Why Boarding Your Dog for the First Time During the Holiday Season Can Increase Anxiety and How to Avoid It

Boarding your dog for the first time during the busy holiday season might seem like a convenient choice. After all, many pet owners travel during this period and need a safe place for their furry friends. But from my experience, this timing can actually increase your dog’s anxiety rather than ease it. Holiday boarding facilities are often packed, routines get disrupted, and dogs face unfamiliar environments all at once. This combination can trigger or worsen separation anxiety for dogs.

I’ve seen many pet owners struggle with this, and I want to share what I’ve learned about how to make boarding a positive experience for your dog, especially if it’s their first time. The key is to prepare your dog gradually and avoid the holiday rush. I’ll also explain how ZoomieZ’s policy of requiring one daycare visit and one boarding session before the actual intake helps dogs feel more comfortable and reduces stress.

Why Boarding During the Holiday Season Can Be Stressful for Dogs

The holiday season is a peak time for boarding facilities. Many pet owners travel, so kennels and daycare centers fill up quickly. This means:

• Crowded spaces where dogs have less room to relax

• Increased noise levels from many dogs and people

• Staff stretched thin, which can reduce the individual attention your dog receives

• Unfamiliar routines that can confuse or upset your dog

  
  

For a dog boarding for the first time, these factors can cause significant stress. Dogs thrive on routine and familiarity. When everything changes suddenly, they may develop or worsen separation anxiety for dogs. This anxiety can show as barking, pacing, destructive behavior, or refusal to eat.

How Regular Daycare and Boarding Visits Help Reduce Anxiety

One of the best ways to prevent stress during boarding is to introduce your dog to the environment gradually. Regular daycare visits and short boarding stays before the holiday season can help your dog get used to being away from you in a safe, controlled way.

Here’s why this approach works:

• Familiarity with the environment: Your dog learns the sights, sounds, and smells of the boarding facility.

• Building trust with staff: Dogs become comfortable with the people who will care for them.

• Practice separation: Dogs get used to being apart from their owners without panic.

• Reduced novelty: When the big holiday boarding happens, it feels like a familiar place, not a scary new world.

  
  
  
  

A calm dog resting comfortably in a cozy boarding kennel

Dogs feel more at ease when they recognize their surroundings and caregivers.

ZoomieZ’s Policy: One Daycare and One Boarding Before Intake

ZoomieZ understands the importance of reducing boarding anxiety. Their policy requires every dog to complete at least one daycare visit and one boarding stay before the official intake. This policy is designed to:

• Acclimate dogs gradually to the boarding environment

• Identify any anxiety issues early so staff can prepare and support the dog better

• Build positive associations with the facility and caregivers

• Ensure smoother transitions during the actual boarding period

  
  

In my experience, this policy makes a huge difference. Dogs who have completed these steps tend to be calmer, eat better, and adjust faster when left for longer stays. It’s a simple but effective way to promote stress free boarding.

Tips for Pet Owners to Prepare Their Dogs for Boarding

If you’re planning to board your dog for the first time, especially during a busy season, here are some practical steps to reduce anxiety:

• Start early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Begin daycare visits and short boarding stays weeks or months before the holiday.

• Keep routines consistent: Try to maintain your dog’s feeding, walking, and playtime schedule even when they are at daycare or boarding.

• Bring familiar items: Pack your dog’s favorite blanket, toy, or bed to provide comfort.

• Practice short separations at home: Leave your dog alone for short periods to build their confidence.

• Communicate with the facility: Share your dog’s habits, fears, and preferences with the staff.

• Observe your dog’s behavior: Watch for signs of stress and discuss them with the boarding staff.

  
  
  
  

What to Expect During Stress Free Boarding

When you prepare your dog properly, boarding can be a positive experience. Signs of a successful boarding stay include:

• Your dog eats normally and drinks water

• They engage in play and socialization with other dogs or staff

• They rest calmly without excessive barking or pacing

• They return home happy and relaxed

  
  

If your dog shows signs of separation anxiety for dogs, such as destructive behavior or refusal to eat, talk to the boarding staff. Many facilities, including ZoomieZ, have strategies to help anxious dogs, like extra playtime, calming supplements, or one-on-one attention.

A dog happily playing with a caregiver at a daycare center

Positive interactions with caregivers help dogs feel safe and reduce anxiety.

Final Thoughts on Boarding Your Dog During the Holidays

Boarding your dog for the first time during the holiday season can increase anxiety if not handled carefully. The crowded, noisy environment and sudden change in routine can overwhelm your dog. Instead, focus on boarding before holidays by introducing your dog to daycare and short boarding stays well in advance.

ZoomieZ’s policy of requiring one daycare and one boarding session before intake is a smart approach that helps dogs feel more comfortable and secure. By preparing your dog gradually, you can ensure a stress free boarding experience that supports their well-being.

If you’re planning to travel and need to board your dog, start early, communicate openly with the boarding facility, and prioritize your dog’s emotional needs. Your dog will thank you with a calm, happy demeanor when you return.