Separation anxiety is a distress response when a dog is left alone, and it ranges from some whining at the door to destroyed furniture and injured paws. How a dog does at a kennel depends on how severe it is.
What separation anxiety looks like
The AKC and ASPCA both list the same signs: pacing, whining or trembling when you leave, heavy drooling or panting, excessive barking or howling, chewing or digging at doors and windows, and indoor accidents. One sign alone is less telling than several that repeat every time you go out.
Will boarding make it worse?
Not necessarily. Some dogs panic when left in a quiet house, but do fine in a place with other dogs nearby and things going on. Others find a new place more frightening. The only way to know is to try gently, which is why a short day first helps. Day care is $38 for a day or $7 an hour up to $38 on the 2026 rates, and it lets you see how your dog handles a drop-off.
How a Happy Paws run can help
Each run has its own indoor and outdoor space with a doggie door, so a dog can retreat inside or move around outside. Dogs see neighbors through the fence, which many find calming, but they are not forced together. Walks are included, and a Kuranda bed and blankets are in each run. Medications your vet prescribes for anxiety are given at no extra charge when you provide them with clear instructions.
What to tell staff
The AKC advises telling staff upfront about separation anxiety, resource guarding or any condition needing close monitoring, since that lets them judge the fit.
- What your dog does when left alone, and for how long it lasts
- Escape attempts, destructive chewing or any injuries in the past
- Anything that calms your dog at home, such as a certain routine
- Medications, doses and times
- Your emergency contact, who is not traveling with you
Work on it before the trip
Both the AKC and the ASPCA describe the same approach: short absences that gradually get longer, calm departures and returns, daily exercise and puzzle toys. The ASPCA also recommends talking to your veterinarian before using any medication or supplement. If the anxiety is severe, ask about a veterinary behaviorist. Related reading: boarding an anxious or shy dog.