The Complete Dog Boarding Checklist: What to Bring for Your Pet's Stay

Preparing for your dog's first boarding experience? A proper dog boarding checklist ensures your pet has everything they need for a comfortable, safe stay. This guide covers all the essentials you should pack, from food and medications to comfort items that help your dog feel at home.

Understanding Dog Boarding Requirements

Before you pack, contact your boarding facility to confirm their specific requirements. Facilities like Cocoapet provide detailed packing lists to ensure your dog has everything they need.

Required Health Documents

Every boarding facility requires up-to-date vaccination records. Bring copies of:

Rabies vaccination certificate
DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) records
Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine documentation
Any additional vaccines required by your facility

If your dog takes preventative medications, bring proof of current flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Some facilities won't accept dogs without these protections.

Emergency Contact Information

Provide your boarding facility with:

Your contact number and backup phone
Your veterinarian's name and phone number
Emergency contact who can make decisions if you're unreachable
Your travel itinerary with return date

Essential Items for Your Dog Boarding Packing List

Food and Feeding Supplies

Bring enough of your dog's regular food for the entire stay, plus one extra day. Sudden diet changes can upset your dog's stomach, so stick with their normal food even if the facility offers meals. Bondi Paw Patrol accommodates all dietary requirements and stores food securely for each guest.

Pack food in individual portions labeled with your dog's name and feeding schedule. Include:

Pre-measured meals in sealed containers or bags
Feeding instructions (amount, times, special requirements)
Any dietary supplements your dog takes regularly
Favorite treats (check facility policies on treat allowances)

Don't bring your dog's regular food and water bowls unless the facility specifically requests them. Most boarding facilities use their own bowls for sanitary reasons.

Medications and Health Items

If your dog takes medications, pack them in original prescription bottles with clear dosing instructions. Create a written medication schedule that includes:

Medication name and purpose
Exact dosage amounts
Times medication should be given
Whether it should be given with food
What to do if a dose is missed

For dogs with health conditions, bring copies of recent veterinary records that explain the condition and treatment plan. Pet Paradise Sydney Pet Boarding & Daycare specializes in medical care and maintains detailed medication logs for every pet.

Comfort Items from Home

Familiar items can help reduce anxiety during your dog's boarding stay. Consider packing:

Bedding: A blanket or small bed that smells like home can be comforting. Ask your facility if they allow personal bedding, as some prefer to use their own for sanitary reasons.

Toys: Bring 1-2 favorite toys, but avoid expensive or irreplaceable items. Toys can get lost or damaged during play. Choose sturdy options without small parts that could become choking hazards.

Clothing: If your dog wears a thundershirt for anxiety or jacket for warmth, pack it with instructions on when it should be worn. The Successful Hound is experienced with anxious dogs and follows detailed comfort protocols.

Label all comfort items with your dog's name using permanent marker.

Collar, Leash, and Identification

Your dog should arrive wearing a secure collar with current ID tags. Pack a spare leash in case yours gets damaged. Ensure ID tags include:

Your dog's name
Your current phone number
"Dog is boarding at [Facility Name]" if possible

If your dog uses a special harness for walks, bring it along with instructions on how to properly fit it.

Overnight Dog Boarding Essentials: Special Considerations

For Long-Term Stays

If your dog will be boarding for more than a few days, add these items to your dog boarding checklist:

Extra collar and leash (in case one breaks)
Grooming supplies if your facility offers grooming services
Special shampoo if your dog has skin sensitivities
Nail clippers if your dog's nails grow quickly

Pawdressers offers complimentary grooming for extended stays and can accommodate special requests.

For Dogs with Special Needs

Dogs with medical conditions, anxiety, or special requirements need extra preparation:

Anxious dogs: Discuss anxiety management with your veterinarian before boarding. Pack any calming aids recommended by your vet, such as pheromone sprays or anxiety wraps.

Senior dogs: Older dogs may need orthopedic bedding, extra medications for arthritis, or special mobility aids. Doggielove specializes in senior dog care with gentle exercise programs and comfortable accommodations.

Puppies: Young dogs need more frequent feeding schedules and may require puppy-specific food. Bring chew toys appropriate for teething puppies.

For Dogs on Special Diets

If your dog has food allergies or requires a prescription diet, bring detailed information:

List of foods your dog cannot have
Specific brand and flavor of food
Instructions for what to do if your dog refuses to eat
Approved treat alternatives

Consider bringing more food than you think necessary—running out could force your dog onto an unsuitable diet.

What NOT to Bring to Dog Boarding

Items Most Facilities Don't Allow

Leave these items at home:

Rawhide and edible chews: These can present choking hazards and may cause fights between dogs. Most boarding facilities prohibit them.

Glass or ceramic bowls: These can break and injure dogs. Facilities use metal or plastic bowls for safety.

Expensive or irreplaceable items: Favorite toys can get lost or damaged. Bring duplicates or items you won't be devastated to lose.

Retractable leashes: Many facilities prefer standard 4-6 foot leashes for better control.

Items the Facility Usually Provides

Don't pack these unless specifically requested:

Food and water bowls
Basic bedding
Waste bags for cleanup
Standard toys and enrichment items

Check with your facility about their policies to avoid over-packing.

First Time Dog Boarding: Tips for Success

Pre-Boarding Preparation

Schedule a facility tour before your dog's first boarding stay. This lets you:

See where your dog will sleep and play
Meet the staff who will care for your pet
Ask questions about daily routines
Understand their emergency protocols

Some facilities offer trial visits or doggy daycare so your pet can become familiar with the environment before an overnight stay.

Day of Drop-Off

Arrive with time to spare so you're not rushed. Bring your completed dog boarding checklist and verify everything with staff:

Review feeding instructions
Confirm medication schedules
Discuss any behavior concerns
Provide updated contact information
Complete all required paperwork

Keep your goodbye brief. Long, emotional farewells can increase your dog's anxiety. Stay calm and positive—your dog picks up on your emotions.

During Your Dog's Stay

Most facilities provide updates, but policies vary. Ask about:

Whether you can call for updates
If they post photos on social media
How they'll contact you in an emergency
When you can pick up your dog

Resist the urge to check in constantly. Trust the professionals caring for your pet.

Creating Your Printable Dog Boarding Checklist

Use this template to organize everything you need to bring:

Two Weeks Before Boarding:

Schedule vet appointment for required vaccines
Request copies of all vaccination records
Book boarding reservation
Purchase any missing items

One Week Before Boarding:

Confirm reservation
Pre-portion all food
Label all items with dog's name
Write out medication instructions

Day Before Boarding:

Pack everything on your list
Double-check vaccination records
Fill out emergency contact form
Prepare drop-off paperwork

Drop-Off Day:

Dog's regular food (plus extra)
All medications in original bottles
Vaccination records
Comfort items (labeled)
Collar with ID tags
Spare leash
Emergency contact information
Completed paperwork

Making Dog Boarding Easier for Your Pet

Reducing Boarding Anxiety

Help your dog adjust to boarding with these strategies:

Practice short separations: Before a long boarding stay, try short overnight stays to build confidence. Paws Doggy Daycare offers discounted trial nights for first-time boarders.

Maintain routines: Keep your dog's normal routine in the days before boarding. Sudden changes can increase stress.

Exercise before drop-off: A good walk or play session before arriving can help your dog feel calmer.

Stay positive: Dogs sense your emotions. Approach boarding as a normal, positive experience.

Post-Boarding Care

When you pick up your dog:

Ask staff about your dog's behavior and any concerns
Don't be surprised if your dog seems tired—boarding is stimulating
Stick to normal routines at home
Watch for signs of illness in the following days

Some dogs experience temporary changes after boarding, like decreased appetite or increased sleep. These usually resolve within a day or two.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my dog has never been boarded before?

For first-time boarders, schedule a facility tour in advance. Many places offer trial daycare visits so your dog can adjust gradually. Bring familiar comfort items and keep drop-off brief and positive. Most dogs adjust within a few hours.

Can I bring my dog's regular food bowls?

Most facilities prefer to use their own bowls for sanitary reasons and ease of cleaning. Unless specifically requested, leave bowls at home. The facility will provide appropriate feeding dishes for your dog.

How much food should I pack?

Pack enough food for each day of boarding plus one extra day. Pre-portion meals in individual bags or containers labeled with your dog's name and feeding times. This prevents mix-ups and ensures your dog gets the right amount.

Should I bring my dog's medications in their original bottles?

Yes, always bring medications in original prescription bottles. This allows staff to verify dosage information and ensures proper identification of each medication. Include written instructions with dosing times and special requirements.

What toys are safe to bring to dog boarding?

Bring 1-2 sturdy toys without small parts, strings, or squeakers that could become choking hazards. Avoid expensive or irreplaceable toys as they may get lost or damaged. Rubber toys and tough chew items work well.

Do I need to bring vaccination records every time?

For your first visit, bring physical copies of all vaccination records. The facility will keep them on file. For future visits, you only need to provide updates when vaccines are renewed or new vaccinations are given.

What should I do if my dog takes medication at specific times?

Write detailed medication instructions including exact times, dosages, and whether medication should be given with food. Discuss timing with facility staff—they'll work to match your schedule as closely as possible while accommodating their routines.

Can I call to check on my dog during boarding?

Policies vary by facility. Some welcome check-in calls during business hours, while others prefer to contact you only if there's a concern. Ask about their communication policy when you book your reservation.

Conclusion

A thorough what to bring to dog boarding list ensures your pet has everything needed for a safe, comfortable stay. Focus on essentials: current health records, enough regular food, any medications, and a few familiar comfort items. Skip expensive toys and items the facility provides.

Remember that preparation reduces stress for both you and your dog. Contact your boarding facility with questions, label all items clearly, and keep goodbyes brief. With proper planning and the right overnight dog boarding essentials, your dog can have a positive boarding experience while you're away.

For more information about choosing the right boarding facility, read our guide on what to look for when visiting a dog boarding facility.