Packing for boarding is easier when you focus on what your dog needs to eat, feel settled, and follow their usual care routine. Small dogs may be especially particular about food, bedding, or handling, so clear labels and instructions help prevent mix-ups. Use this checklist to gather essentials before drop-off, then confirm with the boarding provider what they supply and what you should bring. A little preparation can make the stay smoother for both of you.
Pack Enough Food
Bring your dog’s regular food rather than switching brands or recipes just before boarding. A sudden change can upset their stomach, and a new setting may already affect their appetite. Measure portions in advance if possible, or write down the amount and feeding schedule. Pack enough for the full stay, plus a small extra supply in case pickup is delayed.
Use a sealed container or individual bags labeled with your dog’s name and meal details. Include treats only if your dog already eats them, and note any limits or ingredients to avoid. Tell the caregiver whether food needs soaking, warming, or another preparation. If your dog eats a prescription diet, provide the food and explain how it fits into the daily routine.
Bring Familiar Comforts
A familiar blanket, small bed, or washable toy can give your dog a recognizable scent and a comfortable place to rest. Choose items your dog uses regularly, not a treasured object you would be distressed to lose or have cleaned. Check with the boarding provider first about space, laundry, and which belongings are safe to bring.
For a small dog, pack items that fit the assigned sleeping area and are easy to identify. Label belongings with your dog’s name, and avoid bringing several toys that could be misplaced. If your dog relies on a crate or a specific harness for safe handling, ask whether to bring it and explain how your dog responds to it.
Organize Medications Clearly
Bring medication in its original packaging when available, with the prescription label intact. Provide enough for every scheduled dose and a little extra if the stay could run longer. Do not combine pills into an unlabeled container. Include any measuring device needed for liquid medicine, and check that the caregiver is comfortable administering each medication.
Write down the medication name, dose, timing, and method of administration. Note whether it should be given with food, what to do if a dose is missed, and any side effects or handling concerns you have observed. Share your veterinarian’s contact information and any relevant medical history, such as allergies or recent procedures.
Write Specific Care Instructions
Give the caregiver a concise daily routine: meal times, bathroom habits, sleep preferences, exercise needs, and commands your dog knows. Mention fears or triggers, including sensitivity to noise, unfamiliar dogs, stairs, or being picked up. Small dogs can have specific handling needs, so describe how to lift and support your dog safely if they are accustomed to being carried.
Include your contact details, an emergency contact, your veterinarian’s information, and instructions for reaching you during the stay. Tell the boarding provider about recent changes in behavior, appetite, or health. Before drop-off, review the packing list together and confirm which supplies are provided, how updates are handled, and what to do if your return plans change.
A well-labeled food supply, a few familiar comforts, correctly organized medication, and clear written instructions give your dog’s caregiver the information needed to follow their routine. Confirm any facility-specific requirements before packing, and keep your own copy of important care details. Contact Sarasota Small Dog Stay to ask what to bring for your dog’s stay.