After determining the best place to board your dog—check out The Barker Lounge if you’re in need of a suggestion—you must then decide on what to pack for their stay. To ensure optimal comfort for your pet, include a few essentials to help them maintain a routine and feel at home. After you’ve checked off all items on the list for your own travel bag, prepare one for your pup with these essentials to pack when you board your dog.
Identification
When packing for your pup, be sure to put safety first and provide proper identification. Their collars and ID tags should stay on or remain in a secure place for the boarding facility to access as needed.
Favorite Toys
While we board our dogs with their best interest in mind, a change in routine and scenery might cause them some distress. Be sure to pack your pet’s favorite toy to give them a sense of comfort and stress relief during their boarding.
Familiar Bedding
If your dog enjoys lounging on an old t-shirt or pillow, you could pack it for them to use as a security blanket. Additionally, using a bed or blanket that smells like home will allow them to feel your presence while you’re away.
Food and Treats
While feeding time is a highlight for pups during their boarding experience, a shift in diet could trigger belly issues or make them avoid unfamiliar foods. Be sure to provide enough of their preferred food to keep their mealtimes consistent during their stay. It’s also best to pack some of your dog’s favorite treats for kennel technicians to keep on hand when comforting them.
When putting together essential items for boarding your dog, be sure to include any specialized instructions such as preferred measurements of food or specific phrases you use at home. Your pup can’t communicate the needs of their routine without you, so it’s important to review their daily habits and provide necessary information for your boarding friends to utilize during your dog’s visit.
