Every pawrent go through that first time boarding a doggo and not knowing what to prepare for the occasion. That's totally understandable, even for the subsequent boarding as your doggo is growing and new situations may arise. It is going to be a different environment for your doggo and you won't be there to give assurance. Your goal is to ensure your doggo's stay is safe and stress-free, for your doggo and your boarder too!
Here's our list of 10 things we have compiled from our experience home boarding doggos. Credit to the experienced and considerate pawrents who have helped us compile this list! (Note: this is only for reference, not everything applies to everypawdy!)
Quicklist
1. Vaccination & Medication (if any)
2. Food (Diet & Allergies)
3. Snacks
4. Walking Accessories
5. Pee Pads and Trays
6. Diapers
7. Bed
8. Toys
9. Toiletries
10. Grooming
Detailed List
1. Vaccination & Medication (if any)
Let's start with the most important thing on this list! Ensure your doggo is fully vaccinated before the boarding as it is going to be socialising with other doggos for a few days. Your boarder should have asked you for your doggo's updated vaccination records. Note that you should also get your doggo vaccinated from Kennel cough, as the name implies, it is most common for this cough to be spread at kennels.
Do ensure there is sufficient supply of medication that your doggo is on and give written (via messenger/email) explanation of your doggo's medical condition and instructions on how to administer the medicine or care for the condition.
2. Food (Diet & Allergies)
Remember to inform your dog boarder about any allergies or dietary issues that your doggo has. Make sure your dog boarder acknowledges these information and will ensure these issues are prevented.
If you need your dog boarder to keep frozen food for your doggo, do consult your boarder to ensure they can accommodate this need. Otherwise, you may have to look for different options like paying your boarder to prepare meals for your doggo. Some boarders provide menu options for your doggo's stay too....treat it like your hotel in room service!
3. Snacks
Bring along your doggo's favourite snacks so your boarder can use these to motivate your doggos or distract them from exhibiting unwanted behaviour. Some home boarders may also provide their home made treats and snacks, so that may be a good option too.
4. Walking Accessories
Leash and Harness/Collar. Some pawrents have different leash and harness/collar combination for different purpose (short walks, training, long walks, etc). Just make sure you bring the set that is best for your boarder to control over your doggo. It's a new relationship that your doggo is having with it's boarder, and your doggo may be anxious to look for you...so try to avoid gears that your doggo can easily wriggle out of during the walk.
Poop bags and holder. Like you, your boarder will need to pick up your doggo's poop during the daily walks. Make sure you supply sufficient poop bags for the stay. Preferably, you should attach a poop bag holder to your leash so it is more convenient for your boarder.
5. Pee Pads and Trays
For doggos who are pee pad trained, do supply pee pads and trays for the boarder. Again your doggo's familiarity with its pee pads and tray will give it the relief it needs and save your boarder the trouble and frustration (yes...boarders are human too!) of cleaning after your doggo.
6. Diapers
For doggos who are not pee pad trained(yet), suffering from incontinence, having menstruation or still in heat, or have a tendency to mark (especially intact male doggos), do alert the boarder and if necessary, provide diapers (reusable or disposable)
7. Bed
If your doggo sleeps on a bed or a blanket or in a crate(e.g. if you are preparing it for a flight), bring that along so your doggo feel safe sleeping at your boarder's place. Be considerate, do clean your doggo's bed to rid it of dirt, bugs and smell.
8. Toys
Your doggo will likely be pre-occupied by other playmates at the boarding place and not have time for toys. But it is still good to pack 1 or 2 of your doggo's favourite toys so these can be used to comfort or distract your doggo.
Another reason to pack toys is for doggos who have a tendency to chew stuff. You should inform the boarder and check that the boarder is willing to accommodate this. Bring along safe and lasting chew toys so you don't have to end up paying for your doggo's chewing damages.
9. Toiletries
If you are boarding your doggo for a long period, or if your doggo needs constant grooming, do supply cotton pads, wet wipes, bath towel, shampoo, brush etc.
10. Grooming
First impression counts! Schedule a grooming session for your doggo just before the start of the boarding so your doggo smells good, look clean and charming to meet your boarder!
Lastly, a good practice is to take a photo of all the things you are bringing to the boarder and share it with the boarder so your boarder can reference that when packing these things to be returned at the end of your doggo's stay!
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