Dog Boarding for Anxious Dogs: The Best Options for Your Fearful Pup

• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Are you traveling for the holidays or taking a summer vacation? Going out of town is an exciting change of pace for us humans. But the change in routine can be tough on our dogs—and it can be extra hard for nervous dogs who thrive on consistency. So, what’s a pet parent to do? Is dog boarding for anxious dogs even possible?

We consulted two trainers with expertise in separation anxiety to help you navigate your options. In this guide, we’ll cover what to look for in a boarding place for your anxious dog and how to help prep your pup before you leave. We’ll also discuss alternatives if your nervous pup really isn’t a fan of boarding at a sitter’s house.

Read on so you can enjoy your travels knowing your sensitive pup is in great hands.

Should You Board an Anxious Dog?

Deciding whether or not to board your anxious pup is a tough call, and it’s one without a definite “yes” or “no” answer. According to Amanda Dwyer, a certified separation anxiety pro trainer and owner of Westward Hound, pet parents should consider the severity and type of anxiety their dog experiences before deciding to board them.

Assessing how they typically react to new people, places, and other dogs will help you decide if boarding is a good fit. It will also help you figure out what type of care would best meet their needs.

What to consider before boarding

If your dog fears new people and places, look for boarding options that allow time for your dog to ease into their new environment. Many facilities offer daycare services and half days, which can be a great way to expose shy and anxious dogs gradually to the new place and staff, Dwyer explains. If boarding at a sitter’s house, you can also schedule shorter drop-offs and trial runs beforehand.

For dogs with separation anxiety, you’ll want to make sure they won’t be left alone for long stretches of time—which can be traumatic for dogs with isolation distress. Dwyer points out that some small home-based operations may be able to accommodate a dog’s need to have someone home at all times. Pet sitters that offer in-home boarding may be able to accommodate this request as well.

How To Choose Boarding for Anxious Dogs

To find boarding that offsets the stress of being in a strange place (and your anxiety about boarding your dog), here are some questions to ask.

How many dogs per staff member or sitter will there be?

One of the most important things to know is the minimum number of staff per shift and the maximum number of dogs allowed at the facility. “Experienced staff can handle a fairly large group of well-socialized dogs,” says Dwyer. “But if the ratio is too great, they won’t be able to keep up with both hygiene and play dynamics.”

With in-home boarding, you’ll also want to know how many other dogs the sitter will be watching while your pup is there. Knowing this will help you gage how much individualized care your dog will receive.

How long will your dog be alone?

You’ll also want to find out if any staff stays on-site overnight. If not, your dog will be alone for nine or more hours in the evening.

This is also a good question to ask pet sitters when boarding your dog at their place. That way, you can get an idea of their day-to-day schedule and whether your dog will be alone for a longer amount of time than they can comfortably handle.

Will the boarding setup minimize stress?

Khris Erickson, a dog trainer who specializes in separation anxiety, advises getting a tour of the facility to check the setup beforehand. The best boarding facilities for anxious dogs will be small, calm, and quiet. “Assess the noise and activity level to see if it will be stressful,” she says. “Stay away from facilities where there is non-stop barking and large numbers of dogs in the same space.”

When checking out a pet sitter’s home, look for any stressors that could trigger your dog, like construction in the area, a location in a busy area, or a neighbor dog that is especially vocal. Ask if your sitter has ways to mitigate environmental stressors, such as noise machines or visual barriers like window film.

How are playtime and socialization coordinated?

“If dogs are allowed to socialize during their stay, I would want to know what methods are used to keep playgroups safe and enjoyable for all the dogs,” says Dwyer. She recommends asking whether playgroups are divided by size, age, and temperament.

If the boarding facility or pet sitter does not have dogs socialize with each other—or your dog doesn’t enjoy the company of other dogs—ask what amount of attention and exercise each dog gets daily.

Are the dogs given opportunities for enrichment and exercise?

Regular exercise is critical for blowing off steam and reducing stress. “Your dog should have opportunities several times a day to get out of their kennel and exercise,” says Erickson. “They should also be given enrichment items such as food puzzles and interactive toys daily—even if the owner needed to provide them.”

Is the staff or sitter prepared to handle anxious dogs?

You can also ask the sitter or staff about their experience in dealing with separation anxiety or other types of behavioral issues like reactivity. During your tour or meet-and-greet, observe the staff’s interaction with the dogs. “Make sure they can not only handle the dogs but are also friendly and compassionate,” adds Erickson.

Do they use positive reinforcement methods?

Avoid facilities or sitters that resort to harsh methods for addressing problem behaviors. “Ideally, unwanted behaviors would be minimized with time-outs or positive interrupters instead of harsher means like loud noises or spray bottles that could make an anxious dog (or any dog) more uncomfortable,” says Dwyer.

Other Dog Boarding Options for Anxious Dogs

Sometimes, boarding with other dogs is too overwhelming for anxious pups. But that doesn’t mean you can never leave the house—there are alternatives for your anxious pup.

Having a pet sitter come stay at your place is often a great option for nervous dogs who don’t do well with boarding, as Dwyer points out. “Anxious dogs can be very sensitive to disruptions in their routines, and sometimes having someone stay in their home and walk them in familiar places can be less overwhelming than staying in a completely new environment,” she says.

Another alternative is working with a qualified trainer who offers a board-and-train program. This option can help anxious dogs become more resilient and confident. “If you can find a certified, positive reinforcement trainer who works with anxious dogs, that could be a great alternative to a regular boarding facility,” Dwyer adds.

Rover can help you find a variety of boarding options for your anxious dog—ranging from in-home boarding at a pet sitter’s house to hiring a sitter to stay at your own home. It’s easy to filter for positive-reinforcement trainers in your area, some of which may offer board-and-train programs.

How Can I Help My Dog With Boarding Anxiety?

Once you’ve found the best boarding or pet sitting option for your dog, there are a few things you can do to help them out before you head out of town.

Set up meet-and-greets

The more times you can meet with the care providers in advance, the better. Set your dog up for success by giving them enough time to get used to the facility and staff.

If you’re doing in-home boarding with a sitter, plan at least one meet-and-greet before you go out of town. Many pet sitters are also dog walkers, so scheduling a few walks beforehand is a good way to acclimate your dog before leaving them.

“Try and allow the sitter to interact with your dog in ways that build a relationship, such as playing and giving the dog treats,” Erickson advises.

Schedule a trial stay

Erickson also suggests doing a trial stay for a half-day or overnight—if it’s available at the facility or with your sitter. That way you can see how your pup handles the environment while helping them become accustomed to it.

If the boarding facility offers a live video feed, use it to check in and assess how your dog is doing during their short stay. Or, ask your sitter to send you videos and pictures while your pup is with them.

Pack specific items for your anxious dogs

Both experts recommend sending your pup off with a comforting item that smells like you, such as a worn t-shirt or towel. Additional items you may want to pack specifically for your anxious pup include:

• Anxiety aids, such as a ThunderShirt, calming collar, or calming treats
• A few favorite calming toys
• Your dog’s favorite bed or blanket
• High-value chews, KONGs, or lick mats
• A behavior sheet, listing triggers and noise phobias and ways to handle your dog’s reactions to them
• Any anti-anxiety medications and thorough directions for administering them

The more prepared you are, the easier it will be for your dog when you go out of town. When you set your pup up for success, pack wisely, and project calm confidence when you leave, you’re more likely to come home to a happy dog!