Dog Boarding Checklist: What to Pack & Prepare

Dog Boarding Checklist: What to Pack and Prepare

Dropping your dog off at a boarding provider can feel stressful, especially the first time. The best way to reduce anxiety for both you and your dog is thorough preparation. This checklist covers everything you need to pack, share, and arrange before your dog's boarding stay.

Whether you are booking through PetBoard or any other service, following this checklist will help ensure a smooth experience.

Packing Essentials

Food and Treats

• Enough food for the full stay, plus two extra days as a buffer. Measure out daily portions in labeled bags or containers to make feeding simple for the provider.
• Your dog's regular brand and formula. Switching food during boarding can cause digestive upset, which adds stress for everyone.
• A small bag of familiar treats. These help the provider reward good behavior and give your dog comfort through familiar tastes.
• Feeding instructions: note how many times per day, portion sizes, and whether food should be served dry or with water.

Medications and Supplements

• All current medications with clear dosage instructions. Include the medication name, dose amount, time of day, and how to administer it (with food, on an empty stomach, etc.).
• Supplements like joint support, probiotics, or calming aids if your dog takes them regularly.
• Enough supply for the full stay plus two extra days.
• A written medication schedule that the provider can pin up or save on their phone.

Comfort Items

• Your dog's regular bed or blanket. A familiar-smelling item helps reduce anxiety in a new environment.
• One or two favorite toys. Avoid bringing too many items, but a beloved chew toy or stuffed animal can make a big difference.
• A worn t-shirt or pillowcase that carries your scent. This is especially helpful for dogs prone to separation anxiety.

Leash, Collar, and Harness

• Your dog's regular collar with ID tag. Make sure the tag has your current phone number.
• Leash and harness if the provider will be walking your dog.
• A spare collar in case one breaks, especially for longer stays.

Documents to Share with Your Provider

Vaccination Records

Most responsible boarding providers will require proof of up-to-date vaccinations. Prepare copies (digital or physical) of:

• Rabies vaccination certificate
• DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) vaccination record
• Kennel cough (Bordetella) vaccination, if your dog has it
• Recent deworming record
• Tick and flea prevention status and the product used

If your dog's vaccinations are not current, schedule a vet visit at least two weeks before the boarding date to get caught up.

Veterinarian Contact Information

Provide your provider with:

• Your vet's name and clinic name
• Clinic phone number and address
• Emergency after-hours number if your vet has one

This ensures the provider can reach your vet quickly if any health concern arises during the stay. For tips on evaluating providers before booking, read our guide on how to choose a dog boarder.

Emergency Contacts

• Your phone number and the best way to reach you (call, WhatsApp, or in-app messaging)
• A secondary contact in case you are unreachable (a family member, friend, or neighbor who knows your dog)
• Authorization note: let the provider know whether the emergency contact is authorized to make veterinary decisions on your behalf if needed

Pre-Boarding Preparation

Schedule a Pre-Boarding Visit

If possible, arrange a short visit or trial stay before the actual booking. This lets your dog:

• Explore the provider's home or facility
• Meet the provider and any other dogs
• Start building comfort with the new environment

Many providers on PetBoard welcome meet-and-greet visits before a booking is confirmed.

Update Your Dog's Routine Information

Write down or message your provider with:

• Feeding schedule: times and portions
• Walk schedule: how many times per day, preferred duration, morning and evening habits
• Sleep routine: where your dog usually sleeps, whether they need a crate or prefer open space
• Behavioral notes: does your dog get anxious around other dogs, react to thunderstorms, need a specific bedtime routine?
• Commands your dog knows: sit, stay, come, leave it. This helps the provider communicate effectively with your dog.

Grooming and Hygiene Prep

• Give your dog a bath a day or two before drop-off
• Trim nails if they are due
• Check for ticks and fleas and treat if necessary. You do not want to bring parasites into another home.
• Brush out any mats or tangles, especially for long-coated breeds

Health Check

• If your dog has been unwell recently, visit your vet before boarding to make sure they are fit to stay with others
• Note any recent changes in behavior, appetite, or energy level and share these with the provider

Day-of Drop-Off Tips

1. Keep your goodbye calm and brief. Long, emotional goodbyes can increase your dog's anxiety. A quick pat and a confident exit signal to your dog that everything is fine.

2. Drop off at a consistent time. If possible, drop your dog off in the morning so they have the full day to settle into the new environment.

3. Confirm pickup time and date with your provider so there are no misunderstandings.

4. Hand over all packed items and walk through the medication schedule one final time in person.

5. Trust the process. If you have done your research and chosen a verified provider, your dog is in good hands. If this is your first time boarding, our first-time boarding tips guide has more advice.

Quick Checklist Summary

• Enough food and treats for the stay plus two days
• All medications with written instructions
• Familiar bed, blanket, or comfort item
• One or two favorite toys
• Collar with ID tag, leash, and harness
• Vaccination records (rabies, DHPP, kennel cough, deworming)
• Vet contact information
• Your emergency contact and a backup contact
• Written feeding, walking, and sleep schedule
• Behavioral notes and known commands
• Pre-boarding grooming (bath, nails, tick check)

Preparation takes a little effort upfront but makes the entire boarding experience smoother for your dog, your provider, and you. Start by finding a verified provider near you and scheduling a meet-and-greet before your trip.