Boarding your dog, whether for a weekend getaway or an extended trip, requires trust—not just in the facility’s cleanliness or staff, but also in how your dog’s health and routine are managed. One of the biggest concerns for pet parents is feeding and medication. After all, consistency is key when it comes to your dog’s wellbeing.
If you’re preparing for a boarding stay, here’s what you need to know about how your pup will be fed and medicated while you’re away.
Feeding: What to Expect at a Quality Boarding Facility
Every reputable facility will have clear dog boarding feeding guidelines in place. The goal is to mimic your dog’s home routine as closely as possible to keep their stomach (and stress levels) in check.
At Innovative K9 Academy, dogs are fed individually, according to your instructions. Here’s how you can help us make their stay smooth:
- Pre-portion meals at home. If possible, use resealable bags labeled with your dog’s name and mealtime instructions. This removes all the guesswork.
- Stick to their current food. Changing food while boarding can upset your dog’s stomach. If your dog is on a special diet—raw, grain-free, limited ingredient, etc.—send enough to last the entire stay, plus extra.
- Include clear instructions. Let staff know about feeding frequency, portions, timing, and any quirks (like needing warm water or eating from a slow feeder).
- Bring their favorite treats. If treats are part of your dog’s daily routine or training plan, send those along too.
Special Feeding Considerations
Some dogs may have allergies, food sensitivities, or dietary restrictions. Boarding staff should be trained to handle these needs carefully, but your communication matters:
- List all known allergies. Even if your dog won’t receive house food, it’s best to share.
- Provide written instructions. Oral instructions can be forgotten—written ones can be posted in your dog’s kennel or file.
- Don’t assume they’ll share. Dogs are typically fed separately to prevent food aggression, but confirm this with your provider just to be safe.
Medications: Keeping Health a Priority
Whether it’s a daily allergy pill or ongoing treatment for a chronic condition, managing medications during boarding is a common and important part of care.
At Innovative K9 Academy, we regularly administer medication to boarding dogs and take the process seriously. Here’s what we recommend:
- Bring meds in original containers. Pharmacy-labeled bottles help avoid confusion and ensure accuracy.
- Include a printed medication schedule. List dosage amounts, timing, and any special notes (e.g., “give with food” or “apply with gloves”).
- Communicate side effects. Let staff know what to watch for in case something seems off.
- Supply extras. In case your return is delayed, provide a few additional days’ worth of medication.
What If There’s a Medical Emergency?
Any trusted boarding center will have protocols for veterinary care. At Innovative K9 Academy, we gather emergency contact details at check-in and make sure we can reach your preferred vet if needed.
You’ll be contacted right away if there’s an issue, but leaving clear instructions—and a signed veterinary release form if applicable—helps avoid delays in care.
Final Thoughts: Preparation is Peace of Mind
Whether your dog is active, older, on a strict diet, or has a chronic condition, a smooth boarding experience depends on preparation. Clear, detailed instructions paired with a well-organized supply of food and medication will make the transition easier for everyone involved.
Let the staff at Innovative K9 Academy take care of the rest—with structured routines, trained professionals, and a whole lot of love.