Dog Boarding Checklist - Records, Packing and Handover
A boarding stay involves more than choosing nights in a calendar. The business needs accurate care instructions, current records and a clear way to reach you. You need to understand what is included, when to arrive and who can collect your dog. Complete the essentials before travel day, when changing plans is much harder.
Confirm the stay and its terms
Check the precise arrival and collection dates, times and location. Ask how the business charges for early arrival, late collection and additional services. Clarify what the quoted price includes, what has been paid as a deposit and when any remaining balance is due. Keep a copy of the provider’s cancellation terms.
If your dates are on a waitlist, do not treat the stay as booked. Wait for an explicit confirmation from the provider. If you need several nights, ask whether every night is available and whether the same accommodation applies throughout the stay.
Gather records well before check-in
Each boarding provider sets its own intake requirements. Ask what vaccination or other documents it needs and the latest date it will accept them. Check that every record belongs to the correct pet and that the relevant dates are readable. If a requirement is unclear, contact the provider rather than assuming an upload has been reviewed.
In your Collar pet profile, update identification and contact details, attach requested records where the provider’s flow allows it and complete any forms it sends. Tell the business about a new medication, diet, injury, health issue or behaviour change even if the old profile was already complete. If your dog needs medical care while you are away, agree in advance whom the business should contact and how decisions should be made.
Pack to the provider’s instructions
Ask what bedding, food and belongings the provider supplies or accepts. Portion food if requested and label it with your dog’s name and feeding instructions. Provide clear written instructions for medication and confirm that the business can administer it under its own policy. Avoid sending valuables or unapproved items.
Give the business two reachable contacts if possible: your primary number while travelling and a local emergency contact. Check the time zone if you will be abroad. Tell your nominated contact that the provider may call and make sure they understand their role.
Make the handover precise
At arrival, review feeding, medication, comfort routines, handling, exercise preferences and any new concern. Confirm the number of belongings and the authorised person who will collect your dog. Ask how often the provider sends updates and what to do if you cannot access your account while away.
On collection, ask for a summary of the stay and any observations that need follow-up. Check that belongings are returned and settle any agreed additional charges. If your dog appears unwell or injured, seek advice from a veterinary professional. Keep useful notes in the pet record before the next stay.
You can review your bookings and pet details through your Collar account. Contact the provider directly for urgent changes to care instructions or travel plans.
Before you leave home
- Confirm every night, check-in and collection times, payment and cancellation terms.
- Supply the specific records and forms the provider requires.
- Update care instructions and emergency contacts.
- Label food, medication and approved belongings.
- Tell the team what changed since you booked.
Where Collar fits
Collar connects your pet profile with bookings and conversations with participating pet-care providers. That means you can keep each pet’s details with the service you are arranging, rather than treating the appointment as an isolated calendar entry.
The experience depends on the services each provider has enabled. Explore the Collar app.
