Pet Boarding Prep Checklist
Pick your pet, fill in the dates, and get a complete printable checklist. Covers vaccines, food, meds, comfort items, and emergency info so your pet gets the best care while you are away.
Trip Details
Quick Summary
- Pet
- Biscuit (Dog)
- Dates
- Not set
- Duration
- —
- Facility
- Happy Paws Boarding
- Progress
- 0 of 0 items
First time boarding?
Most facilities require proof of rabies, distemper, and bordetella (for dogs) or FVRCP (for cats) at minimum. Call yours a week before to confirm which vaccines they need and whether they want records emailed ahead of time.
Your Checklist
Good to Know Before You Go
Vaccine Timing Matters
Some vaccines need 7 to 14 days to become effective. If your pet is due for a booster, schedule it at least two weeks before boarding. A same-day vaccine may not protect them yet, and some facilities will turn pets away.
Food Amounts Prevent Problems
Write down the exact cup or gram amount per meal. "One scoop" means different things to different people. Include brand name and flavor. Sudden food changes cause stomach upset, so keep it consistent.
Medication Details Staff Actually Need
Include the drug name, dose (with units), how often, and whether it goes with food. If your pet hides pills in cheese, say so. Note any side effects to watch for. Original labeled bottles remove all guesswork.
Comfort Items That Help
A worn t-shirt that smells like home can calm a stressed dog or cat. Familiar toys, a favorite blanket, or a piece of your clothing works too. Avoid anything small enough to swallow or valuable enough to lose.
Behavior Notes Save Everyone Stress
Mention if your pet is scared of loud noises, does not like other animals near their food, or has a history of escaping. Staff can give extra attention when they know what to expect.
Common Mistakes People Make
- Forgetting to pre-pay or confirm the reservation
- Not labeling food bags with pet name and feeding amounts
- Skipping the trial day for anxious pets
- Assuming the facility will call the vet without written permission
- Bringing too many items and creating confusion
Questions People Often Ask
What if my pet needs medication while boarding?
The medications section lets you record drug name, dosage, frequency, and timing. Print the facility sheet so staff see it first. Always bring meds in original labeled containers. Most facilities charge a small fee for administering medication.
Can I reload my checklist next trip?
Yes. Everything saves to your browser automatically. When you return, your last checklist loads. Use the Copy Share Link button to save a URL with all details encoded, or export as JSON for your records.
Should I do a trial stay first?
For first-timers or nervous pets, a half-day or overnight trial helps them adjust. It also lets you see how the facility handles feeding, medication, and check-in. Many places offer this at a reduced rate.
What if my pet has a special diet or allergy?
Write the allergy clearly on the facility sheet and on the food container. Include what happens if they eat the wrong food (vomiting, rash, etc.). Some facilities keep a separate prep area for allergy pets, but only if they know in advance.
Do I need to bring my own food and water bowls?
Most facilities provide bowls, but bringing your own reduces cross-contamination risk and gives your pet a familiar item. Label everything with your pet name using a permanent marker or masking tape.
Assumptions and Limits
This checklist covers common boarding situations for dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds. Exotic pets, pets with complex medical needs, or facilities with unusual policies may require extra steps. Always call your specific facility to confirm their requirements. This tool stores data only in your browser. Nothing is sent to a server.
Version 1.0 — Last updated 2026