What to Pack for Dog Boarding: The Complete Checklist (And What to Leave Home)

You've found a great boarding host. The meet-and-greet went well. Now you're standing in front of your dog's stuff, wondering: what actually needs to go in the bag?

If you Google "what to pack for dog boarding," you'll find the same generic list everywhere: food, medication, vaccination records. That's table stakes. Every pet parent knows to bring those things.

What nobody tells you is what actually matters for your dog's emotional experience. The items that help them settle faster. The things that seem helpful but create problems. The details that separate "surviving boarding" from "thriving at boarding."

This isn't just a packing list. It's a guide to setting your dog up for the best possible stay—and avoiding the mistakes that make boarding harder than it needs to be.

The Two Categories of Packing

Think of boarding items in two buckets:

Category	Purpose	Priority
Logistics	Keep your dog fed, healthy, legal	Required
Comfort	Help your dog feel secure	Strategic

Most pet parents nail logistics but overthink comfort items. The result? Overpacked bags, confused hosts, and dogs who still feel unsettled because the right comfort items weren't included.

Let's fix that.

The Required Items (Non-Negotiable)

These items are essential for any boarding stay. Your host needs them to care for your dog properly and legally.

Food: Bring More Than You Think

What to Pack	Why It Matters
Their regular food	Prevents digestive upset from diet changes
Enough for full stay + 2 extra days	Buffer for travel delays or extended stays
Pre-portioned bags (optional but helpful)	Reduces measurement errors, especially helpful if your dog has specific portion needs

Pro tip: Stick to their normal food. Boarding is not the time to try that new salmon-and-sweet-potato kibble you've been eyeing. Dogs' digestive systems are sensitive to change, and stress can compound the problem. Diarrhea at boarding is no fun for anyone.

The pre-portioning trick experienced hosts love: Measure each meal into individual ziplock bags labeled "Day 1 AM," "Day 1 PM," etc. This eliminates guesswork for your host and ensures your dog gets exactly what they need—especially critical for dogs on weight management or with sensitive stomachs.

If your dog eats wet food mixed with kibble, bring both. If they need food toppers like Stella & Chewy's freeze-dried meal mixers or bone broth, include those too. The goal is replicating their normal meals as closely as possible.

Medications: Original Bottles Required

What to Pack	Why It Matters
Medications in original pharmacy bottles	Legal requirement in many states; clear dosing info
Written dosing instructions	Backup for bottle labels; clarifies timing
Vet's contact information	For questions or emergencies
Pill administration aids	Pill Pockets, Greenies Pill Pockets, or cheese—whatever works for your dog

Critical detail: If your dog takes compounded medications, ensure the label clearly shows dosing instructions. Handwritten notes on bottles aren't sufficient for controlled substances. When in doubt, ask your vet for a printed medication summary you can include.

Timing matters for certain medications:

• Trazodone (event-based anxiety): Give 2-3 hours before stressful events for peak effect
• Gabapentin (pain/anxiety): Takes 1-2 hours to reach effectiveness
• Apoquel (allergies): Best given with food to prevent stomach upset
• Insulin (diabetic dogs): Include exact timing relative to meals—this is non-negotiable

Write these timing instructions down. Your host isn't a mind reader, and "give with dinner" isn't specific enough for medications that require precision.

For dogs on supplements like Cosequin (joint health), Dasuquin (advanced joint support), or Purina FortiFlora (probiotics), include those too. Consistency matters, especially for older dogs whose routines shouldn't change.

Vaccination Records

Most hosts require proof of current vaccinations:

• Rabies (required by law everywhere)
• DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
• Bordetella (kennel cough) — must be current, typically valid for 6-12 months
• Canine Influenza (H3N2/H3N8) — increasingly required, especially in Chicago after several outbreaks

Chicago note: After the 2015 and 2018 canine influenza outbreaks that sickened thousands of dogs, most Chicago-area boarding hosts and facilities require the canine flu vaccine. If your dog isn't current, schedule this 2+ weeks before boarding to ensure full immunity.

Bring paper copies or have digital records accessible. Don't assume your host can contact your vet—have the proof ready.

Emergency Information (Written, Not Verbal)

Prepare a simple info sheet with:

• Your phone number and email
• Backup contact (someone local who can make decisions if you're unreachable)
• Veterinarian name, address, and phone
• Emergency vet clinic preference (if different from regular vet)
• Authorization statement: "I authorize [host name] to seek emergency veterinary care for [dog's name] if I cannot be reached. I will be responsible for associated costs."

That last part is crucial. If your dog needs emergency care and you're on a plane with no cell service, your host needs legal authorization to act. Without it, they may face delays getting your dog the help they need.

The Comfort Items (Strategic, Not Exhaustive)

Here's where most pet parents go wrong. They pack half the house because they want their dog to feel at home.

The truth: More stuff doesn't equal more comfort. A few intentional items work better than a mountain of familiar objects.

One Scent Anchor (Not Five)

Dogs navigate the world through smell. A single item that carries your concentrated scent can significantly reduce anxiety in an unfamiliar place.

Best options:

• A worn t-shirt you've slept in (not freshly laundered)
• A small blanket from your bed or couch
• Your dog's usual bed cover (the removable liner, not the whole bed)

Worst options:

• Multiple items (dilutes the scent and creates clutter)
• Freshly washed anything (no scent = no comfort)
• Large beds that don't fit the boarding space
• Items you'd be devastated to lose (accidents happen)

The scent-swap protocol: Sleep in the t-shirt for 2-3 nights before boarding (not just one night). The more concentrated your scent, the more effective the anchor. Pack it last—in a sealed ziplock bag—so it doesn't pick up other smells in transit.

One t-shirt stuffed in their crate or sleeping area does more than five clean toys from home.

Their Familiar Leash and Collar

Item	Recommendation
Collar	Their everyday collar with current ID tags
Leash	Their regular leash (not your fancy leather one)
Harness	If they walk better in one

Why this matters: Dogs recognize their own gear. Putting on their leash feels different than being walked on the host's equipment. It signals "this is my walk," not "I'm borrowing someone else's life."

ID tag check: Before boarding, verify your ID tags have your current phone number. Also confirm your dog is microchipped and the registration is up to date with your current contact info. If they somehow got loose (extremely rare with good hosts, but possible), you want every path leading back to you.

2-3 Familiar Toys (Maximum)

Not their whole toy collection. Two to three favorites that:

• They actively play with (not toys that just sit in a basket)
• Aren't high-value "resource guarding" triggers
• Can survive other dogs' curiosity if your host cares for multiple pets

Skip:

• Squeaky toys that could annoy the host (or their family) at night
• Plush toys your dog destroys (choking hazards when you're not there to supervise)
• Anything irreplaceable

Good choices: A Kong they love, a Nylabone or Benebone, or a familiar ball. Items that provide comfort without creating chaos.

What NOT to Pack

This list is as important as what to bring. These items seem helpful but often cause problems.

Expensive or Irreplaceable Items

That heirloom blanket from your grandmother? Leave it home. Boarding hosts do their best, but dogs are dogs. Things get chewed, dragged outside, peed on. Pack items you're okay losing.

New Food or Treats

Boarding is not the time to introduce that new organic treat subscription or "superfood" topper. Stick to familiar foods that you know agree with your dog's stomach. Novel foods + stress = digestive disaster.

Too Many Toys

More isn't better. Three toys maximum. A mountain of toys overwhelms the space and can trigger resource guarding in multi-dog environments.

Full-Sized Beds

Unless your host specifically asks, skip the giant dog bed. Most boarding hosts have comfortable sleeping arrangements already. Your dog's bed takes up space and may not fit the setup. A blanket or bed liner with your scent works better.

Anxiety-Inducing Items

Some items seem comforting but actually amp up anxiety:

• Separation anxiety triggers: If a particular toy only comes out when you leave (like a stuffed Kong given only at departure), it may have become a stress signal rather than comfort
• Crates your dog associates with punishment: If the crate is complicated, leave it. If your dog loves their crate, discuss with your host whether bringing it makes sense

Aggressive Chew Items for Unsupervised Time

Items like bully sticks, beef tracheas, or antlers can be choking hazards without supervision. Your boarding host is caring for your dog, but they may not be able to watch every chew session the way you do at home. Leave aggressive chews behind unless your host explicitly says they can supervise.

The "Information Pack" Your Host Actually Wants

Beyond physical items, prepare clear written information. Hosts appreciate pet parents who communicate proactively—it helps them provide better care.

Daily Routine Details

Information	Why It Helps
Feeding times and portions	Maintains schedule, prevents over/underfeeding
Walk schedule	Morning dog? Evening stroller? Host can accommodate
Bathroom signals	"She paws at the door" or "He stares at you intensely"
Bedtime routine	Crate at 10pm? Sleeps on couch? Host can replicate
Known fears	Thunderstorms? Vacuums? Doorbells?

Behavioral Honesty

Be honest about quirks. Hiding behavior problems doesn't help anyone—especially your dog.

Share This	Because
Resource guarding tendencies	Host can manage food/toy scenarios safely
Leash reactivity	Host knows to create distance from other dogs
Separation anxiety signs	Host knows what to watch for and can provide comfort
House training status	Puppy still learning? Host can offer more outdoor breaks
Dog-selectivity	Host can manage introductions if they have other pets

Good hosts appreciate honesty. It doesn't make your dog "difficult"—it makes them well-understood.

Chicago-Specific Packing Considerations

Living in Chicago adds logistics that suburban pet parents don't think about.

High-Rise Dwellers

If you live in a high-rise (common in River North, Streeterville, the Loop, South Loop), add these to your list:

Item	Why
Extra waste bags	For the lobby exit—your dog will want to go immediately
Paw wipes	Salt residue in lobbies during winter months
Written elevator protocol	Does your dog need an empty elevator? Note this for your host
Building access instructions	Fob, doorman notification, parking validation—whatever applies

The lobby problem: Many Chicago dogs learn to "hold it" through the elevator ride and lobby walk. If your host doesn't know this, they might think your dog doesn't need to go—then have an accident 30 seconds after stepping outside. Write down: "She holds it until we're past the lobby doors. Don't trust the elevator wait."

Winter Boarding (November-March)

Chicago winters require additional prep:

• Paw balm (Musher's Secret, Bag Balm): Protects against calcium chloride and magnesium chloride—the de-icing chemicals that cause chemical burns on paw pads
• Dog booties (if your dog tolerates them): Ruffwear Polar Trex or Muttluks handle Chicago ice and salt
• A warm coat for short-coated breeds: Especially Frenchies, Greyhounds, Pit Bulls
• Post-walk routine instructions: "Wipe paws within 5 minutes of returning—she licks salt off and it upsets her stomach"

The Polar Vortex exception: If you're boarding during a Polar Vortex (below 0°F with wind chill), discuss with your host beforehand. Most experienced Chicago hosts know to do brief bathroom-only outings during dangerous cold, but confirm the plan.

Packing Timeline

When	What to Do
1 week before	Confirm vaccination records are current; get copies if needed
3 days before	Gather food, medications, comfort items; prepare info sheet
Night before	Pack bag; do final medication count; set out worn t-shirt to sleep in
Morning of	Exercise your dog well; keep routine normal; pack scent item last

The Tails Difference: Less Packing Stress

When you book through Tails, you're matched with hosts who genuinely understand dogs—not just people with spare rooms.

Before you pack, your host already knows:

• Your dog's personality from the meet-and-greet
• Any medical or behavioral needs from your profile
• Your dog's energy level and social preferences

What that means for packing:

• Hosts can tell you what they already have (bowls, beds, toys)
• You can ask specific questions about what to bring
• No wondering if your host can handle your dog's quirks—they were matched because they can

This is the difference between a directory (you figure it out) and a matchmaker (we set you up for success). You're not shipping your dog to a stranger. You're leaving them with a verified professional who's already prepared for your dog.

Find Your Boarding Match on Tails

Your Final Packing Checklist

Required (Must Have)

• Food: regular food + 2 extra days' worth
• Medications: original bottles + written instructions + vet contact
• Vaccination records: Rabies, DHPP, Bordetella, Canine Influenza
• Emergency info sheet with authorization for emergency care
• Feeding instructions (written)

Comfort (Strategic)

• One scent item (worn shirt or blanket)
• Familiar collar with current ID tags
• Regular leash/harness
• 2-3 favorite toys (durable, not irreplaceable)

Skip These

• Expensive or sentimental items
• New food or treats
• More than 3 toys
• Full-sized dog beds
• Unsupervised chew hazards

The Real Packing Secret

Here's what experienced boarding hosts will tell you: the most important thing you pack isn't an item. It's information.

Clear communication about your dog's needs, honest details about their quirks, and thorough emergency contacts matter more than any comfort item.

Dogs are adaptable. They don't need their whole life packed in a duffel bag. They need a host who understands them, the basics to stay healthy, and one or two familiar scent anchors.

Everything else? Trust your host. That's why you did the meet-and-greet.

Ready to find a boarding host worth trusting? Browse verified hosts on Tails and schedule your free meet-and-greet.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I bring my dog's crate to boarding? Usually no. Most hosts have comfortable sleeping arrangements, and transporting crates is cumbersome. However, if your dog is crate-trained and the crate helps them feel secure in new places, discuss it with your host during the meet-and-greet. Some hosts welcome crates; others prefer their own setups.

How much food should I pack for a 5-day stay? Pack enough for 7 days (the stay plus 2 extra days). This accounts for potential travel delays, schedule changes, or slightly larger portions if your dog is more active than usual. Pre-portioning into daily bags makes life easier for your host.

What if I forget to pack something important? Don't panic. Most hosts can improvise for non-medical items—bowls, temporary leashes, even basic food in a pinch. What matters most is medications (irreplaceable) and emergency contact information. For everything else, communicate with your host, and they'll figure it out.

Should I bring my dog's regular water? Unnecessary for most dogs. Bringing gallons of home water is impractical and usually not needed. However, if your dog has a very sensitive stomach or has had issues with water changes before, bring enough for the first day or two to gradually transition. Most dogs adjust to new water without issue.

What if my dog has special dietary needs? Bring everything they need, clearly labeled with instructions. If your dog eats prescription food like Hill's Science Diet or Royal Canin Veterinary, bring more than enough—these aren't available at regular pet stores and your host can't easily replace them. Include feeding instructions, especially if meals need to be spaced from medications.

Can I pack calming aids like CBD treats or Adaptil spray? Yes, if your dog uses them regularly. Include them with clear instructions on when and how to administer.

Timing matters for calming products:

• Adaptil spray: Apply to bedding 15-20 minutes before your dog arrives—it needs time to disperse. Don't spray directly on your dog or right as they enter the space.
• Adaptil collar: Put it on 24 hours before boarding starts so pheromones are actively releasing.
• Thundershirt: Most effective when put on before anxiety escalates, not during a panic episode.
• Calming chews (Zylkene, Composure, VetriScience): Give 30-60 minutes before the stressful event for peak effectiveness.

Products like Adaptil (pheromone spray or collar), Thundershirt, Calming Cap (for visually overstimulated dogs), or vet-approved supplements can help anxious dogs settle faster. Discuss with your host so they know what's available if needed.