Leaving your pet at a boarding facility for the first time is a surprisingly emotional experience. You’ve triple-checked the drop-off time, you trust the staff, and yet as you pull out of the car park, there’s that uncertainty.
Will they be okay? Did I forget something?
Almost every pet owner feels this on their first boarding drop-off. And a lot of that anxiety comes down to one thing: knowing what to pack.
Bring too much, and you risk overwhelming the staff or losing your pet’s belongings. Bring too little and your pet might be without the food their tummies are used to, or the comfort of something familiar from home.
The sweet spot is striking the right balance of health essentials, a few comforting touches, and all the necessary paperwork. Get that right, and you can actually enjoy your time away knowing your pet is in great hands at Dolittles.
Let’s get into it.
In this article…
The Non-Negotiables: Health & Diet Essentials
When it comes to pet boarding, the health and diet aspects are the foundation of a good stay. Here’s what to bring.
Food (If Your Pet Has a Specialised Diet)
Dolittles provides premium food for all dogs and cats in our care, so for most pets, you won’t need to pack extra nibbles. However, if your pet is on a specialised diet due to allergies, a sensitive stomach, or a vet’s recommendation, it’s best to bring their usual food from home.
Sudden changes in diet are a common cause of upset tummies, and the last thing you want is your pet feeling unwell in an unfamiliar environment.
If you do bring food, a great trick is to pre-portion each meal into individual zip-lock bags, labelled clearly with your pet’s name and whether it’s breakfast or dinner. It takes five minutes at home and makes your pet’s stay much smoother.
Medications and Supplements
If your pet is on any medications or daily supplements, pack them in their original packaging wherever possible. The original label has all the dosing information the staff need, which means less room for error. It’s also worth packing a few extra days’ worth on top of what you’d normally need, just in case your return is delayed by travel hiccups.
Treats
High-value treats are a brilliant way for staff to build trust and rapport with your pet, especially in those first few hours when everything feels a bit new and unfamiliar. You can pack your pet’s favourite treats if you like, but we provide treats at our centres.
A Touch of Home: Comfort & Enrichment
Dogs and cats are creatures of habit, and a few familiar items from home can make a surprisingly big difference in how quickly they settle in.
Familiar Bedding or a Blanket
A piece of bedding from home carries the scent of their familiar environment, which is genuinely calming for both dogs and cats in a new setting. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy — a well-loved blanket works perfectly. Just avoid bringing their absolute favourite bed or most expensive bedding, as items can occasionally get chewed, soiled, or mixed up in the wash.
An Unwashed T-Shirt
This one might sound a little odd, but it’s one of the most effective tricks in the book. Leaving an unwashed t-shirt or pillowcase that smells like you can provide real comfort to a nervous pet. Your scent is deeply reassuring to them, and it’s a simple way to help them feel connected to you while you’re away.
A Toy or Two
A familiar toy can help your pet feel more at home and give them something to engage with during downtime. Stick to durable options and avoid anything that could be a choking hazard.
As with bedding, leave the irreplaceable stuff at home. And we have toys on-site, so you may want to leave yours at home.
The Paperwork: Documentation & Emergency Contacts
Not the most exciting part of packing, but arguably the most important. Having the right information ready before drop-off makes the process smoother and ensures our team can act quickly if anything unexpected comes up.
Up-to-Date Vaccination Records
Reputable boarding facilities require proof of vaccinations before your pet can stay, and Dolittles is no different.
- For dogs, this typically includes the C5 vaccination.
- For cats, an F3 vaccination is generally required.
If you’re unsure whether your pet’s vaccinations are current, call your vet well before your drop-off date to avoid any last-minute stress.
Your Contact Information
Make sure Dolittles has your primary phone number, email address, and a rough idea of your travel itinerary. If you’re going to be somewhere with limited reception, flag that at drop-off so the team knows the best way to reach you.
An Emergency Contact
Provide the details of a trusted friend or family member who can make decisions on your behalf if you’re unreachable. This person should know they’re listed as your emergency contact and be comfortable stepping in if needed.
Your Vet’s Details
Include your regular vet’s name, clinic name, and phone number. If your pet has any known health conditions, it’s worth mentioning those at drop-off as well so the team has the full picture.
What to Leave at Home
Just as important as knowing what to pack is knowing what not to bring. Leaving the following items at home will save you the heartache of lost or damaged belongings and make things safer and simpler for the staff looking after your pet.
Valuable or Irreplaceable Items
Sentimental toys, expensive beds, or anything you’d be genuinely upset to lose should stay at home. Boarding facilities care for multiple pets at once, and even with the best systems in place, items can occasionally get lost in the laundry or chewed by an anxious boarder. It’s just not worth the risk.
Rawhide Chews
Rawhide and similar chews pose a choking risk when pets aren’t being directly supervised, so most boarding facilities won’t allow them. If your dog is a big chewer, check with us about safe alternatives we can offer during the stay.
Bulky or Personalised Bowls
Unless your pet uses a specific slow-feeder bowl for a medical reason, there’s no need to pack their bowls from home. Dolittles provides sanitised stainless steel bowls for all guests, so it’s one less thing to remember and one less thing to lose.
Conclusion
Boarding your pet for the first time is a big deal, and it’s completely normal to feel a little nervous about it. But as you can see, being prepared doesn’t have to be complicated.
Pack their health essentials, tuck in a couple of comfort items from home, and make sure the paperwork is in order — that’s really all it takes.
The team at Dolittles is trained to keep your pet happy, comfortable, and well-cared for from the moment they arrive. Your pet is in good hands, and so are you.
Contact our friendly team today to learn more about our pet boarding options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring food for my pet?
Not necessarily! Dolittles provides premium food for all dogs and cats. You’ll only need to pack food if your pet has a specialised diet due to allergies, a sensitive stomach, or a vet’s recommendation.
What vaccinations does my pet need before boarding?
For dogs, you’ll need proof of Bordetella (kennel cough) and C5 vaccinations. For cats, an F3 vaccination is typically required. If you’re unsure whether your pet’s vaccinations are current, check in with your vet well before your drop-off date.
Can I bring my pet’s favourite toys and bedding?
Absolutely! Just avoid bringing anything valuable or irreplaceable, as items can occasionally get lost or damaged. A well-loved blanket and a durable chew toy are perfect.
What if I’m unreachable during my pet’s stay?
Make sure you provide an emergency contact at drop-off — a trusted friend or family member who’s authorised to make decisions on your behalf if the team at Dolittles can’t get through to you.
Do I need to pack bowls for my pet?
No need! Dolittles provides sanitised stainless steel bowls for all guests. The only exception is if your pet uses a specific slow-feeder bowl for a medical reason.
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