Leaving your dog overnight for the first time can be stressful, for you more than for your dog. A little preparation makes a big difference. Here is how to get your dog ready for boarding, from a few weeks before the trip to the moment you pick them up.
Two to four weeks before: book early and check vaccines
Boarding spots fill up fast around holidays and summer weekends in NYC. Reserve as soon as you know your dates.
This is also the time to check vaccine records. Most boarding facilities require Rabies, DHPP (Distemper/Parvo) and Bordetella, and some vaccines need time to take effect. If anything is due, book a vet visit now, not the day before you leave.
At Urban Woof NYC®, existing clients can reserve boarding through our client portal or by contacting their location. New clients should register first and upload vaccine records.
One to two weeks before: do a trial day
If your dog has never stayed at the facility, a daycare day or two before the trip helps a lot. Your dog gets to know the space, the staff and the routine, so the first night does not feel like a big change.
New Urban Woof NYC dogs start with a $10 Evaluation Day. Dogs who board with us spend their days in our daycare, so a trial day is a real preview of their stay.
The week before: keep routines steady
Dogs pick up on our stress. Try to keep walks, meals and bedtime normal in the days before you leave. Avoid switching food right before boarding, since new food plus a new place can upset sensitive stomachs.
Packing list
- Food: enough for every meal, plus one or two extra, ideally portioned and labeled.
- Medication: in the original container, with clear written instructions.
- Something that smells like home: a T-shirt you have worn or a small blanket.
- Collar with ID tag: every dog should wear one.
- Your contact details and a backup emergency contact, plus your vet’s name and number.
Ask your boarding facility what they provide and what they prefer you leave at home. Large beds and favorite toys can get lost or chewed in a shared space.
Drop-off day: keep goodbyes short
Give your dog a good walk before drop-off so they arrive relaxed. At the door, keep the goodbye calm and quick. Long, emotional goodbyes can make dogs more anxious. Share anything the team should know: recent changes in health, appetite or behavior, and how your dog likes to settle at night.
During the stay
Ask how the facility will keep you updated and how to reach them if you have questions. At Urban Woof NYC, boarding dogs get a full day of play in daycare, four relief walks a day and a trained handler on site all night. Medication can be given if needed.
Pickup: plan around check-out time
Check the check-out time and any late fees before you book your flight home. At Urban Woof NYC, boarding check-out is 12:00 PM (noon). Dogs picked up after noon are charged one full day of daycare ($55).
After pickup, expect your dog to be tired. A lot of play and new smells can make for a long nap at home. Offer water, a normal meal and a quiet evening.
Why Upper East Side families trust Urban Woof NYC with overnight stays
- A neighborhood business since 2005. Urban Woof NYC started as a dog walking service on the Upper East Side and grew into two locations: East 78th Street (2018) and Lexington Avenue at 95th Street (2024).
- Owner-run, not a chain. Urban Woof NYC is run by its co-founders, Marcos and Silvia, so you can always reach the people who own the business.
- A trained handler on site all night. Your dog is never left alone overnight.
- Days spent playing, not waiting. Boarding dogs join our supervised daycare during the day and get four relief walks.
- Bonded and insured. Ask us anytime about our current coverage.
- Clear rules, no surprises. Vaccine records are required for every dog, check-out is at noon, and our policies are published on our pricing page.
- Trusted by our neighbors. More than 175 Google reviews across our two locations, written by local dog parents.
Questions about boarding on the Upper East Side?
See our Dog Boarding page for details and rates, read our FAQ, or contact East 78th Street at (646) 886-5515 or Lexington Avenue at 95th at (646) 964-5220.
