The Ultimate Doggie Boarding Packing List

Getting ready to board your dog can be a bit stressful, especially if it's your first time! We know how it feels to want to cover all your bases without overpacking. A good way to decide what to bring is to make a note of what you use on a daily basis. You'll want to focus on the day-to-day items the most, and then add on a few "just in case" things.

So, to help you out, we've crafted the ideal packing list for your pup's stay.

What to definitely bring:

• Your dog's collar with a current Identification tag, leash, and anything else you use for walks such as a harness or gentle leader.

• All the food your pup will need while you're away, and individually packing the meals is often preferred. But, if you want to cut down on some of the plastic, one big bag with feeding instructions in your client profile works just fine! It's a good idea to pack a little extra food (think 1-2 meals' worth) just in case you run into delays on your way home.

• Treats, especially if you have a dog that's picky or has allergies.

• One to three toys. Pack your dog's favorites, like chew toys or that one super-specific ball that they just can't live without!

• We recommend bringing a bed, especially if your pup is super attached to it. The care provider might not have an extra, and having an item that smells like home will help Fido adjust to the new environment.

• If applicable, medication with instructions on dosage and timing! This is super important, as the health of your fur baby is one of our top priorities. If you usually use something like pill pockets, be sure to bring that as well. Just like food, pack a few extra doses just in case.

What could be useful:

• An extra roll of poop bags - your care provider will likely have plenty of their own, but better to have that base covered!

• Food bowls depend on a few things: if Fido is particular about their bowl or uses a slow feeder, bring it! If, instead, your pup inhales their meal regardless of what it's in, you may not need to. Check with the person hosting your dog to see if they have extra bowls or need you to bring your own.

• A measuring cup, if you're not pre-portioning their meals. This, similar to the bowls, is something your care provider will probably have on hand, so talk to them before packing it!

• A crate is another item your care provider may have on hand. This will likely be used for safety reasons when your pup is left unsupervised for any small windows of time during the day and/or overnight.

• A blanket! This one also depends on your pup's at-home habits, but like the bed, having something that smells like home typically brings some comfort. This could even be your t-shirt.

• Calming aids, if your pup is particularly anxious, then it's a great idea to talk to your vet beforehand about any recommendations they may have.

• Transportation equipment - if your care provider plans to take your pup on a field trip or in the event of an emergency vet trip, they should have anything you may use when transporting your pup, such as a carrier.

What not to bring:

• A ton of toys. If you've got more than five-ish set aside, consider leaving a few at home. Having too many can make it difficult to transport and keep track of them all, and risks things getting lost.

• Dog clothes, unless necessary for medical or weather reasons. As cute as they are, your dog will most likely not need them while you're away.

• Excessive food, like the huge 40-pound bags or your entire kibble storage bin. Not only are they a pain to transport, but chances are your dog won't be needing all that.

• E-collars! They can be pretty pricey, so that's something you wouldn't want to risk losing. Plus, not everyone is experienced using e-collars. If you feel your pup really needs theirs, chat with your care provider first to be on the same page about it.

And... you're all packed! Please make sure your client profile is completed before drop-off, and you'll be all set for your fur baby's stay. You can look forward to fun and informative reports via our app from your dog care provider, so you can relax, focus on your trip, and let Barking with the Bradley's take care of the rest.