Now that you’ve established plans for your dog’s care while you’re gone, it’s time to pack everything they’ll need. The following materials are required regardless of where you board your pet. Before dropping off your dog at the boarding facility, you must pack the following essentials. Make a list to keep track of everything, so you don’t forget anything.
Identification
Proper identification is vital even if you only keep your dog at home. During boarding time, however, you must verify that your pet’s information is up to date. A collar with an ID tag and a microchip is arguably the most effective method of canine identification.
They should each include your dog’s name, phone number, and potentially even your address. You should almost certainly include emergency contact information as well. Also, visit sites like www.putnamnorthanimalhospital.com to get your pet’s oral health in check before boarding to avoid any future mishaps.
Emergency Contact Details
It’s a good idea to leave emergency contact information for your dog, just like you would for a human child. If you are leaving town, provide the name and phone number of someone in the area who can assist the boarding facility in caring for your dog in an emergency. Your best bet is a friend or family member, as they will most likely get along well with your dog.
In addition to their information, you should include your veterinarian. If something happens while you’re away, your regular veterinarian can access your dog’s health records and use them as a resource. If your general practitioner veterinarian cannot help, he or she can transport your pet from the boarding facility to a nearby emergency clinic.
If you are familiar with the emergency clinics in your area, you should check their website and include them on the kennel’s list. The more information you provide, the more effectively the kennel staff can respond to an emergency.
A Familiar Blanket or T-Shirt
It should be no surprise that our dogs miss us when we are gone. A dog daycare in Oklahoma City, OK, or even a friend’s house can be stressful for our dogs, but leaving them with a familiar object can help them feel more at ease. A worn T-shirt or blanket is always a good choice.
These items contain your scent, your dog’s scent, and the odors of your family members. The familiarity will help relax your dog if he becomes frightened or homesick, and these items are simple to carry into your dog’s backpack. They’re also smooth and physically soothing.
Favorite Snacks and Toys
If your dog stays somewhere other than at home, he will most likely require activities to keep him entertained during the day. Packing sturdy chews is a wonderful way to keep your dog entertained during his visit. Bringing his favorite toys will also encourage him to enjoy his stay and interact with new human and canine friends.
These items may also remind your dog of home and help him maintain a feeling of regularity in his routine. For example, if your dog gets a specific treat at a given time every day, you might request that the boarding facility do the same.
Extra Food
Some boarding facilities supply food, but a sudden nutrition change can harm our pets, especially during stressful moments. Whether your dog is staying with a friend or at an overnight daycare, you should pack his normal food. Furthermore, you should include extra meals if something unexpected disturbs your holiday plans.
Flights are delayed or canceled for various reasons, and stays are extended. If this happens, you must ensure your dog has enough food to endure until you return. The last thing you want is an unexpected extension to aggravate your dog’s upset tummy.
Conclusion
If you want to double-check that you’ve packed everything, your dog will need for their boarding stay, call the boarding facility and speak with a staff member about what they require and what other dog owners typically bring when dropping off their pets for an extended stay.
