Packing for dog boarding should be simple. The aim is to bring what helps your dog stay safe, fed and settled, not to bring half the house.
For a home boarding stay in Heywood or nearby, these are the items worth packing. Our dog boarding preparation guide covers the wider routine and handover.
Food and feeding instructions
Bring enough of your dog's normal food for the full stay, plus a little extra in case travel plans change. Label it clearly and include feeding amounts and times.
If your dog has treats, chews or supplements, say how often they can have them. Do not assume the boarder will know what is normal for your dog.
Lead, collar, harness and ID tag
Bring the walking equipment your dog already knows. A secure collar with an ID tag is important, even if your dog also wears a harness.
Medication and health notes
If your dog needs medication, bring it in the original packaging where possible and write down the dose, timing and any warning signs to watch for.
Also bring or send vaccination details, vet contact details and emergency contact numbers.
Bedding or crate
A familiar bed, blanket or crate can help some dogs settle. If your dog normally sleeps in a crate, tell the boarder how they use it at home.
Comfort items, kept sensible
One or two familiar toys can help, but avoid bringing anything valuable or fragile. Boarding homes can be busy places and toys may get chewed, lost or ignored.
What not to bring
- large bags of unlabelled food
- new treats your dog has never tried
- breakable toys
- anything you would be upset to lose
- unclear medication instructions
Documents and contact details
Send vaccination records, vet details and emergency contact numbers before the stay if possible. It is easier to check these calmly in advance than during drop-off.
If somebody else may collect your dog, share their name and contact details too.
Do not change food for convenience
A boarding stay is not the best time to test a new food. Even a small change can upset some dogs. Bring the food your dog normally eats and enough for the full booking.
Bring equipment that fits properly
A loose collar, worn harness or stiff lead can make walks harder than they need to be. Check equipment before the stay, especially if your dog has grown or changed weight.
Label what matters
Labels help when there is more than one bag, tub or medication packet. Put your dog's name on food, medication and anything that needs to come back home.
Keep the bag simple
A clear, simple bag is easier to manage than lots of loose extras. Put food, medication and key items together, then keep toys and comfort items limited to what your dog actually uses.
Ask before bringing anything unusual
If your dog uses a specialist feeder, muzzle, long line, cooling mat or medical equipment, mention it before the stay. Some items need a quick discussion so they are used safely and in the way your dog already understands.
Before a Buttermere Boarding stay
If you are booking with Buttermere Boarding, send the routine first and ask if you are unsure what to pack. We would rather check before the stay than guess on the day.
