Boarding one pet for the first time is a big enough milestone. Boarding two, three, or a whole household of furry family members? That’s a whole different level.
It’s multiple sets of food, separate medications, and different personalities to consider. There’s also more information to communicate to the staff who’ll be caring for your pets while you’re away.
The good news is that with the right preparation, boarding multiple pets can be just as smooth as boarding one. And for many pets, having a familiar companion nearby actually makes the whole experience better. Let’s walk through everything you need to know.
Should Your Pets Stay Together or Separately?
The first question most multi-pet owners have is whether their pets should share a space or be housed separately. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some things to consider.
The Case for Keeping Pets Together
For pets who are bonded and get along well at home, staying together during boarding can be comforting. A familiar face (or smell) in an unfamiliar environment can reduce anxiety and help both pets settle in more quickly. If your dogs are best mates or your cats curl up together at home, keeping them together is often a great option.
The Case for Separating Pets
Separation is worth considering if:
- Your pets have a history of conflict or tension at home.
- There’s a significant size difference that could lead to accidental injury during play.
- One pet is significantly older, less mobile, or recovering from illness.
- Their energy levels are vastly different, and one pet tends to stress the other out.
When in doubt, have an honest conversation with the team at Dolittle’s. They’re experienced in assessing compatibility and can help you make the right call for your individual pets.
What About Cats and Dogs Together?
If your household includes both cats and dogs, they’ll typically be housed in separate areas of the facility. This is standard practice at most quality boarding centres and nothing to worry about.
Cats and dogs have very different needs and comfort levels. Keeping them in species-appropriate spaces is in their best interest.
Packing for Multiple Pets
Packing for multiple pets requires a bit more organisation than packing for one. The golden rule? Label absolutely everything.
Individual Labelling
Every item you bring (food bags, medication, bedding, toys) should be clearly labelled with your pet’s name. This significantly reduces the chance of any mix-ups.
Separate Food Portions
Please note that Dolittles provides premium food for your pets. But if your pet has a specialised diet or a sensitive stomach, we recommend packing their normal food.
Even if your pets eat the same food, pack and label their meals individually. Here’s why it matters:
- Portion sizes often differ between pets, especially if there’s a size difference.
- Feeding schedules may vary, particularly for senior pets or those with health conditions.
- Individual labelling helps staff identify exactly what each pet needs at each mealtime.
Pre-portioning meals into individual zip-lock bags labelled with your pet’s name and the meal time (breakfast or dinner) is the most foolproof approach.
Medications and Supplements
If any of your pets are on medications or daily supplements, clear organisation is essential. Follow these steps to make things as straightforward as possible:
- Pack each pet’s medications separately, ideally in a clearly labelled zip-lock bag or small container.
- Include the original packaging wherever possible, so dosing instructions are easy to find.
- Write a simple summary note for each pet outlining what they take, how much, and when.
- Pack a few extra days’ worth of each medication in case your return is delayed.
Comfort Items
It’s tempting to assume your pets will share their comfort items, but it’s worth bringing something familiar for each pet individually. A well-loved blanket or a favourite toy can make a real difference to how quickly a pet settles in. Just avoid bringing anything valuable or irreplaceable, as items can occasionally get lost or damaged during a stay.
Communicating Each Pet’s Individual Needs
This is one of the most important steps in the whole process, and it’s one that’s easy to overlook when you’re busy juggling the logistics of boarding multiple pets at once.
Different Personalities, Different Needs
Even pets who live happily together can have very different personalities and comfort levels in a new environment. When you drop off at Dolittle’s, take a moment to share:
- Which pets are confident and social, and which tend to be shy or anxious
- Any known triggers, such as loud noises, other dogs, or being handled by strangers
- How each pet typically responds to new environments — do they settle quickly, or do they need a little more time and reassurance?
The more the team knows upfront, the better they can tailor their approach to each pet.
Health and Dietary Differences
If your pets have different dietary requirements or feeding schedules, spell it out clearly at drop-off. Even if you’ve written it on the food bags, it’s worth verbally confirming:
- Each pet’s portion size and feeding schedule
- Any food allergies or sensitivities
- Whether any pets are prone to resource guarding around food
Behavioural Notes
Don’t be shy about sharing behavioural information. The team at Dolittles isn’t here to judge. We’re here to make sure every pet in their care is safe and comfortable.
Useful things to mention include:
- Any history of anxiety or stress-related behaviours
- Whether a pet is food aggressive or toy possessive
- How each pet typically behaves around unfamiliar dogs or cats
- Any specific settling techniques that work well at home
Managing the Drop-Off
Drop-off day can feel a little chaotic when you’re wrangling multiple pets at once. A little preparation goes a long way.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Drop-Off
- Bring a second person if you can. Managing multiple leads, carriers, and a bag full of pet supplies on your own is tricky. An extra pair of hands makes everything easier.
- Keep goodbyes calm and low-key. Pets pick up on their owner’s emotions quickly, and an emotional farewell can heighten anxiety for everyone involved.
- Allow a little extra time. Dropping off multiple pets takes longer than dropping off one. Give yourself enough time to hand over food, medications, and any important notes without feeling rushed.
- Have your paperwork ready. Bring vaccination records for all pets and make sure your contact details and emergency contact information are up to date.
Watching for Stress Signals
One thing that catches many multi-pet owners off guard is how pets can feed off each other’s anxiety. If one pet is nervous at drop-off, it can quickly affect the others.
Some signs to watch for include:
- Excessive panting or pacing
- Whining or vocalising more than usual
- Flattened ears or tucked tails
- Refusing to move or pulling back on the lead
If you notice any of these, let the staff know so they can keep a close eye on that pet during the settling-in period.
What to Expect After Drop-Off
It’s completely normal for pets to take a little time to adjust to a new environment. Here’s what typically happens:
- Most pets settle within the first few hours once they’ve had a chance to explore and interact with staff.
- Bonded pets who are housed together often settle more quickly than those staying separately.
- The team at Dolittles will monitor each pet individually and reach out if there are any concerns.
Conclusion
Boarding multiple pets for the first time doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a bit of extra organisation (clear labelling, individually packed food and medications, and open communication with the boarding team), the whole process can be surprisingly straightforward.
The team at Dolittles is experienced in caring for multi-pet households and understands that every pet is an individual, regardless of how many furry family members you’re dropping off. Each pet will be treated with the same level of attentive, personalised care from day one.
If you’re planning an upcoming stay for multiple pets, we’d love to hear from you ahead of time.
Get in touch with our team to talk through your pets’ individual needs. Make sure you book early, as spots fill up fast, especially over school holidays and long weekends.
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