Dog Boarding Checklist
Now that you have arranged your pup’s stay while you are away, it is time to make sure you’ve packed everything they will need. No matter where you’ve chosen to board your fur baby the following items are a must!
Vaccine Records
– make sure your dog is up to date on all of their vaccines (Rabies, Parvo/Distemper, and Bordetella) and that you have proof of them. Most boarding facilities will not allow animals that do not have proof of current vaccines. Check out Jet Pet’s vaccine requirements here.
Parasite Treatment
– Even if your chosen facility doesn’t require it, we highly recommend having your dog treated for the prevention of fleas, lice, and ticks before boarding. Always talk to your veterinarian about which parasite treatment should be used. Animals can have adverse effects if used incorrectly. Check out Jet Pet’s vaccine requirements here.
Food (with feeding instructions)
– Be sure to pack enough food to last your pet’s stay. Then pack a little bit more, just in case! You never know if your plane will be delayed and your dog will have to stay a couple of extra nights. A dog’s stomach can get very upset if their food is suddenly switched. Avoid that by packing their regular food from home. Also, be sure to give very clear feeding instructions with the food. How many times a day do you feed your dog? Do you measure their food or just fill the dish? Do they get a mixture of wet and dry food? The more information you give, the easier it will be for the kennel or pet resort to keep your dog’s regular food routine.
Home Comforts
– Boarding can be stressful for some dogs. To help reduce stress for your dog, bring them something from home. Their dog bed, blanket, favourite toys, or even a piece of clothing that smells like you. Even if your kennel can provide beds and blankets, having something that smells like home can make boarding much easier on your dog. However, please keep in mind, these items may not be returned to you in the same state you brought them. Dogs are much more likely to chew and destroy things if they feel stressed.
Medication (if applicable)
– Make sure to pack any medication your dog is currently on or may need while boarding. Also, be sure to give very clear written instructions on how and when to give the medication. It is also a good idea to pack extra, just in case your trip gets delayed.
Contact Info (times 3!)
– Be sure to give the kennel your contact info, including where you are staying during your trip. You will also need to provide contact info in case of an emergency. Your emergency contact should be someone who is still in town and able to pick up your dog if needed, as well as someone you trust to make medical decisions if you cannot be reached. Most kennels will also ask for your vet’s information as well. That way, should there be an emergency, the kennel will be able to take your dog to someone who knows their medical history.
Collar (with tags)
– Make sure to pack your dog’s collar with an identification tag on it, check out this useful review from Petside to choose the right one for your lovely dog. It is every owner’s nightmare to have their dog go missing. Although it is highly unlikely this will happen while your dog is boarding, it is always best to err on the side of caution and make sure your dog has up to date identification on them at all times. Also if your dog regularly wears a choke chain or prong collar, it is also a good idea to pack a flat buckle collar for their stay. If your pup is boarding in a facility that does open play for the dogs, chains and prong collars can be a safety hazard and are often taken off the dog while boarding.
If your pup is boarding with Jet Pet Resort, you won’t need any of the following. However, if you’ve chosen to bring your pet elsewhere, you may need to remember these things: bowls, a leash and harness, brushes and other grooming supplies, measuring cups for food, and poop bags.
If you have any other questions regarding boarding or what you should or should not bring, please give us a call at 604-238-7387.