What to Expect When Your Pet Returns Home After Boarding

• Overexcitement may make a pet pant a lot and act thirsty. He is probably not really thirsty, and had plenty of water available at the boarding facility. Give him a few ice cubes to tide him over until he settles down.
  
  
• Food: ditto. But please be aware that excessive drinking and eating may lead to digestive upsets and bloating. Do not feed your pet for at least three hours after coming home from the kennel, and then limit the food and water you provide until he has settled back into home life.
  
  
• Walk your pet upon arrival or allow access to a yard area. Excitement may also cause a change in urination or bowel movements outside his normal schedule.
  
  
• Give your pet some personalized attention -- some play time or sitting and petting or brushing him will help him get through the excitement state and calm down.
  
  
• Kennel life can be very exciting, and some dogs charge around barking at other dogs and having a wonderful time. These dogs often leave the kennel exhausted but happy, and sleep a lot the first couple of days they are home.
  
  
• Re-establish home patterns by following a normal schedule. Pets love following a schedule -- it makes them feel safe and secure.
  
  
• After you pick kitty up from the kennel, be sure to keep him in the house for a few days before allowing him to go outside. Just as he had to adjust to the kennel, so will he have to adjust to being home again. Allow him to find that "at home" feeling again before letting him out of the house.