What to Pack for Dog Boarding: A Guide for Dog Owners

Oct 4

Planning for a trip without your furry friend? Whether you're off for a business trip or a well-deserved vacation, ensuring your dog is well-prepared for their stay at a boarding facility is crucial. At Fusion Dog Training in Monument, CO, we understand the importance of packing the right items to make your dog's boarding experience comfortable and stress-free. Here's our comprehensive guide on what to pack for dog boarding.

1. Dog Food and Feeding Supplies

Packing enough food for the duration of the boarding stay is essential. To prevent overfeeding or underfeeding, it's a good idea to portion out your dog's meals into individual baggies. This way, the staff can easily follow your dog's regular feeding schedule.

If your dog requires any special feeding equipment, such as a specific type of bowl or feeder, be sure to include these items as well.

Pro Tip: Create a feeding schedule for the boarding staff, detailing portion sizes and feeding times.

2. Favorite Toys and Comfort Items

Dogs can feel anxious or uneasy in a new environment. Bringing along their favorite toys or comfort items can provide a sense of familiarity and reduce anxiety. Whether it's a squeaky toy or a chew bone, these familiar items can help keep your dog entertained and relaxed during their stay.

Pro Tip: Rotate toys every few days to keep your dog engaged and prevent boredom.

3. Medications and Supplements

If your dog is on any medications or supplements, it's vital to include these in your packing list. Ensure that you provide clear instructions regarding dosage and administration times. Including a written schedule can be very helpful for the boarding staff.

Pro Tip: Use a pill organizer to separate medications by day and time.

4. Vaccination Records and Veterinarian Contact Information

Before boarding, verify that your dog's vaccination records are current and include a copy for the boarding facility. In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, having your veterinarian's contact information readily available is essential for a prompt response.

Pro Tip: Keep a digital copy of all important documents on your phone for easy access.

5. Leash and Collar with Identification Tags

While your dog will spend most of their time inside the boarding facility, it's crucial to have a leash and collar on hand for walks or outdoor playtime. Ensure that the identification tags on your dog's collar are up-to-date with your contact information.

Pro Tip: Consider adding a temporary tag with the boarding facility's contact information as an extra precaution.

6. Blanket or Bedding

A blanket or bedding with the familiar scent of home can provide comfort and reassurance to your dog during their stay. This simple item can ease anxiety and help your dog settle in more quickly.

Pro Tip: Wash your dog's bedding a few days before their stay to retain the comforting scent of home.

Conclusion

Preparing for your dog's boarding stay doesn't have to be stressful. By packing the essentials, you can ensure your pet has a comfortable and enjoyable experience while you're away. If you have any questions or need further advice, our team at Fusion Dog Training is always here to help. We look forward to providing your dog with a safe and happy stay.

Happy travels and wagging tails!

Jordan Olson

Jordan Olson is a seasoned marketing maestro with over 20 years under his belt, specializing in the fine arts of copywriting, lead generation, and SEO.

He's been a VP of Marketing in the corporate world but found that he enjoys being his own boss much more - mainly because he gets to choose his office snacks.

Now, he relishes in the variety of clients he works with daily, from tech startups to online ukulele lessons.

When he's not crafting compelling copy or digging into analytics, you will find him playing with his kids or sneaking in a game of Magic the Gathering.