When you have a nervous or rescue dog, finding the right place for them to stay while you’re away isn’t just a task—it’s a responsibility. For many pet parents in Gateshead and surrounding areas, home-based dog boarding offers a much gentler, calmer alternative to noisy kennels or revolving-door pet hotels.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what to look for in a boarding environment tailored to anxious dogs—and how I’ve designed Chrysidis Pet Care to meet exactly those needs.
Why Anxious and Rescue Dogs Need a Different Kind of Boarding
If you’ve ever boarded your anxious or rescue dog in a traditional kennel, you’ve probably seen the signs:
Barking, pacing, or whining during pickup Loss of appetite while you’re away Setbacks in toilet training or behaviour
These dogs thrive on routine, quiet, and personal connection. Loud environments, unfamiliar handlers, and too many dogs can easily overwhelm them.
At Chrysidis Pet Care, I care for dogs from my own home here in Gateshead—crates and kennels are never used, and I only board one dog or family at a time. This helps even the most nervous pups feel safe, secure, and seen.
What to Look for in Home-Based Dog Boarding
Here’s what I recommend asking any sitter before booking, especially for anxious or rescue dogs:
How many dogs are there at once? (At Chrysidis: one household at a time) Is the environment crate-free and calm? What is the carer’s experience with anxiety or rescue behaviours? Can I schedule a trial day before an overnight stay? Will my dog be left alone during the day? Do you send updates while I’m away? (I send real-time photos and videos)
These are not just logistics—they’re what help a sensitive dog transition smoothly and confidently while you’re away.
Why Families Choose Chrysidis Pet Care in Gateshead
I run Chrysidis Pet Care as a solo service from my home, which means I can guarantee:
✅ One-on-one attention from someone with over 30 years of animal experience
✅ A crates-free, quiet, and safe home setup
✅ Real-time photo/video updates via WhatsApp
✅ Evening walks (after 4pm), medication administration, and consistent routines
✅ A resident Labrador companion who models calm behaviour
✅ Special attention to rescue or nervous dogs, including trial days
I’ve designed my boarding environment for the dogs who don’t cope well with chaos—and need to be treated like family.
Preparing Your Dog for Their Stay
Here are a few things that help nervous dogs settle in more easily:
🐾 Bring familiar items – their bed, toys, or even a t-shirt that smells like you
🐾 Schedule a trial day – helps your dog adjust to the new space and routine
🐾 Share your dog’s routine – feeding times, sleeping habits, preferred calming cues
🐾 Communicate clearly – if your dog has quirks or stress signals, let me know
Every dog is different, and I work with you to honour what helps yours feel most secure.
The Difference Home Boarding Can Make
Over the years, I’ve seen rescue dogs who wouldn’t eat in kennels become relaxed enough to nap belly-up on my sofa. I’ve helped owners who were nervous about their first holiday away find comfort in the regular updates and visible progress their dog made.
When done right, boarding doesn’t have to feel like abandonment—it can feel like an extended sleepover with a trusted friend.
Ready to See if We’re the Right Fit?
If you’re in Gateshead and looking for a gentler alternative to traditional kennels, I’d love to chat. Whether it’s a short weekend away or regular day care, your dog deserves calm, personalised care in a home—not a cage.
Let’s start with a friendly trial day, and take it from there.
🌟 Contact Chrysidis Pet Care
📞 Call/Text: 07891 719588
🌐 Visit: www.chrysidis.com
🎁 First-time booking on Rover? Use my link for £15 off https://www.rover.com/sit/kyriac51187
At Chrysidis Pet Care, your dog is treated like one of the family. Because for anxious dogs, trust makes all the difference.
—Kyriakos Chrysidis
Gentle, crate-free home dog boarding in Gateshead