The night before a trip, a lot of pet parents run through the same mental checklist: passport, charger, boarding pass. Then it hits them: is my dog actually ready for tonight? Not just “do I have a reservation” ready, but genuinely prepared. Vaccines on file, a passing evaluation, some familiarity with the facility before the first overnight away from home.
At Camp Bow Wow, we’ve seen first-time boarding families arrive well-intentioned but underprepared, and we’ve seen others arrive calm and confident because they worked through the steps weeks in advance. The difference isn’t luck. It’s a handful of concrete things done in the right order. Whether you’re planning a weekend away or a holiday trip, here’s how to set your dog up for a great stay at either of our Kansas City locations.
Book Early, Especially Around the Holidays
Availability moves faster than most people expect, particularly around major holidays when the whole city seems to be traveling at once. We recommend reserving a holiday boarding stay 4 to 6 weeks in advance to lock in your preferred dates. Waiting until two weeks out is a gamble you don’t need to take.
A few things to know before you book:
- Holiday deposit at Westport: Camp Bow Wow Kansas City Westport requires a $50 deposit at the time of booking a holiday reservation. That deposit must be received within one week, or the reservation may be cancelled.
- Minimum stay requirements at Northland: The Kansas City Northland location requires a 2-night minimum stay for weekends (Friday through Sunday) from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and a 3-night minimum at major holidays.
- Build in time for the Camper Interview: If your dog still needs to complete a Camper Interview before the stay, you’ll need even more lead time. Factor that step into your timeline early.
Get Vaccines & Paperwork in Order
Vaccination records aren’t just a formality. They protect your dog and every other dog in the play group. Before any overnight boarding stay, all Campers must be current on three vaccines.
The Three Required Vaccines
DHPP
The DHPP vaccine (also called the “distemper combo”) covers four diseases in a single shot: Distemper, Hepatitis (Adenovirus), Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. All four spread easily among dogs in a shared environment. Puppies begin the DHPP series as early as 6 to 8 weeks old, with boosters given at two- to four-week intervals until at least 16 weeks of age. Adult dogs receive boosters as recommended by their veterinarian, typically every 1 to 3 years depending on the formulation used.
Rabies
State law requires rabies vaccination, and boarding facilities require it too. Keep the certificate handy; your vet will provide it after the shot.
Bordetella
Bordetella bronchiseptica is the primary bacterial cause of kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads quickly in group settings. The vaccine is required for all dogs boarding with us and must be current before arrival.
The Camper Interview & Spay/Neuter Requirement
Every dog must pass a Camper Interview before their first stay. This isn’t a casual meet-and-greet. It’s a structured evaluation that determines whether the open-play group environment is the right fit for your dog. Our Certified Camp Counselors are trained in dog behavior, CPR, and pet first aid, and they use this process to make sure every dog joining the play group can thrive alongside other Campers. Dogs must also be spayed or neutered by 7 months old to board. Sexual maturity brings hormonal changes that can shift behavior and create tension in a group dynamic, so this requirement protects the whole pack. Schedule the Camper Interview well before your planned boarding date.
Help Your Dog Get Comfortable Before the First Night
A dog who has never been away from home overnight can have a smoother first boarding experience if the facility isn’t completely unfamiliar. The smells, the sounds, the rhythm of a busy play environment: all of it is new. One of the best things you can do is schedule a daycare visit or two before the overnight stay.
Coming in for a day of play lets your dog get comfortable with our Certified Camp Counselors, learn the flow of open-play sessions, and build positive associations with the space before you leave them there after dark. Dogs with separation anxiety benefit most from this kind of gradual introduction. Two to four daycare visits in the weeks before a first overnight stay can make a real difference in how quickly your dog settles in. In the days leading up to the stay, keep their regular schedule as consistent as possible. Same feeding times, same walks, since familiar rhythms help dogs feel grounded even somewhere new.
What to Pack (and What to Leave at Home)
Your packing list is shorter than you might think. Our Certified Camp Counselors provide each dog with a comfy cot and a cozy fleece blanket for overnight stays, so you don’t need to bring bedding. Medication administration and other special requests are handled at no additional charge.
What to bring:
- Current vaccination records for DHPP, Rabies, and Bordetella
- Your dog’s regular food in clearly labeled bags or containers with portion instructions; diet changes during a stressful period can cause stomach upset
- Medications with written dosage instructions if your dog takes anything regularly
- One comfort item, like a favorite toy or a worn t-shirt that carries your scent; familiar smells help a dog settle when it’s time to wind down for the night
Leave the full toy chest and the extra gear at home. A single comfort item is plenty.
Know the Drop-Off & Pickup Routine
Timing your drop-off and pickup thoughtfully gives your dog the best possible experience. Plan to drop off before 4 p.m. if you can. That leaves enough time for your dog to get into the play rotation, burn some energy, eat dinner, and settle into their cabin before the evening winds down. A tired, well-played dog tends to sleep far better on the first night away from home.
For pickup, here’s what to expect at each location:
- Kansas City Westport: Boarding checkout is at 11 a.m. If you’d like your dog to keep playing through the rest of the day, you can extend the stay for $15.
- Kansas City Northland: Regular checkout is by 11 a.m. On Sundays and holidays, pickup is required by 10 a.m. due to hours of operation. Extended checkout is also available for $15 per dog.
While your dog is with us, our live webcams let you check in from your phone or computer any time during the stay.
Putting It All Together
Vaccines on file, a completed Camper Interview, a trial daycare visit, a reservation made early enough to secure the dates you need. These are the steps that determine whether drop-off morning feels like a smooth handoff or a last-minute scramble. When the details are handled, dogs do better. And so do their people. Reach out to Camp Bow Wow at (877) 700-2275 to schedule your dog’s Camper Interview at the Kansas City location closest to you.