So you’ve booked the trip. You’ve found a great place for your pup to stay. Now comes the part that trips up a lot of dog parents—figuring out what actually needs to go in that bag.
Pack too little and your dog might not have what they need to feel comfortable. Pack too much and you’re hauling half your house to the boarding facility for dogs. There’s a sweet spot in there somewhere, and finding it makes the whole experience smoother for everyone.
Whether you’re preparing for dog overnight boarding for the first time or you’re a seasoned traveler just looking for a refresher, this checklist covers everything your four-legged family member needs for a stress-free stay.
Why What You Pack Actually Matters
Here’s something that might surprise you. The items you send with your dog can significantly impact how quickly they settle into a new environment. Dogs rely heavily on scent and familiarity to feel secure. When they’re surrounded by strange smells and unfamiliar sounds at a boarding facility for dogs, having something from home creates an anchor point—a little piece of their normal world in an otherwise new situation.
The American Kennel Club notes that familiar objects help reduce anxiety behaviors in dogs experiencing environmental changes. That ratty blanket your dog insists on sleeping with? It’s not just a blanket anymore. It’s a comfort object doing real emotional work.
So yes, packing thoughtfully genuinely matters. Let’s break down exactly what should make the list.
Read More About: What Happens During a Dog’s First Day at Doggy Daycare?
The Essentials: Don’t Leave Home Without These
Some items are non-negotiable. Every dog boarding service in Traverse City will expect you to provide certain basics, and showing up without them creates headaches for everyone.
Food and feeding supplies top the list. Bring your dog’s regular food—enough for the entire stay, plus at least one extra day’s worth in case your return gets delayed. Sudden diet changes combined with the stress of a new environment often lead to digestive upset, so this isn’t the time to switch brands or try something new.
Include clear written instructions about portion sizes and the feeding schedules. If your dog eats twice daily at 7 am and 6 pm, write that down. Don’t assume the staff will guess correctly.
Medications require extra attention. Bring the exact amount needed plus a small buffer, all in original containers with legible labels. Write out dosing instructions separately, too—what medication, what dose, what time, and whether it is given with food or without. The clearer you are, the less room for error.
Vaccination records are required by virtually every dog sitting service. Most facilities need proof of current rabies, distemper, and bordetella vaccines at a minimum. Call ahead to confirm exactly what’s needed and bring copies—don’t assume they have your records from a previous visit.
| Questions about what to bring? We’ll walk you through everything your pup needs for a comfortable, stress-free stay. |
Comfort Items That Make a Real Difference
Beyond the basics, comfort items help transform an unfamiliar place into somewhere your dog can actually relax.
Bedding from home works wonders. Whether it’s their actual dog bed, a favorite blanket, or an old towel they’ve claimed as theirs, that familiar scent provides genuine comfort. Some home boarding for dogs providers encourage bringing bedding specifically because they understand how much it helps.
A piece of your clothing might sound odd, but dogs find their owner’s scent incredibly reassuring. An unwashed t-shirt you’ve worn recently gives your pup something that smells like you during your absence. Tuck it in with their bedding.
One or two favorite toys round out the comfort category. Emphasis on “one or two”—you don’t need to pack every toy they own. Choose items they genuinely love and that won’t pose choking hazards. If your dog has a specific toy they sleep with or carry around the house, that’s the one to bring.
Quick note: some facilities have restrictions on certain items for safety or sanitation reasons. Check their policies before packing anything unusual.
Documentation and Contact Information
The paperwork side of dog care when traveling matters more than people often realize. Putting together a simple information packet ensures nothing gets lost in communication and maximizes your dog’s comfort during boarding.
Include:
- Your contact information (cell phone that you’ll actually answer while traveling)
- An emergency backup contact who can make decisions if you’re unreachable
- Your veterinarian’s name, phone number, and address
- Any relevant medical history or conditions
- Behavioral notes—fears, triggers, quirks that might matter
Write down your dog’s daily routine too. When do they usually wake up? When do they expect meals? Do they get a walk right after breakfast? Are they used to a certain bedtime? The closer a boarding facility can mirror their normal schedule, the faster they’ll settle in.
Special Considerations for Anxious or Special Needs Dogs
If your dog falls into the anxious category—or has health conditions requiring extra attention—your packing list expands a bit.
For anxious dogs, consider including:
- A recently worn piece of your clothing (that scent really does help)
- Their crate if they’re crate-trained and find it comforting
- Any calming aids your vet has recommended
- Detailed notes about what triggers anxiety and what helps calm them
For dogs with health conditions, bring:
- All medications with extremely clear instructions
- Any special dietary requirements or supplements
- Medical records including recent test results if relevant
- Emergency vet authorization in writing
| Have a pup who needs extra TLC? TC Tails specializes in anxious and special needs dogs; discuss your dog’s unique care. |
Many in home Dog sitting providers specialize in dogs who need a little extra care. Being upfront about your dog’s needs helps them prepare properly.
A Quick-Reference Packing Checklist
For easy reference, here’s everything consolidated into one list. Whether you’re dropping your pup off at a traditional facility or opting for home boarding for dogs, these essentials remain the same:
Must-Have Items:
- Regular food (enough for stay + 1 extra day)
- Medications in original containers
- Written feeding and medication instructions
- Vaccination records
- Your contact information and emergency backup
- Vet contact information
Comfort Items:
- Familiar blanket or bedding
- Unwashed item with your scent
- 1-2 favorite toys
- Their regular collar with ID tags
Documentation:
- Daily routine notes
- Behavioral information
- Medical history if relevant
- Emergency authorization
Communicating with Your Boarding Provider
Once you’ve packed everything, take a few minutes during drop-off to walk through the important details with staff. Don’t just hand over the bag and run—even if you’re rushing to catch a flight.
Point out the medications and explain the schedule. Mention any behavioral quirks. Let them know if your dog tends to be shy at first or if they warm up quickly to new people. The more context you provide, the better care your dog receives.
Good dog boarding services in Traverse City want this information. They’re not bothered by detailed dog parents—they appreciate them.
Conclusion: Packing Smart Means Peace of Mind
At the end of the day, preparing for your dog’s boarding stay comes down to thinking ahead and packing with purpose. The right combination of essentials, comfort items, and clear documentation sets your pup up for success—and gives you the peace of mind to actually enjoy your time away.
For over 20 years, TC Tails has been the go-to choice for dog boarding and dog sitting in Traverse City, Michigan. We’re not your typical kennel—we’re a real home where dogs of all sizes and temperaments get to roam a spacious fenced yard, enjoy round-the-clock companionship, and receive the kind of individualized attention that makes tails wag.
What sets us apart? We’re first-aid and CPR certified, yes—but more importantly, we genuinely love doing this. Every dog who stays with us becomes part of our daily routine, not just another guest on a list. Whether your pup is a nervous first-timer or a seasoned boarding pro, they’ll find comfort, safety, and plenty of belly rubs here.
Looking for a place where your dog feels at home while you’re away? Reach out to TC Tails and let’s set up a meet and greet—we’d love to meet your furry family member.
FAQs
What food should I pack for my dog’s boarding stay?
Bring your dog’s regular food in the exact amount they’ll need for the entire stay, plus one extra day’s worth as a buffer. Include written instructions about portion sizes and feeding times. Avoid introducing new foods or treats that might upset their stomach during an already transitional time.
Should I bring my dog’s bed to the boarding facility?
Yes, if the facility allows it. Familiar bedding carries your home’s scent and helps dogs feel more secure in new environments. Check with your chosen dog boarding provider about their policy on personal bedding items before packing.
How do I pack medications for my dog’s boarding stay?
Keep medications in their original labeled containers. Write out clear dosing instructions separately, including the medication name, dosage amount, administration time, and whether it should be given with food. Bring slightly more than needed in case of travel delays.
What comfort items help anxious dogs during boarding?
An unwashed piece of your clothing provides familiar scent comfort. Their favorite blanket or bed, a beloved toy, and any vet-recommended calming aids all help. For home boarding situations specifically, these familiar items help anxious dogs settle faster in the residential environment.
What items should I avoid packing for dog boarding?
Leave behind expensive or irreplaceable items, toys with small parts that pose choking hazards, excessive quantities of anything, and food your dog has never tried before. Keep the packing simple and focused on genuine necessities and comfort items.
