Preparing Your Dog for Boarding
A little preparation goes a long way. Here is everything you need to get your dog ready for a happy, settled stay with us.
Leaving your dog in someone else's care can feel like a big step, and we get that completely. The good news is that dogs settle quickly when a few simple things are sorted before they arrive. Work through the points below and drop-off day will be smooth for both of you.
1. Vaccinations and health
Every guest must have a current C5 vaccination, and we need to see the certificate at each stay. This protects every dog on the farm, including yours. If the booster is due, organise it at least two weeks before boarding so it has time to take full effect.
Your dog also needs to be flea and worm free before they arrive. A quick treatment in the days before drop-off keeps everyone comfortable and healthy.
2. What to pack
We provide beds and food and water bowls, so the basics are taken care of. To help your dog feel at home, you are welcome to bring:
- ✓ Their own bedding or a familiar blanket
- ✓ A coat, if your dog feels the cold
- ✓ A favourite toy or two
- ✓ Any treats they love
Familiar smells are reassuring, so something from home is one of the easiest ways to help a dog relax. Please pop a name on anything you would like returned.
3. Food and medication
Our standard diet is included, but if your dog is on a particular food we are glad to feed it. Bag and clearly label their own food with simple feeding instructions, and we will keep mealtimes exactly as they are at home. Sudden diet changes can upset a tummy, so sticking to the usual is best.
On daily medication? No problem. Label it clearly and let us know the dosage and timing at drop-off, and we will look after it.
4. Helping a nervous dog settle
Dogs read our emotions, so the calmer you are, the calmer they will be. Keep drop-off relaxed and confident, and skip the long, teary goodbye - a quick, cheerful farewell tells your dog that everything is fine.
If your dog has never boarded before, you are very welcome to visit the farm beforehand so they can have a sniff around and meet the team. A familiar place makes the first stay far easier.
5. Book ahead
Our kennels fill quickly over school holidays, long weekends and Christmas, so book as early as you can to be sure of a spot. If your dates are flexible, midweek stays are usually the easiest to secure. You can see our rates on the pricing page or get in touch to check availability.
Common questions
What vaccinations does my dog need before boarding?
Every dog must have a current C5 vaccination, and we need to sight the certificate at each stay. Your dog also needs to be flea and worm free. If your C5 is due, book it in at least two weeks before boarding so it has time to take effect.
What should I pack for my dog?
We provide beds and food and water bowls, so the essentials are covered. You are welcome to bring your dog's own bedding, a coat, favourite toys, treats and anything that smells like home. Most owners find a familiar blanket helps their dog settle faster.
Can you feed my dog their own food and give medication?
Yes. Bring your dog's own food bagged and clearly labelled with feeding instructions, and we will keep their routine exactly as it is at home. We are happy to give daily medication too - just label it clearly and tell us the dosage and timing when you drop off.
How do I help a nervous dog settle in?
Keep drop-off calm and matter of fact. A long, emotional goodbye tells your dog something is wrong, so a quick and confident farewell works best. Bringing familiar bedding and a favourite toy helps, and so does a visit beforehand to see the farm and meet the team.
How far ahead should I book?
As early as you can, especially for school holidays, long weekends and the Christmas period - these book out fastest. If your dates are flexible, midweek stays are usually easier to secure.
Ready For Your Pet's Next Great Adventure?
Experience Gippsland's most picturesque boarding kennels. Your pet's home away from home. We always welcome prospective clients to visit our farm and meet our team.