Tips for First-Time Dog Boarding: Everything You Need to Know

TL;DR

Boarding your dog for the first time is stressful for both of you, but proper preparation makes all the difference. Start with a meet-and-greet, pack familiar comfort items, ensure vaccinations are current, and choose a sitter whose home environment suits your dog's temperament. The best first boarding experience is a short trial stay before any longer trip.

Why First-Time Boarding Feels So Daunting

Every dog owner remembers the first time they had to leave their dog with someone else. It does not matter how rational you are in every other area of life — when it comes to your dog, the anxiety is real. Will they eat? Will they sleep? Will they think you have abandoned them?

The good news is that dogs are remarkably adaptable. Most dogs settle into a new environment within a few hours, especially when the sitter is experienced and the home is set up for canine guests. The key is preparation on your end, and choosing the right person on the other.

This guide walks you through every step of the process, from deciding when your dog is ready for boarding to handling the post-boarding reunion.

Preparing Your Dog Before the Stay

Get Vaccinations Up to Date

Before any boarding arrangement, make sure your dog's vaccinations are current. At minimum, most sitters will require proof of:

• Core vaccines: distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus
• Kennel cough (Bordetella): critical for any environment where dogs interact
• Rabies: required in many countries and regions
• Parasite prevention: flea and tick treatment should be current

Call your vet at least two weeks before the boarding date. Some vaccines take time to become effective, and you do not want to be scrambling at the last minute.

Socialisation and Temperament Check

Be honest with yourself about your dog's temperament. Not every dog is ready for boarding with a stranger, and that is perfectly fine. Consider:

• How does your dog react to new people? A dog that hides behind your legs when visitors arrive will need a slower introduction than a dog that greets everyone with a wagging tail.
• How does your dog behave with other dogs? Many home boarding sitters have their own dogs. If your dog is reactive or has not been socialised around other dogs, you need to discuss this upfront.
• Does your dog have separation anxiety? If your dog panics when you leave the room, boarding without preparation could be traumatic. Work with a trainer first, or consider house sitting where the sitter comes to your home instead.

Do a Trial Run

This is the single most important piece of advice in this entire article. Before booking a week-long stay, do a single overnight. A trial run lets you see how your dog copes without the pressure of a long trip already booked and paid for.

If your dog does well for one night, you can book with confidence. If they struggle, you have learned something valuable without putting your dog through an extended stressful experience.

Choosing the Right Boarding Sitter

Home Environment Matters

The sitter's home is going to be your dog's temporary world. Pay close attention to:

• Fencing and security: Is the yard fully fenced? How high? Could your dog escape under or over it?
• Indoor space: Where will your dog sleep? Is there enough room for them to move around comfortably?
• Other animals: How many pets does the sitter have? How many guest dogs do they take at once? A sitter with three dogs of their own and two guests may be overwhelming for a nervous first-timer.
• Hazards: Look for accessible chemicals, unfenced pools, busy roads without barriers, or small objects a dog could swallow.

Read Reviews With a Critical Eye

Reviews are your best tool for evaluating a sitter, but read them properly:

• Look for specifics: "She sent photos twice a day and followed our feeding schedule exactly" tells you far more than "Great sitter, would use again."
• Check for repeat clients: If the same owners book with a sitter multiple times, that is a powerful endorsement.
• Read the negative reviews: Every sitter will eventually have one. What matters is how they responded. Defensive and dismissive is a red flag. Thoughtful and accountable is a green flag.
• Consider volume: A sitter with 40 reviews at 4.8 stars is generally more reliable than a sitter with 3 reviews at 5.0 stars.

The Meet-and-Greet Is Non-Negotiable

Never board your dog with someone you have not met in person. A meet-and-greet allows:

• Your dog to explore the sitter's home at their own pace
• You to observe how the sitter interacts with your dog
• The sitter to learn about your dog's quirks, fears, and preferences
• Both parties to decide if the arrangement is a good fit

On The Pet Sitter, you can browse sitter profiles in your area, read reviews, and arrange a meet-and-greet directly through the platform. Our how it works page explains the process step by step.

What to Expect During the Stay

The First Few Hours

The first three to four hours are typically the hardest. Your dog may:

• Pace or whine
• Refuse to eat
• Follow the sitter around nervously
• Hide in a corner or under furniture

This is normal. Most dogs settle significantly once they realise the sitter is calm, the environment is safe, and food is available. Experienced sitters know not to force interaction during this period — they let the dog come to them.

Communication and Updates

A good sitter will send you updates without being asked. Expect:

• Photos or videos at least once or twice a day
• Feeding and walk reports: confirmation that your dog is eating, drinking, and being exercised
• Honest communication: if your dog is struggling, a quality sitter will tell you rather than pretending everything is fine

If you have not heard from your sitter by the end of the first day, reach out. Silence is not golden when your dog is in someone else's care.

Your Dog's Routine

Discuss your dog's daily routine in detail before the stay. The more closely the sitter can replicate your dog's normal schedule, the faster your dog will settle. Cover:

• Feeding times and amounts: bring your dog's regular food to avoid stomach upsets
• Walk schedule: when, how long, on-lead or off-lead
• Sleep routine: where they sleep, whether they need a light on, whether they sleep on furniture
• Quirks and preferences: does your dog need a specific toy to settle? Do they bark at the postman? Are they afraid of thunderstorms?

Red Flags That Should Stop You Booking

No Meet-and-Greet Offered

If a sitter is unwilling to meet you and your dog before the booking, walk away. There is no legitimate reason to skip this step, and any sitter who treats it as optional is not taking the responsibility seriously enough.

Too Many Dogs at Once

A sitter who takes four, five, or more dogs at the same time cannot provide individual attention. For a first-time boarding dog who needs extra reassurance, this is a recipe for stress. Ask directly: "How many dogs will be in your care during our booking?"

Vague Answers About Their Setup

When you ask about fencing, sleeping arrangements, or emergency vet plans, the answers should be clear and specific. Vagueness suggests the sitter has not thought these things through, and your dog's safety depends on them having done so.

No Cancellation or Emergency Policy

Professional sitters have a plan for emergencies. They know where the nearest vet is, they have transport to get there, and they have a cancellation policy that protects both parties. If a sitter cannot articulate any of this, they are not operating at a professional level.

Significantly Below-Market Rates

If every sitter in your area charges $50-60 per night for dog boarding and one charges $25, ask yourself why. They may be inexperienced, taking on too many dogs to compensate for low rates, or cutting corners on the care they provide. Value and cheap are not the same thing.

After the Stay: What to Expect

The Reunion

Your dog will probably lose their mind when they see you. Expect jumping, crying, and a tail wagging so hard their entire body moves. This is normal and wonderful.

Post-Boarding Behaviour

Some dogs show temporary behavioural changes after boarding:

• Clinginess: your dog may follow you from room to room for a day or two
• Tiredness: boarding is stimulating, and your dog may sleep more than usual for a day
• Digestive changes: minor stomach upsets can occur due to excitement or slight diet changes
• Increased thirst: stress and excitement can cause temporary increased water intake

These behaviours typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours. If they persist beyond that, consult your vet.

Leave a Review

Your review helps other pet owners make informed decisions and rewards good sitters for their work. Be specific about what the sitter did well, how your dog responded, and whether you would book again. The pet sitting community relies on honest, detailed feedback.

Building a Long-Term Relationship

The best outcome of first-time boarding is finding a sitter you trust and returning to them consistently. Dogs thrive on familiarity, and a sitter who already knows your dog's quirks, preferences, and routine can provide a level of care that no first-time arrangement can match.

Many pet owners on The Pet Sitter find their go-to sitter and never look back. The platform charges 0% commission, which means sitters keep what they earn and can offer competitive rates — making repeat bookings affordable for owners and sustainable for sitters.

FAQ

How old should my dog be before first-time boarding?

Most sitters recommend waiting until your dog is at least four to six months old and has completed their core vaccination schedule. Puppies younger than this are still developing their immune systems and may not have the emotional resilience for a new environment. If you need care for a very young puppy, drop-in visits at your own home are a gentler alternative.

How far in advance should I book boarding?

For regular weekends, booking one to two weeks ahead is usually sufficient. For holiday periods — school holidays, Christmas, Easter, long weekends — book at least four to six weeks in advance. Popular sitters fill up quickly during peak times, and last-minute searches often mean settling for a less ideal match.

What if my dog does not settle at the sitter's home?

A responsible sitter will contact you if your dog is genuinely distressed, not just temporarily unsettled. If your dog is not eating after 24 hours, is injuring themselves, or is in severe distress, the sitter should discuss options with you, which may include ending the stay early. This is one reason why trial overnight stays are so valuable — they reveal how your dog copes before a longer commitment.

Should I leave my dog's crate with the sitter?

If your dog is crate trained and finds their crate comforting, absolutely bring it. The crate is a familiar, safe space that can dramatically reduce stress in a new environment. Make sure the sitter knows your dog's crate routine — whether the door stays open or closed, whether it is used for sleeping, and whether your dog retreats to it when anxious.

Is home boarding better than a commercial kennel for first-time dogs?

For most first-time dogs, home boarding provides a less overwhelming experience than a commercial kennel. The environment is quieter, the ratio of dogs to carers is much lower, and the experience more closely resembles normal home life. However, some dogs with specific needs — such as those requiring constant veterinary supervision — may be better served by a facility with on-site medical staff. Read our detailed comparison in dog boarding vs kennels for a full breakdown.