Planning ahead: Reducing stress when boarding your pet

When pet parents travel but have no one to watch their furry companions, boarding can be a safe and necessary option. But being away from home, adjusting to an unfamiliar environment and adapting to a new schedule can impact even the most easygoing cats and dogs. For those pets, the abrupt shift can temporarily affect appetite, digestion, behavior and even immune function.

To help owners better support their animals, Dr. Erin Ray, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, explains the most common sources of boarding-related stress and offers guidance on how owners can keep pets comfortable before, during and after their stay.

Why boarding can be stressful for pets