depth in our piece on redlining in dogs and behavioural overload.

1) Get food ready in sealed containers
Bring your dog’s regular food to avoid stomach upset and stress from sudden diet changes. Pre-portion meals in sealed containers to keep them fresh and spill-free. Avoid new treats, supplements, or human food. Consistency helps kennels keep dogs comfortable. (At Barkway, we offer fresh and frozen storage options.)

2) Prepare toys safely
Familiar toys can reduce stress, but not all toys suit group environments. Avoid rope toys and rawhide (choking/mess risks). Choose durable rubber chews or washable plush toys. Enrichment toys (e.g., puzzle feeders or stuffable Kongs) can help calm busy minds. The Ontario SPCA recommends choosing toys that are durable, appropriate for supervised use, and unlikely to splinter or pose ingestion risks in shared environments.

3) Bring machine-washable bedding
Bedding that smells like home eases anxiety—but choose items that are fully machine-washable for hygiene after play or accidents. Note: some facilities restrict specific items (e.g., sock toys) due to safety risks.

4) Schedule a trial day
If this is your dog’s first stay—or they’re anxious in new places—a trial day helps them learn the routine and build trust with staff. It also gives the team insight into preferences and any support your dog might need before longer stays, and it can be useful to understand the signs that a dog is ready for boarding before committing to longer stays.

5) Remain calm at check-in (and check-out)
Dogs read our emotions. Calm drop-offs, short goodbyes, and steady energy help your dog settle faster. If needed, have someone else handle drop-off. Your calm sets the tone for a positive stay and helps staff build rapport.

Final thoughts

With regular food, safe toys, washable bedding, a trial day, and calm departures, boarding can feel routine—not stressful. A little preparation leads to a confident, relaxed dog who can enjoy their stay while you’re away.

Need support? Book a trial day so we can assess suitability for social play groups and tailor a calm routine.