A first holiday boarding stay takes more preparation than making a reservation. Starting early leaves time to gather records, build familiarity, and complete the free Camper Interview required at Camp Bow Wow Plano before a dog’s first day or boarding stay.

Preparation involves both logistics and adjustment. A current vaccine record matters, but it doesn’t replace a screening visit, a familiar routine, or a clear care plan for the people looking after your dog.

Start Planning Before Holiday Travel Gets Close

For most dogs, begin preparing two to four weeks before the first stay. That window gives you time to make a reservation, gather records, complete enrollment, and schedule practice visits. Dogs that are anxious around new people, dogs, or environments often benefit from six to eight weeks of gradual introductions.

Holiday and school-break dates tend to fill earlier than ordinary travel periods, so reserve before every other detail of your trip is set. At Camp Bow Wow Plano, major holiday reservations require a three-night minimum stay and a $100 deposit. The deposit is refundable when cancellation occurs at least seven days before the reservation. With less than seven days’ notice, it’s forfeited.

Major holiday policies apply to Spring Break, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas and New Year’s. Non-holiday boarding reservations don’t require a deposit, and payment for the full stay is collected at pickup.

Complete Health & First-Time Camper Requirements

Vaccinations alone don’t complete the first-time process. Every dog must pass our free Camper Interview, an introductory assessment that lets us get to know the dog before a first day of play or boarding stay.

For boarding, dogs must be spayed or neutered and current on DHPP, rabies, and Bordetella vaccinations. DHPP protects against several serious canine illnesses, including distemper and parvovirus, while the Bordetella vaccine helps protect against a common cause of kennel cough. Texas law also requires dogs to receive a rabies vaccination by four months of age and thereafter on the schedule prescribed by state rule.

Request vaccination records from your veterinarian early, then compare them with our requirements. Vaccine timing and documentation requirements vary, so address a missing record or needed appointment well before the holiday stay.

Make Camp Familiar Before Boarding

Familiarity can make a new environment less daunting. Two to six daycare visits in the weeks before boarding, or a trial overnight when appropriate, allow your dog to experience the environment and meet the Camp Counselors before a longer stay.

After each visit, notice how your dog settles, responds to other dogs and people, and behaves upon returning home. Share useful observations with us, particularly if your dog has triggers, handling preferences, or a routine that helps them settle.

Keep home life predictable in the days before drop-off. Maintain usual meal times, walks, and bedtime rather than introducing sudden changes. Some dogs eat less, seem quieter, or stay close to caretakers on their first day in a new setting as they adjust.

Pack Essential Items & Clear Care Instructions

Useful boarding notes give our care team a complete picture of your dog’s routine, not just a name and feeding amount. Record the daily details that should remain consistent and update your emergency contacts before leaving town.

Prepare these items and details ahead of time:

Regular food for the full stay, plus extra food in case travel plans change.
Medication in its original labeled container, along with clear dosing instructions.
Current identification with your phone number and a current emergency contact.
Feeding instructions, behavior notes, medical information, and helpful calming routines.

We administer dog medication during boarding at no additional charge, but complete instructions still matter. If you plan to bring a comfort item, ask us what’s appropriate. The goal is to provide something familiar without creating a safety or storage issue.

Keep Drop-Off Calm & Know What Camp Includes

Keep the handoff calm and brief. Provide any final care information, hand over the leash, and say goodbye in a steady tone so the Camp team can begin the transition. A prolonged, emotional farewell can make a new situation feel more uncertain because dogs notice their owner’s body language.

During a boarding stay, each overnight guest has an individual Cabin with a cozy cot, fleece blanket, and nightly Campfire Treat. Full daycare is included, giving dogs time for monitored play in indoor and outdoor areas before they return to their Cabin to rest.

Our Camp Counselors are certified in first aid and CPR and monitor dogs during play. Live Camper Cams let pet parents check in from a computer, mobile device, or the Camp App without disrupting their dog’s routine.

Review Your First-Stay Checklist

Before leaving, confirm that you have a reservation, current health records, a completed Camper Interview, and up-to-date feeding, medication, and emergency information. Keep your dog’s home routine familiar in the days leading up to drop-off so they aren’t facing several changes at once.

For questions about preparing for your first dog boarding stay in Plano, call Camp Bow Wow Plano at (469) 817-9334.