How far ahead should I prepare my dog for boarding?

Begin as soon as you book, especially if you want to arrange a visit or trial stay. Complete required records early, then confirm food, belongings, contact details and written instructions a few days before drop-off.

Should I take my dog’s own bed to boarding kennels?

Ask the facility first, as some accept bedding and others provide their own. If personal bedding is allowed, choose a washable item that is familiar but not valuable, and label it clearly.

What should I tell boarding staff about my dog’s behaviour?

Describe specific triggers, warning signs, handling preferences and responses that usually help. Include any history of escaping, guarding, reactivity, fear or difficulty around dogs, people, food or touch.

Can a boarding facility follow my dog’s medical routine?

Capabilities and policies vary, so discuss your dog’s needs before booking. Give staff your veterinarian’s written instructions and meet the facility’s packaging and documentation requirements without changing those instructions yourself.

What if my return is delayed while my dog is boarding?

Provide a backup contact who can make decisions and collect your dog if necessary. Pack a small reserve of usual food, confirm the facility’s extension process and make sure they can reach you while you are away.

How to prepare your dog for boarding

By The Pet Care Card teamUpdated 14 September 2026 6 min read

Short answer

Prepare your dog for boarding by checking the facility’s requirements, arranging a short trial stay, keeping food and routines familiar, and packing clearly labelled supplies. Give staff one concise care card covering feeding, behaviour, comfort, contacts and veterinary instructions, then make drop-off calm and brief.

The app does not provide medical advice or recommend medications or dosages. It only helps owners organize instructions they provide. Always follow your veterinarian.

A boarding stay changes your dog’s surroundings, carers and daily rhythm all at once. Good preparation gives staff the information they need and keeps as much of your dog’s normal routine as possible.

Start before packing day. Check the facility, practise short separations and create a clear handover that staff can follow without searching through messages.

Check the boarding facility before booking

Ask how dogs are housed, exercised, fed and supervised. Find out whether dogs spend time individually or in groups, and whether you can choose an arrangement suited to your dog.

Confirm the facility’s arrival times, collection times, cancellation terms and requirements for records or identification. Health and vaccination requirements vary, so check them directly with the facility and your veterinary practice.

Tell staff honestly about barking, guarding, escape attempts, fear, reactivity or difficulty around handling. This helps them decide whether they can provide a suitable setup.

Visit the facility or arrange a video tour
Ask where your dog will sleep and exercise
Check how group play is assessed and supervised
Confirm which belongings are permitted
Ask how staff contact owners during a stay
Confirm the process for urgent veterinary care
Check required records and submission deadlines

Arrange a trial before a longer stay

If the facility offers introductory visits, day care or single-night stays, consider using one before a longer booking. A trial lets your dog experience the setting and gives staff a chance to learn their routine.

Use the same arrival process and supplies you plan to use for the main stay. Afterwards, ask how your dog ate, rested, interacted and settled rather than relying only on a general description.

Share anything you learn with staff before the longer booking. For example, your dog may settle better in a quieter sleeping area or need meals offered away from other dogs.

Book the trial well before your travel date
Keep your contact details available during the trial
Ask for specific observations at collection
Update the care card after the trial

Keep food and routine familiar

Sudden changes are easier to avoid when you send your dog’s usual food and write down their normal mealtimes. Confirm portions using the food label or guidance already provided by your veterinarian.

Pack enough food for the booked stay plus a small clearly labelled reserve in case your return is delayed. Divide it into individual meals if the facility requests this, and include the measuring scoop only if staff have agreed to use it.

Describe the parts of the routine that matter most, such as eating in a quiet space, going outside immediately after waking or sleeping with the room dark. Avoid giving staff a minute-by-minute timetable unless each detail is genuinely necessary.

Usual food in sealed, labelled packaging
Written portion for each meal
Normal feeding times
Clear instructions for any permitted treats
Notes about food guarding or slow eating
Instructions for what staff should do if a meal is refused

Create one clear boarding care card

Put the essential information in one document rather than spreading it across emails, messages and labels. Use short instructions that can be understood by any member of staff.

List your dog’s name, photo, identifying features and microchip details if requested. Include your contact information, a backup contact who can make decisions, and your veterinary practice’s details.

Explain behaviour in concrete terms. Instead of saying your dog is nervous, state what triggers them, what signs staff may see and what familiar response usually helps.

Owner and backup contact details
Veterinary practice contact details
Feeding amounts and times
Toilet and sleep routine
Exercise preferences and limits already set for your dog
Handling sensitivities and known triggers
Words or cues your dog recognises
Comfort strategies that staff can safely use
Collection date and authorised collectors

Handle medicines and health instructions safely

Tell the facility about any ongoing health needs before you book, as not every boarding provider can manage them. Ask what paperwork, original packaging or veterinary confirmation the facility requires.

Follow your veterinarian’s written instructions exactly. Do not change, simplify or add instructions for the boarding stay without speaking to your veterinary practice.

Write down what staff should monitor and when they should contact you, your backup person or the veterinary practice. If your dog becomes unwell shortly before boarding, contact the facility and your veterinarian rather than sending them without discussion.

Provide the veterinarian’s current written instructions
Use the packaging and labels required by the facility
Confirm which staff members can follow the instructions
Supply owner, backup and veterinary contact details
Agree how updates and urgent decisions will be handled

Pack only approved, clearly labelled items

Ask for the facility’s packing list because rules differ. Some kennels accept bedding and toys, while others limit personal belongings for safety, cleaning or storage reasons.

Label every accepted item with your surname and your dog’s name. Use sturdy containers and avoid sending anything valuable or difficult to replace.

A familiar-smelling item may help some dogs settle, but only pack one if the facility permits it and your dog does not chew or guard it.

Lead and secure collar or harness
Identification tags with current details
Food and permitted treats
Care card and required records
Approved bedding or comfort item
Any facility-approved grooming supplies
Secure carrier if your dog travels in one

Make drop-off and collection straightforward

Exercise and toilet your dog according to their normal routine before leaving home, unless the facility has given different arrival instructions. Arrive on time so staff can complete the handover without rushing.

Point out important updates, but avoid repeating the entire care card verbally. Keep your goodbye calm and brief, then let staff guide your dog into the facility using their usual process.

At collection, ask about eating, drinking, sleep, toileting, social interaction and any unusual events. Once home, offer a quiet return to the normal routine and follow any specific written advice from the facility or your veterinarian.

Confirm the return date and collection window
Give staff the final care card
Mention changes since the booking or trial
Check that emergency contacts are reachable
Ask what identification is needed at collection
Collect all records, notes and belongings

Frequently asked questions

How far ahead should I prepare my dog for boarding?: Begin as soon as you book, especially if you want to arrange a visit or trial stay. Complete required records early, then confirm food, belongings, contact details and written instructions a few days before drop-off.
Should I take my dog’s own bed to boarding kennels?: Ask the facility first, as some accept bedding and others provide their own. If personal bedding is allowed, choose a washable item that is familiar but not valuable, and label it clearly.
What should I tell boarding staff about my dog’s behaviour?: Describe specific triggers, warning signs, handling preferences and responses that usually help. Include any history of escaping, guarding, reactivity, fear or difficulty around dogs, people, food or touch.
Can a boarding facility follow my dog’s medical routine?: Capabilities and policies vary, so discuss your dog’s needs before booking. Give staff your veterinarian’s written instructions and meet the facility’s packaging and documentation requirements without changing those instructions yourself.
What if my return is delayed while my dog is boarding?: Provide a backup contact who can make decisions and collect your dog if necessary. Pack a small reserve of usual food, confirm the facility’s extension process and make sure they can reach you while you are away.