What to Pack for Your Dog’s Boarding Stay

A good boarding stay starts at home, with the bag you pack. The goal isn’t to send everything your dog owns. It’s to send the few things that keep their routine steady and make our job of caring for them simple and accurate.

Here’s the checklist we recommend, plus a short list of things that are better left at home.

1) Food: pre-portioned, labeled, and with clear instructions

Sudden food changes can upset a dog’s stomach, and a new place is already a big change. Sending your dog’s regular food is one of the easiest ways to keep their belly happy.

• Portion each meal ahead of time in zip bags or small containers. It takes guesswork out of every feeding.
• Label everything with your dog’s name, plus “breakfast” or “dinner” if amounts differ.
• Pack a little extra, about two days’ worth, in case your return gets delayed.
• Write down the routine: how much, what time, and any toppers, water added, or quirks like “eats slowly” or “needs a quiet corner.”

2) Medications: original containers, written instructions

If your dog takes any medication or supplement, accuracy matters more than anything else in the bag.

• Keep meds in their original containers with the pharmacy or vet label showing your dog’s name, the drug, and the dose.
• Write out the schedule: what, how much, what time, and whether it goes with food.
• Mention any tricks, like “hide it in a bit of cheese” or “give after breakfast, not before.”
• Send enough for the whole stay, plus a little extra.
• Tell us about recent changes in health, appetite, or behavior, even small ones.

3) A familiar item that smells like home

Dogs experience the world through their noses. Something that smells like you and your house can help a lot during the first night.

• A worn T-shirt or small blanket from your home works well.
• Pick washable items you won’t mind if they get a little drool on them.
• Skip anything precious. Heirloom quilts and favorite sweaters should stay home.

4) Leash, collar, ID, and your contact info

These are easy to forget in the rush of a travel morning, so set them by the door the night before.

• A regular leash (not retractable) for drop-off and pickup.
• A well-fitted collar with ID tags that show a working phone number.
• Your contact details for the trip, including the best number to reach you while you’re away.
• An emergency contact nearby who can make decisions or pick up your dog if your plans change.
• Your vet’s name and phone number.
• Up-to-date vaccine records for Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella, sent in before the stay if possible.

5) What not to bring

Packing light actually helps. Fewer items means less to track, less to lose, and fewer things that can cause trouble.

• Big beds and large crates: Ask us first. We’ll tell you what we already provide.
• Rawhides, bones, and long-lasting chews: These can be choking risks or cause tension between dogs.
• Squeaky or easily shredded toys: Pieces can get swallowed when no one is watching.
• Food bowls you love: Bowls are easy to mix up. If your dog truly needs a special one, label it clearly.
• Anything irreplaceable. We take good care of belongings, but things can still get chewed or worn.

6) Plan drop-off and pickup times

For boarding, drop-off from 9 AM works best. We recommend pickup by 5 PM, and the latest pickup is 7 PM, when our doors close. Staff stay on site overnight with boarders, but the doors are not opened after closing, so plan your travel around those times.

If timing is tight, our Pet Valet can bring your dog to us or take them home. It’s $12 for the first 5 miles, then $3 for each additional mile.

Learn more about dog boarding in Las Vegas, read our FAQ, or contact us if you have a question about your dog’s food, meds, or routine. A little prep goes a long way, and we’re happy to help you get it right.

Next: Holiday Travel? How to Plan Your Dog’s Boarding in Las Vegas