Every pawrent go through that first time sending a doggo to a dog care service and not knowing what to prepare for the occasion. That's totally understandable, even for subsequent sessions, 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 is safe and stress-free, for your doggo and the dog care service provider too!
Here's our list of 10 things we have compiled from our experience caring for 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 session as it is going to be socializing with other doggos. Your service provider 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 carer about any allergies or dietary issues that your doggo has. Make sure your dog carer acknowledges these information and will ensure these issues are prevented.
If you need your dog carer to keep frozen food for your doggo, do consult your carer to ensure they can accommodate this need. Otherwise, you may have to look for different options like paying your carer to prepare meals for your doggo. Some carers provide menu options for your doggo too....treat it like your grab deliver service!
3. Snacks
Bring along your doggo's favourite snacks so your carer can use these to motivate your doggos or distract them from exhibiting unwanted behaviour. Some home carers 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 carer to control over your doggo. It's a new relationship that your doggo is having with it's carer, 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 carer 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 carer.
5. Pee Pads and Trays
For doggos who are pee pad trained, do supply pee pads and trays for the carer. Again your doggo's familiarity with its pee pads and tray will give it the relief it needs and save your carer the trouble and frustration (yes...carers 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 carer 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 carer'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 carer's 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 carer and check that the carer 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 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 sessions so your doggo smells good, look clean and charming to meet your carer!
Lastly, a good practice is to take a photo of all the things you are bringing to the carer and share it with the carer so your carer can reference that when packing these things to be returned at the end of your doggo's session!