It is hard to leave a pet. The kindest thing for the pet is usually the thing that feels hardest for you: a short farewell and a confident exit.
What veterinary sources say
The American Animal Hospital Association advises leaving calmly and quietly. It notes that high-pitched voices and excessive patting and hugging tell a pet that something unusual is happening and raise its anxiety. It suggests showing love with a long cuddle the night before, or a special treat as you walk out, and keeping the farewell short and sweet.
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine gives the same advice for boarding: when saying goodbye, try to make it brief, because a long goodbye can upset your pet unnecessarily.
Why car-side check-in suits a short goodbye
At Happy Paws, please leave your pet in the car while you check in. A staff member then carries in the food and belongings and walks your pet to the run. This keeps parking-lot scuffles and escapes from happening, and it also gives you a natural place to stop. The goodbye ends at the car door.
On a warm day leave the air conditioning on, and know that on hot pavement staff may scoop up a small dog and hurry. Drop-off windows are 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM; see the drop-off FAQ.
A simple goodbye routine
- Do the long cuddle and the quiet time at home, the night before.
- Keep your voice at its normal, steady level at the car. Skip the baby talk.
- Hand over the leash and say one calm phrase, the same one every time.
- Give a treat if you like, then go. Do not return for a second goodbye.
- Write your phone number on the boarding agreement and let yourself leave.
When a dog finds separation hard
AAHA describes separation anxiety as excessive stress when a pet is left alone, with signs such as pacing, constant vocalizing and destructive chewing. It recommends gradual practice with short absences, a familiar comfortable space and a steady routine, and it points owners to a veterinarian if a pet injures itself, refuses to eat or stays distressed despite practice.
First-time boarders may skip a meal or two. Staff offer tempting extras such as hot dogs if a dog keeps refusing. For dogs that struggle with being apart, read boarding a dog with separation anxiety and the first-time boarding guide.