The most important things to bring are:

• Your dog's regular food. We recommend bringing the food your dog normally eats rather than switching foods right before or during their stay. Keeping their diet consistent can help prevent stomach upset.

• Any medications your dog takes. Please bring enough medication for the entire stay and make sure we have clear instructions for administering it.

• A small personal item, if you'd like. A familiar item from home can be comforting for some dogs. This could be a small blanket, toy, or other item that smells like home.

That's really it!

We provide the basic necessities your dog needs during their stay, so you don't need to pack your dog's entire toy box or bedroom.

You're welcome to send a small comfort item if you think it will help your dog feel more at home.

However, please understand that personal items can sometimes get chewed, damaged, soiled, or lost. Even a dog who normally treats their favorite blanket like a treasured possession may decide that boarding is the perfect time to redecorate it with their teeth.

For that reason, we recommend choosing something you're comfortable potentially not getting back in perfect condition.

Less is usually better when it comes to boarding.

We recommend leaving expensive, irreplaceable, or sentimental items at home. You don't need to bring your dog's entire collection of toys, multiple beds, food and water bowls, or other belongings.

If your dog has a favorite item that would genuinely help them settle in, we're happy to have it—but please choose something you're willing to risk getting dirty or damaged.

That depends on the dog.

Some dogs love having canine friends and thrive in a group environment. Others prefer more individual attention or need a little more space.

We consider factors such as your dog's temperament, size, play style, energy level, and comfort around other dogs when determining how they spend their time.

Boarding isn't one-size-fits-all. The goal isn't to make every dog participate in the same activities. It's to provide an environment where each dog can be safe and comfortable.

It's not unusual for a dog to have a change in appetite when they're away from home.

Some dogs are excited by the new environment, while others may eat less because they're nervous or simply adjusting to a different routine.

This is one reason we ask you to bring your dog's regular food. Keeping their food consistent gives them one familiar part of their normal routine.

We'll monitor your dog's eating and let you know if we're concerned about their appetite or overall well-being.

No problem. Please bring your dog's medication in its original container whenever possible and provide clear instructions for administration.

Make sure you bring enough medication for the entire stay, including enough for the day of pickup if your dog will need a dose that day.

If your dog has complicated medication needs, please let us know ahead of time so we can make sure we understand the instructions.

We monitor dogs throughout their stay for changes in behavior, appetite, energy level, bathroom habits, and overall health.

Dogs can occasionally develop an illness just like they can at home. If we're concerned about something we're seeing, we'll contact you and discuss the appropriate next steps.

For this reason, it's important that we have current contact information and an emergency contact available during your dog's stay.

If your dog has a medical condition, a history of certain illnesses, or anything else we should know about, please tell us before boarding.

Some dogs walk through the door as if they've been boarding here their entire lives. Others need a little more time to settle in.

That's okay.

A new environment, unfamiliar people, different sounds, and being away from their family can be a lot for some dogs. We give dogs time to adjust and pay attention to their individual behavior rather than expecting every dog to react the same way.

This is also why it's helpful to tell us about your dog's personality. If your dog is shy, anxious, extremely energetic, selective about other dogs, or has quirks that aren't obvious from their paperwork, please tell us!

The more we know, the better we can understand your dog.

This is one of the hardest parts for owners!

We recommend keeping drop-off as calm and matter-of-fact as possible. Long, emotional goodbyes can sometimes make an already-nervous dog more anxious.

Give your dog a happy goodbye, trust the process, and let us take it from there.

And remember: your dog doesn't know that you're going on vacation. They just know that they're somewhere new. Our job is to help them feel comfortable and cared for while you're away.

You don't need to exhaust your dog before boarding.

A normal day and normal exercise routine is perfectly fine. In fact, arriving overly tired can sometimes make a dog more stressed rather than more relaxed.

The best thing you can do is give them a normal day, make sure they've had an opportunity to go potty, and arrive ready for their stay.