Before Your Dog Boards: The Information the Care Team Needs From You

A good boarding stay starts before your dog walks through the door.

The most useful thing you can give a boarding team is not a giant bag of supplies. It is clear, current information about your dog — what they eat, what medications or health instructions need to be followed, who to call if you cannot be reached, and anything else that helps the care team understand your dog’s normal routine.

At Woof, LLC in Glenburn, boarding is built around knowing the dogs in our care. A little preparation before drop-off makes the handoff easier for you, easier for our team and, most importantly, easier for your dog.

Start With the Feeding Routine

Write down what your dog eats, how much, and when. If your dog follows a specific feeding routine, make that clear rather than assuming the care team will know what “normal” means at your house.

If you are unsure what food or containers to bring, ask the boarding facility before you pack. Every facility has its own process, and following that process is more useful than arriving with a collection of things the staff may not need.

Make Medication and Health Information Clear

If your dog receives medication or has health information the care team needs to know, provide clear written instructions and current veterinarian contact information. The boarding team should not have to reconstruct important details from memory at drop-off.

If something has changed recently — a medication, feeding instruction, health concern or veterinarian — mention it even if your dog has stayed before. Current information is what matters.

Leave a Local Emergency Contact

Your own phone number is important, but it is also useful to identify a local person who can be reached if you are traveling and temporarily unavailable.

That person should know they are your emergency contact and be someone you trust to respond if the boarding facility needs help reaching you or needs a decision while you are away.

Check Identification and Contact Information

Before boarding, make sure your dog’s identification and your contact information are current. That includes the phone number the facility has for you and any information you have provided for your veterinarian or emergency contact.

A boarding stay is a good reminder to check those basics, especially if you have changed phone numbers, moved, switched veterinarians or added another person who should be contacted.

Ask What to Bring — and What to Leave Home

It is easy to assume your dog will want every familiar toy, blanket and comfort item from home. But boarding facilities have their own safety and care routines.

Woof currently asks owners not to bring toys because another dog may take them. That is a good example of why the best packing list is the one your actual boarding facility gives you — not a generic checklist you found online.

If you are not sure what to pack, text or use the Woof app before drop-off and ask.

A Good Handoff Is Specific, Not Complicated

You do not need to create a binder for your dog.

You do need to make sure the important information is easy to understand: food, medications or health instructions, veterinarian information, emergency contacts, your current phone number, and anything unusual the care team should know.

That preparation gives everyone a better starting point — and lets you leave knowing the people caring for your dog have the information they need.

Boarding at Woof, LLC

Woof, LLC provides daycare, boarding and grooming at 2957 Broadway in Glenburn, Maine. For current boarding questions or instructions, text 207-331-9663 or use the Woof app.

Quick Answers

What information should I leave when boarding my dog?

Provide feeding instructions, medication or health information, veterinarian details, your current contact information and a local emergency contact.

Should I bring my dog’s own food when boarding?

Ask the boarding facility and follow its instructions. Facilities differ in how they handle food, containers and feeding routines.

Should I bring my dog’s toys to Woof?

Woof currently prefers that owners not bring toys because another dog may take them.

How do I contact Woof about boarding?

For current boarding questions or instructions, text Woof at 207-331-9663 or use the Woof app.