A little preparation can make an extended boarding stay easier for you and your pet. Packing familiar food, organizing medications, and sharing clear care instructions helps caregivers keep routines consistent. Comfort items can also help your pet settle into a new environment. Before departure, confirm the facility’s packing rules, feeding schedule, medication process, and preferred labeling method. Use this checklist to gather essentials and note any details the boarding team needs to provide attentive care.
Pack Enough Familiar Food
Bring the food your pet already eats, rather than switching brands or recipes just before the stay. A sudden diet change can upset some pets’ stomachs. Measure the usual amount for each meal, then pack enough for the full booking and a small extra supply in case pickup is delayed. Ask the facility whether it accepts dry food, canned food, refrigerated meals, or specific storage containers.
Label each container with your pet’s name, feeding amount, and any preparation notes. If meals need to be divided into daily portions, use sealed bags or containers and mark the dates or meal times. Include treats only if your pet can have them, and write down limits or ingredients to avoid. Tell staff whether food should be served with water, warmed, or given separately from medication.
Organize Medication Clearly
Keep medication in its original packaging whenever possible so the name, strength, and directions remain available. Confirm the boarding facility’s requirements before packing pills, liquids, supplements, or refrigerated prescriptions. Do not combine different medications in an unlabeled container. Bring enough for the entire stay, plus a reasonable backup supply, and check expiration dates before you leave.
Provide written instructions for every medication: dose, timing, method of administration, and any relevant notes, such as giving it with food. Share the prescribing veterinarian’s contact information and explain what to do if a dose is missed or your pet refuses it. Mention known side effects or changes staff should report. If the medication routine is complicated, review it directly with the caregiver at drop-off.
Choose Comfort Items Wisely
A familiar washable blanket, small bed, or safe toy can carry familiar scents and give your pet something recognizable. Choose items that your pet uses regularly and that can handle cleaning. Ask what the facility allows, especially if your pet chews fabric, guards belongings, or might swallow pieces of a toy. Avoid packing irreplaceable items in case they become soiled, damaged, or misplaced.
Include practical gear your pet needs for daily care, such as a properly fitted collar, leash, harness, or grooming tool, if the facility requests it. Label belongings with your pet’s name. Leave out bulky extras unless staff have asked for them; a focused set of familiar items is easier to store and track. Confirm whether the boarding team supplies bedding, bowls, and toys before adding those to your bag.
Write Down Care Instructions
Prepare a concise care sheet with your pet’s feeding schedule, bathroom routine, exercise needs, sleep habits, and favorite ways to interact. Include behavior cues that help staff understand what is normal, such as fear of loud sounds or discomfort around other animals. Note allergies, dietary restrictions, mobility concerns, and anything that could affect safe handling. Keep the information current and easy to scan.
Add your contact details, an emergency contact, and your veterinarian’s information, along with permission or instructions for seeking veterinary care if needed. Tell the facility about upcoming appointments or changes in your pet’s health. At drop-off, review the most important details and ask how staff will contact you with questions. Clear written guidance helps maintain consistency throughout a longer stay.
Before packing, check the facility’s current rules and confirm how it handles food storage, medication, and personal belongings. A labeled, well-organized bag and clear care sheet give staff useful guidance while keeping your pet’s routine familiar. For help preparing for a longer stay, contact Rochester Pet Retreat to discuss your pet’s needs.