I believe that animals can be frightened when their humans are gone and a new person is around. The best way that I have found to ease the anxiety is to just be present and talk with them, a lot. Some animals just want company, but at a distance. Others, well there is a reason we all have laps, right! Safe treats are always a nice surprise and respect should be given. Sometimes slow and steady is the best practice while other times playing fetch, walks or even sitting and petting works. While boarding with me I make sure to include them in everything I do, like wandering in my very large backyard, playing in the garden, cooking, things like that. I adapt to the animal and work hard at making sure they don’t get lonely, bored or sad. Pets are family in my book!