It's hard to feel comfortable about the decision to leave a special-needs dog in the care of strangers, but sometimes situations are such that you have no choice. As the owner of a diabetic dog, having to place your pet in a boarding kennel may raise your anxiety levels, but there are several things you can do to make sure your dog has a safe and comfortable experience.

Choose A Kennel With A Vet

Not all boarding kennels have 24/7 access to a vet, so when you have a special needs dog, it is more appropriate to choose a kennel that does. Whether the vet is situated on-site or just a few minutes away by phone, you can rest easier knowing there is experienced medical help close by if needed.

Additionally, ask whether or not kennel staff have experience with administering the medicine your dog requires. The insulin shots, for example, should only be done by someone who has training in this area. You don't want a situation where your dog receives an incorrect dose and gets ill.

Gather Enough Supplies For The Visit

Because your dog has special needs, it is up to you to make sure they have everything with them to stay well while you are away. If your dog runs out of medicine, the boarding kennel may have difficulty getting access to additional supplies. Visit with your vet before you leave to order extra insulin and syringes. If your dog is following a particular diet, make sure you have enough food to cover the length of their stay.

Once you have gathered all the supplies together that your dog is going to need, it is time to make lists.

Care List For Your Pet

The more information you can provide the boarding kennel about your dog's needs, the better they can take care of your pet for you. Make sure you provide specific details, such as:

1. You may prefer to pre-fill the syringes so you have no concerns about your canine receiving an incorrect dosage, and dosage times and needle disposal instructions should be noted.
2. How much your dog eats and when should be timetabled for the kennel.
3. Is there a limit to how long your dog can exercise, and do they need a corn syrup treat after play time to rebalance their sugar levels? 
4. An emergency treatment permission form along with contact details of your vet will help the kennel if an emergency arises and their vet needs to confer with yours.

The more prepared you are for your dog's first stay at a boarding kennel, the less you have to worry while you are away from them. It is better to give the kennel too much information rather than not enough.