Medical boarding goes more smoothly when caregivers can follow a clear, current plan. Before drop-off, gather your pet’s health records, write down each medication and its schedule, and share contact details for your veterinarian and emergency decision-maker. Include the small routine details that help your pet feel settled, too. This checklist can help you prepare useful information, avoid last-minute questions, and give boarding staff a practical reference for your pet’s care.
Write Clear Care Instructions
Create a one-page overview of your pet’s diagnoses, allergies, mobility limits, and signs that may signal a problem. Note what is normal for your pet, such as appetite, drinking, bathroom habits, energy, or breathing. Be specific about what staff should watch for and when they should contact you or a veterinarian.
Describe daily care in order: meals, medication, walks or litter-box checks, grooming, and rest. Include handling preferences, fears, and any situations that can cause stress. Ask the boarding provider how it prefers to receive instructions, then bring a printed copy and send a digital copy if requested.
Document Every Medication
List each medication’s name, strength, amount, route, and exact timing. Include whether it must be given with food, whether doses can be hidden in a treat, and any known side effects or missed-dose instructions from your veterinarian. Do not rely on labels alone; the written schedule should match the current veterinary directions.
Bring medication in its original, clearly labeled packaging, along with any measuring tools or administration supplies your pet needs. Check quantities against the length of the stay, and tell staff about recent changes. If a medication requires refrigeration, special handling, or a particular technique, explain that before drop-off.
Share Veterinary Contacts
Provide your regular veterinarian’s name, clinic phone number, and address, plus the contact information for any specialist involved in your pet’s care. Confirm that the clinic has current records and can share relevant information with the boarding provider. Include your preferred emergency clinic if you have one.
Write down how staff can reach you during the stay and identify a backup person who can make decisions if you are unavailable. Clarify what care you authorize in an emergency and how staff should proceed if they cannot reach you. Ask the provider about its emergency process and any forms or permissions you need to complete.
Pack Familiar Routine Items
Ask what supplies the facility provides and what you should bring. Depending on the care plan, pack your pet’s regular food, labeled treats, a familiar blanket, or a safe comfort item. Keep food instructions precise, including serving size, feeding times, and any foods the pet must avoid.
Share your pet’s usual wake-up, meal, bathroom, and bedtime patterns, along with preferred cues or calming strategies. Pack only items the facility can safely store and use. Before leaving, review the instructions with staff, confirm that medications and contacts are recorded, and make sure you know when you will receive updates.
A clear care sheet, correctly labeled medications, current veterinary contacts, and a few familiar routine details give boarding staff a dependable starting point. Prepare these items before drop-off and confirm any questions directly with the care team. Oakland Pet Haven can help you review what to bring and how to share your pet’s care plan.