Separation Anxiety: Preparing Your Pet for Holiday Boarding

Holiday boarding can be an exciting time for pet parents, but for some dogs and cats, being away from their family can be stressful. Changes to their routine, unfamiliar surroundings and time apart from their favourite people may trigger anxiety, particularly in pets who struggle with separation.

The good news is that there are steps you can take to help your pet feel more comfortable and confident before their boarding stay.

What is separation anxiety?

Separation anxiety occurs when a pet experiences significant distress when separated from their owner or when left alone. While some pets adjust quickly to new environments, others may become anxious when their familiar people, home and daily routines change.

Signs of anxiety may include:

• Excessive barking, whining or meowing

• Pacing, restlessness or inability to settle

• Destructive behaviour

• Toileting accidents

• Excessive drooling or panting

• Refusing food

• Attempting to escape

• Hiding or becoming unusually withdrawn

Not every pet displaying these behaviours has separation anxiety. Stress, illness and other behavioural concerns can produce similar signs, so speak with our veterinarians if you are concerned.

Start preparing well before the holidays

One of the most helpful things you can do is avoid making your pet's first experience away from home a long boarding stay.

If possible, introduce your pet to short periods of separation well in advance.

1. Practise short separations

Begin with brief, manageable periods apart and gradually increase the time as your pet becomes comfortable.

For dogs, this might mean leaving them with a trusted friend or family member for a short visit. For cats, spending time in a different part of the house or having a trusted carer visit while you are away can help them become accustomed to changes.

The goal is to build positive experiences rather than overwhelm your pet.

2. Consider a trial stay

If your boarding facility offers daycare, short visits or overnight trial stays, these can be valuable opportunities for your pet to become familiar with the environment and staff.

A short trial stay may help identify how your pet responds to boarding before a longer holiday visit.

It also gives the boarding team a chance to learn about your pet's personality, routines and individual needs.

3. Maintain familiar routines

Pets often feel more secure when their daily routines remain predictable.

Before boarding, try to establish consistent times for:

• Meals

• Walks and exercise

• Rest and sleep

• Toilet breaks

• Play and enrichment

Provide the boarding facility with these details so they can maintain as much familiarity as possible during your pet's stay.

4. Pack familiar items

A familiar scent can be comforting in an unfamiliar environment.

Depending on the boarding facility's policies, consider sending:

• A favourite blanket or bed

• A familiar toy

• An item of clothing carrying your scent

• Their usual food and treats

Avoid introducing lots of new items or changing your pet's diet immediately before boarding. Familiarity can help reduce unnecessary stress.

Help your pet build positive associations

Where possible, make boarding feel like a positive experience rather than something associated with your departure.

You can help by:

• Taking your dog on enjoyable visits near the boarding facility if appropriate.

• Allowing your pet to meet staff members before their stay.

• Using treats and praise to reinforce calm behaviour.

• Remaining relaxed and positive during practice separations.

It's important not to force interactions or push your pet beyond what they can comfortably manage. A gradual approach is generally more helpful than expecting them to adjust immediately.

Tell the boarding team everything

Your boarding facility needs to know what makes your pet unique.

Share information about:

• Their usual feeding schedule

• Sleeping habits

• Exercise requirements

• Favourite activities and toys

• Fears or triggers

• Previous boarding experiences

• Any signs of anxiety

• Medications or supplements

• How they respond when left alone

Be honest about any behavioural concerns. This allows the team to plan appropriate care and identify when your pet may need additional support.

What if your pet already experiences anxiety?

If your pet has previously struggled with separation or boarding, don't wait until the week before your holiday to seek advice.

Our veterinarians can help assess the situation and recommend an individualised plan. Depending on your pet's needs, this may include:

• Behavioural modification and gradual desensitisation

• Environmental enrichment

• Strategies to reduce stress

• Referral to a qualified veterinary behaviourist

• Medication when appropriate

Never give your pet human medication or use calming products without discussing them with your veterinarian first.

Choosing the right boarding environment

Not every boarding facility suits every pet.

When making arrangements, ask about:

• How staff manage anxious pets

• Whether dogs and cats have quiet areas

• Opportunities for exercise and enrichment

• How often pets are monitored

• What happens if a pet becomes distressed

• Emergency veterinary arrangements

• Whether staff can administer prescribed medication

For some pets, a trusted in-home pet sitter may be a better option than boarding, particularly if they become highly stressed by unfamiliar environments.

On departure day, keep things calm

Your pet may pick up on your emotions, so aim for a calm and predictable departure.

Make sure they have had an appropriate meal, toilet break and any required medication according to their normal routine.

Avoid making the goodbye overly dramatic. A relaxed handover can help prevent additional excitement or anxiety.

Most importantly, follow the advice of the boarding team if they recommend a different approach based on your pet's individual needs.

A little preparation can make a big difference

Every pet responds differently to time away from home. Some settle in quickly while others need extra patience, reassurance and support.

By planning ahead, introducing gradual separations, maintaining familiar routines and communicating openly with your boarding provider, you can help your pet feel more secure during their holiday stay.

If your pet has experienced anxiety when separated from you in the past, speak with our veterinary team before your next holiday. We can help you develop a plan that supports your pet's emotional wellbeing and makes time apart as comfortable as possible.