Updated 10 November 2026.

Pack what the provider has agreed to accept and send clear written instructions. Familiar food, correctly labelled medication and reliable emergency contacts usually matter more than a large bag of new toys. Confirm quantities and storage before arrival.

This list follows the advance health and suitability checks in our before-boarding guide. The kennel or home boarder’s own requirements take priority where they affect what can safely be used or stored.

The packing checklist

Ask whether bowls, bedding and leads are supplied. Avoid sending irreplaceable possessions or equipment the provider cannot safely use. Label your dog’s belongings and make a quick list so collection is easier.

Food: remove the guesswork

State the exact food and daily quantity, using weight where practical rather than an undefined scoop. Explain meal times, treats and any permitted extras. If a prescription diet is used, be explicit about what must not be offered.

Agree whether to send individual portions or a larger container and how opened food will be stored. Keep labels and preparation instructions with the food. Do not change the diet immediately before boarding merely because a new product is included in a gift pack.

Tell the provider how your dog normally eats and whether it needs to be separated from other dogs. Note any relevant guarding or handling concern so staff can plan safely.

Medication: keep the prescription clear

Send original packaging with the current veterinary directions. Write down administration times and any instructions about food or storage. Include the name of the prescribing practice and an agreed contact route if a dose is refused or a problem occurs.

Do not decant tablets into an unlabelled bag or ask staff to infer a dose from an old message. Make sure changes since the booking are confirmed with the provider before arrival. For complex care, agree that the appropriate staff will be available at the required times.

Familiar items need a safety check

A familiar blanket may be useful if the provider permits it and your dog does not chew or swallow it. Keep it clean and manageable to wash. A household scent item is optional, not a requirement or a guarantee that a dog will settle.

Check toys for damage and removable parts. Do not send bones, chews or food equipment without agreement, particularly where dogs share spaces or have dietary restrictions. A favourite object should not introduce a new choking or conflict risk.

A one-page care sheet

Use short, practical entries under these headings:

• Dog: name, age, identification and relevant handling information.
• Meals: exact product, portions, times, permitted treats and exclusions.
• Medication: current prescription, timing, storage and problem contact.
• Routine: toileting, exercise, rest and useful familiar cues.
• Behaviour: triggers, escape risks, other-dog needs and what helps.
• Health: conditions, recent changes and veterinary details.
• Contacts: owner during travel, agreed backup and collection authority.

Avoid burying critical information in a long account of the dog’s life. Put a serious allergy, timed medicine or escape risk where staff will see it immediately. Keep a copy yourself.

At drop-off

Allow enough time to check the written instructions and report changes. Confirm what has been handed over and how updates will work. Ask the staff how they prefer to manage the transition; keep it calm without forcing the dog into unwanted interaction.

You do not need to ignore a dog that seeks reassurance. Equally, prolonging a handover while the dog becomes increasingly unsettled may not help. Follow the individual arrangement agreed with people who know the dog’s needs.

At collection

Ask about eating, drinking, toileting, rest and any incidents or treatment. Collect remaining medication, food and belongings and check whether instructions have changed after a veterinary visit. Get a clear explanation of any concern rather than assuming all changes are an inevitable part of boarding.

Contact your vet if the dog is unwell or has worrying symptoms after returning home. Keep the provider informed where illness may affect other dogs. Record what worked well so the next stay can be planned more confidently.

Further guidance: PDSA holiday-care preparation. If you are still choosing care, use our kennel-selection checklist.