Preparing a Dog. It’s important to prepare a dog before taking them to a boarding facility, especially if it will be their first time. This should start with checking to make sure they have all vaccinations, as most kennels take fully vaccinated animals only. It’s also recommended to introduce dogs to a household kennel a couple of weeks ahead of time so they are familiar with sleeping in them. In addition to this, owners should give their dogs a lot of exercise before they take them to the facility and make sure they are equipped with the medications and food that they need. Some owners find that a one-night trial helps ease their mind for future visits when they will be away longer.