When it's time for that well-deserved vacation or when commitments take you away from home, pet boarding is a fantastic option for ensuring your beloved furry friends are well cared for in your absence.
However, for your dogs and cats to have a comfortable and stress-free stay, it's crucial to pack the right essentials. In this article, we'll explore the must-have items to pack when preparing your pets for their stay at a pet boarding facility.
What is Pet Boarding?
Pet boarding establishments, also known as pet hotels, provide a secure and closely monitored environment for dogs and cats while their owners are away, whether it’s for the holidays, vacations, business trips, and so on.
Note: Typically, pet boarding establishments provide individual accommodations for the dog or cat, daytime activities, meal service, fresh water, and other add-on services.
Additional Note: Some pet boarding establishments may include meal service (but not meals themselves) in their base rates. In such cases, purchasing the meals separately or packing meals for your fur baby will be needed. It’s always best to ask about meal inclusions prior to booking a stay for your dog or cat.
Essentials Your Pet Needs for Pet Boarding
1. Vaccine Records for Dogs & Cats
Some pet boarding services will require vaccine records, showing that the dog or cat has updated pet vaccinations. This is a standard requirement that prevents the spread of disease and ensures the safety of all pets.
The most common dog vaccines required in pet boarding establishments are the following:
- Rabies vaccine for dogs
- DHPP vaccine
- Bordetella vaccine
Meanwhile, the common cat vaccines required in pet boarding establishments are the following:
- Rabies vaccine for cats
- FVRCP vaccine
- FeLV vaccine
Note: Each pet boarding establishment may have different sets of required vaccines. It is recommended to reach out and ask in advance.
2. Medications & Heartworm Preventives
If your pet requires medication, ensure you provide a sufficient amount of their medication, along with clear instructions. Make sure to pack extra medications that can last for a few days in case of flight delays and other travel nuances.
In addition, it’s very important that all dogs and cats get their regular heartworm preventive medication. Missed heartworm preventives can increase the risk of getting heartworm, a dangerous and common parasite carried by mosquitoes.
Oral heartworm preventives are typically administered on a monthly basis. If your pet needs their heartworm preventives at any point during their pet boarding stay, make sure to pack their heartworm preventive medication, along with instructions on when to administer it.
Note: For dogs, heartworm treatment can be strenuous on their body; meanwhile, there is currently NO drug to treat heartworm in cats. This makes heartworm prevention all the more crucial for both dogs and cats.
3. Collar, Leash, ID Tags, & Microchipping (Checked)
Before drop-off day at the pet boarding facility, make sure your pet wears a collar with updated identification tags and contact information. For dog parents, it’s also advisable to pack a sturdy leash for any walks or outdoor activities during their stay.
Some establishments may also require pet microchipping. Make sure to check in advance. In any case, having your pet microchipped before boarding is a good practice. Pet microchips serve as permanent identification and may also aid in cases when pets run away.
4. Emergency Contact Information
In case of an emergency or any unexpected situation, provide the pet boarding facility with multiple contact numbers where you can be reached. You can also include the contact information of a trusted friend or family member who can act or make decisions on your behalf. For the latter, it would be preferable to choose a trusted contact who also stays near the area, should their presence be required.
5. Pet Food with Feeding Instructions
As mentioned earlier, pet boarding establishments typically include meal service. However, in some establishments, pet food may be required from the pet parent or purchased separately, on top of the boarding rate.
In case you need to pack pet food for your fur baby, make sure to pack enough for their entire stay, along with a little extra for a few days — just in case any travel hiccups or flight delays occur.
6. Special Instructions
Every pet is unique, and it's crucial to communicate any special instructions or preferences your pet may have. These special instructions can include dietary restrictions, specific routines, or behavioral quirks, — these ensure that the pet boarding staff are well-informed to provide the best care possible.
Additional Items to Help Your Dog or Cat Feel Right at Home
7. Familiar Bedding and Blankets
Though most cat and dog boarding facilities will provide bedding, it may be helpful to pack some bedding, cushions, or blankets for your fur baby.
Pets are creatures of habit and find comfort in their scent and the feel of familiar fabrics. Therefore, bringing their own bedding helps make the pet boarding experience feel more like home.
8. Toys
To keep your pet mentally stimulated and comforted during their pet boarding stay, pack their favorite toys and comfort items. This could be their cherished squeaky toy, kicker pillow, or anything else that provides them with comfort and entertainment.
9. Grooming Supplies
In some pet boarding facilities, grooming can be purchased as an additional service, on top of the base boarding rate. These pet boarding facilities would likely have their own grooming supplies.
However, pet parents can still opt to pack along preferred grooming supplies, depending on the needs of their pet.
- Learn more - 5 Best Oatmeal Shampoos for Dogs for Moisturizing [Vet Picks]
- Learn more - 7 Best Cat Shampoos: Moisturizing, Soothing, & More [Vet Approved]
10. Kitty Litter
Most cat boarding facilities provide a litter box and regular litter box cleaning. Some establishments may supply the kitty litter themselves, while others may require pet parents to pack this item along. In any case, it’s always best to clarify this in advance.
For cats that are used to or fussy about a certain type of litter, it would be recommended to pack their preferred kitty litter to help them adjust faster to the pet boarding environment.
Dog Boarding in Chicago, Denver, & Colorado Springs
Looking for dog boarding services in Denver, Colorado Springs, or Chicago? Here are some helpful guides where we talk about our top picks!
- The 8 Best Dog Boarding in Denver, CO
- 5 Top-Rated Dog Boarding in Colorado Springs
- The 9 Best Dog Boarding in Chicago, IL
Cat Boarding in Denver & Chicago
Looking for cat boarding establishments near you? Check out our guides, featuring some of the top-rated cat boarding providers near Denver and Chicago:
Restock Your Pet’s Supplies & Food
Make sure your fur baby has everything they need before going to a dog or cat boarding establishment. You can either go to a pet store or shop online from the SplootRX pet store and pharmacy!
- Learn more - The 10 Best Pet Stores in Denver
- Learn more - The 11 Best Pet Stores in Chicago
- Learn more - 7 Best Pet Stores in Colorado Springs, CO
Final Thoughts on Dog or Cat Boarding
By packing essential items and providing clear instructions about your fur baby, you can ensure your dog or cat has a comfortable pet boarding experience.
As an additional reminder, look through a pet boarding establishment’s recent reviews to get a better grasp of the experience they provide. Also, if you’re booking a pet boarding stay for the holidays, it’s best to do so as soon as possible, as slots can run out.
Sploot Vets: All-in-One Vet Care for Dogs & Cats
If your pet needs updated pet vaccines, vaccine records, microchipping, parasite preventives, or a wellness exam before pet boarding, we’re here to help!
Sploot Veterinary Care is your go-to for all-in-one veterinary care, including primary care, urgent care, and emergency vet services. We offer a Fear Free veterinary experience and unparalleled convenience with our easy online bookings and daily appointment availability.
We are open for extended hours, with numerous conveniently located vet clinics in Chicago, Denver, and Colorado Springs.
