Leaving your dog for the first time is one of those things that feels more stressful for you than it does for them. You’ve found a facility you trust, you’ve done your research — and now you’re wondering if there’s anything you can do to make the stay easier on your dog.
The good news: a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s exactly what we tell families at Country Pup Kennel before their dog’s first stay.
1. Start with a Meet & Greet
Before your dog’s first boarding stay at CPK, every new dog comes in for a free Meet & Greet. It’s not just a formality — it’s one of the most important things you can do to set your dog up for a great first stay.
Here’s what happens: you come in with your dog, tour the facility, meet the team, and let your dog get comfortable in the space before they ever spend the night. They get to sniff around, see where they’ll be sleeping, and meet the people who will be taking care of them.
Dogs who have had a Meet & Greet before their first stay almost always settle in faster. They’ve already been here. The smells are familiar. The people aren’t strangers.
→ Every new dog at CPK starts with a free Meet & Greet. Call to schedule yours — 763-220-5885
2. Make Sure Vaccinations Are Current
Before your dog’s first stay, make sure their vaccinations are up to date. At CPK we require all dogs to be current on vaccinations, flea, worm, and tick free, and have a negative fecal test within the last year from their vet.
All vaccines need to be given at least two weeks before their stay — so if you’re booking a few weeks out, check in with your vet now rather than the week before drop off.
For dogs attending daycare, dogs 6 months and older must be spayed or neutered.
If you’re not sure what’s required, check our full requirements page or give us a call — we’re happy to walk you through it.
3. Book Early — Especially for Holidays
This one surprises first-time boarding clients more than anything else. Holiday weekends — Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas — fill up weeks in advance.
If you’re planning a trip and you know the dates, book as early as possible. A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking to hold your spot. For holiday weekends, deposits are non-refundable.
The earlier you book, the less you’ll have to think about it.
→ Call to check availability — 763-220-5885
4. Bring Something Familiar
A blanket, a t-shirt you’ve worn, or a favorite toy can make a real difference — especially for dogs who are a little anxious in new environments. Your scent is the most comforting thing your dog knows. Something that smells like home helps them settle in faster.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Label anything you bring so it comes home with you
- Avoid bringing anything irreplaceable — things can get chewed or lost during play
- Don’t bring a full dog bed — our suites are set up with comfortable bedding already
5. Keep Drop Off Calm
This is the one most people get wrong — and it’s completely understandable.
When you drop your dog off, try to keep your goodbye short and calm. A long, emotional goodbye signals to your dog that something is wrong. Dogs read your energy remarkably well — if you’re anxious, they’ll be anxious.
Hand them off to the team, say a quick and cheerful goodbye, and walk out. Within a few minutes of you leaving, most dogs are already exploring, sniffing, and ready to play.
The staff at CPK will take it from there. And if you’re worried about how they’re doing — that’s what the cameras are for.
6. Use the Live Cameras — But Try Not to Obsess
At CPK, live kennel cameras are available so you can check in on your dog anytime from your phone. Want to see them during rest time? Settled in for the night? You can.
It’s one of the things families tell us they love most — the peace of mind of being able to actually see that your dog is doing fine.
That said — try not to watch constantly. If you check in and your dog looks calm and sleepy, trust what you’re seeing. They’re okay. They’re just living their best life.
7. Know What a Day at CPK Actually Looks Like
First-time boarding clients are often surprised by this: at CPK, boarding isn’t just a place to sleep. Every boarding stay includes complimentary full-day daycare — no extra charge.
Your dog spends the day in structured play groups matched to their size, age, and temperament. They play, they rest, they socialize. By the time evening comes around, they’re genuinely tired in the best possible way.
And overnight — someone is always here. CPK is staffed 24/7 with awake staff on site every night. Your dog is never alone in a locked building. There’s always a person here.
That’s what a day at CPK looks like. It’s a good day.
8. Trust the Team
The last and most important thing you can do to prepare your dog for boarding is to trust the people taking care of them.
The CPK team works with dogs every single day. They know how to read a dog who’s nervous versus a dog who’s adjusting. They know when to give a dog space and when to engage. They’ll notice if something seems off and they’ll address it.
If you have questions during your dog’s stay — call us. If you want an update — call us. We’d rather you reach out than worry in silence.
Your dog is in good hands. We promise.
Ready to Book Your Dog’s First Stay?
Every new dog at Country Pup Kennel starts with a free Meet & Greet. Come see the facility, meet the team, and let your dog get comfortable before their first stay. Most families tell us they wish they’d come in sooner.
📞 Call to Schedule — 763-220-5885 📧 info@countrypupkennel.com
Open daily 7am–7pm · 30209 116th St NW, Princeton, MN · Right on Hwy 169