A little preparation can make your puppy’s first boarding stay easier for both of you. Pack enough of the food your puppy already eats, provide precise medication directions, and choose familiar items that are safe to bring. Before drop-off, share practical details about your puppy’s routine, behavior, and health. Clear information helps caregivers keep daily care consistent and recognize when something seems out of the ordinary.
Pack Food and Feeding Details
Bring your puppy’s regular food rather than switching brands or recipes for the stay. Pack enough for every scheduled meal, plus a small extra portion in case pickup is delayed. Use a sealed container or the original packaging, and label it with your puppy’s name. If you provide treats, pack only familiar options and explain when your puppy can have them.
Write down the amount of food for each meal, feeding times, and any preparation steps, such as adding water. Note food sensitivities and ingredients your puppy should avoid. If your puppy eats from a slow feeder or another special bowl, ask whether the facility can use it. Consistent portions and familiar feeding habits can help caregivers follow your routine.
Give Clear Medication Instructions
Send medications in their original labeled containers whenever possible. Provide written instructions that state the medication name, dose, timing, and how it should be given. Include any relevant directions, such as whether it must be taken with food. Do not rely on a verbal handoff alone; written details give caregivers a reference throughout the stay.
Tell the boarding team why your puppy takes the medication and what to do if a dose is missed or your puppy refuses it. Include your veterinarian’s contact information and any known medication reactions. Confirm in advance that the facility can handle the medication schedule. Keep instructions current, and avoid packing supplements or over-the-counter products without explaining their use.
Choose Familiar, Safe Comfort Items
A familiar blanket or washable item with a home scent may help your puppy settle in. Choose something you can afford to have soiled, chewed, or misplaced. Label belongings clearly, and check with the facility about its rules before packing bedding, toys, or personal items. Avoid anything with loose parts, strings, or pieces your puppy could swallow.
A favorite sturdy toy can offer a recognizable activity, but it should be appropriate for supervised use and in good condition. Skip new toys, rawhide, or items your puppy has not used safely before. If your puppy relies on a crate or particular sleep routine, describe that routine and ask whether the facility can accommodate it.
Share the Details Caregivers Need
Provide your puppy’s age, feeding and bathroom routine, sleep habits, and usual activity level. Explain how your puppy signals that they need to go outside and whether they are still working on house training. Share known fears, triggers, handling preferences, and how your puppy responds to unfamiliar dogs or people. Specific notes are more useful than general descriptions such as “shy” or “energetic.”
Make sure caregivers have current vaccination and health information, emergency contact details, and your veterinarian’s name and phone number. Mention recent symptoms, injuries, or changes in appetite or behavior before drop-off. Tell the team about pickup plans and who is authorized to collect your puppy. Ask what supplies the facility provides so you can pack only what is needed.
Before leaving, review the food portions, medication schedule, contact information, and care notes with the boarding team. Label each item and keep instructions together so caregivers can check them easily. A clear handoff helps your puppy’s first stay follow familiar routines. Contact Buffalo Puppy Care ahead of drop-off to confirm its packing requirements and discuss your puppy’s individual needs.