Preparing your small dog for overnight boarding
How to get a small dog ready for a home-based overnight stay, what to pack, and what the first night usually looks like.
Home-based boarding is different
Your dog is not going to a kennel. They are staying in a home, with a small pack they have already met. That changes what you pack and how you prepare.
Before the stay
The meet-and-greet comes first, always. Your dog has to have met me and Sofie, and vaccinations need to be current. If those two things are done, the rest is easy. Book the meet-and-greet if you have not yet.
What to pack
- Their usual food, measured out for the stay. A sudden food change is the most common reason a dog has an off night.
- Any medication, clearly labelled with the schedule.
- A familiar blanket or small bed, or a worn t-shirt that smells like you. Scent matters more than toys.
- Vaccination records if I do not have them on file.
Keep it simple. A bag that smells like home does more than a bag full of new things.
The first day
Keep drop-off calm and short. A long, anxious goodbye makes the dog anxious. A quick hand-off and a normal tone tells your dog this is routine, and they settle faster.
What I watch
During the stay I am watching appetite, energy, and comfort. Daily playtime and safety monitoring are built into the day, not extras. If anything seems off, you hear from me. See overnight boarding.