How to Reduce Pet Separation Anxiety During Boarding 🐾🏡

Boarding can be a safe and positive experience for pets—but for some, being away from their humans can trigger separation anxiety. Anxiety during boarding often shows up as pacing, whining, loss of appetite, or withdrawal. The good news? With the right preparation and boarding environment, you can significantly reduce stress and help your pet feel secure and comfortable while you’re away.

🧠 Understand Why Separation Anxiety Happens

Pets are creatures of routine and attachment. Anxiety during boarding is often caused by:

• Sudden changes in environment

• Disruption of daily routines

• Lack of familiar smells and sounds

• Previous negative experiences

Recognizing that anxiety is emotional—not behavioral—helps you approach it with patience and empathy.

🧳 Prepare Your Pet Before Boarding

Preparation starts days (or weeks) before the stay.

Helpful steps:

• Practice short separations to build confidence

• Maintain consistent routines leading up to boarding

• Avoid emotional goodbyes—keep departures calm and upbeat

Confidence from you helps signal safety to your pet.

🧸 Send Familiar Comfort Items

Familiar scents are incredibly soothing for anxious pets.

Pack items such as:

• A blanket or bed from home

• A favorite toy or chew

• An unwashed shirt that smells like you

These items help recreate a sense of home in a new environment.

🐕 Choose the Right Type of Boarding

Not all boarding environments are the same. Pets with anxiety often do best in in-home boarding or low-volume settings.

Why in-home boarding helps:

• Fewer animals and less noise

• More one-on-one attention

• Home-like routines and environments

• Reduced sensory overload

This is especially helpful for senior pets, shy pets, and those prone to stress.

🎾 Prioritize Enrichment & Routine

Mental and physical stimulation plays a huge role in reducing anxiety.

Make sure boarding includes:

• Daily walks or playtime

• Enrichment toys or puzzles

• Regular feeding and rest times

A tired, mentally satisfied pet is a calmer pet.

📋 Communicate Clearly with Your Caregiver

Provide detailed instructions about:

• Feeding and medication schedules

• Triggers or fears

• Calming techniques that work at home

• Behavior cues and comfort preferences

The more your sitter knows, the better they can support your pet emotionally.

🚫 Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Skipping trial stays

• Boarding anxious pets in overcrowded kennels

• Using punishment-based calming tools

• Making emotional, prolonged goodbyes

These can unintentionally increase anxiety.

✅ Final Thoughts

Separation anxiety during boarding is common—but manageable. With preparation, familiar comforts, enrichment, and the right care environment, most pets adjust beautifully. Choosing a boarding option that prioritizes calm, routine, and individualized attention makes all the difference.

At Alissa’s Pet Services, we specialize in in-home boarding designed to reduce anxiety—providing a calm, home-style environment for pets in Eagle Rock, Glendale, and Pasadena. Because peace of mind matters for pets and their people. 🐾💛