Vacation is your time to unwind and escape the stresses of your busy life. Why not make your vacation time just as enjoyable for your dog? They deserve a vacation as well! Boarding your dog when you’re out of town is a great way to ensure that your dog is thoughtfully cared for while you’re away.  To keep both of your vacations as stress-free as possible, here are 5 things that you can do to prepare your dog before boarding: Consider a Boarding Trial If your dog is particularly nervous or prone to separation anxiety, it’s a good idea to plan a trial boarding stay. The trial stay of at least 24 hours eases your dog into a new environment and a new daily routine. You may find that your dog will adjust much better when it comes time for a longer stay. Adjust Your Dog’s Sleeping Habits If your dog sleeps with you in your bed each night, you can expect him to be upset with sleeping alone at the boarding facility. Do your best to get him adjusted to sleeping by himself. If he cries when sleeping alone, you can expect him to cry when he’s boarded. Keep Your Dog Comfortable Regardless of the creature comforts your chosen boarding facility provides, there’s nothing like the comfort of home. Bring a familiar rug for your dog to sleep on. It will help them feel more secure. The facility may allow you to bring your dog’s bed, so ask in advance. Drop Off Your Dog in the Morning If your schedule permits, drop your dog off at the boarding facility early in the morning. This gives them the entire day to adjust to their surroundings before its time to bed down for the night. Visit Your Dog’s Veterinarian It’s important, and considerate to the other dogs, that you de-flea and worm your dog. You should also update your dog’s vaccinations at least two weeks prior to boarding. Both of these precautions are typically required before boarding.