Doggy vaycay? Let’s pack a doggy bag!
Going away can be ruff, especially when you need to pack for yourself, your kids, and your pooch! Often when heading on a family vacation, a fan favorite is to send our pups off to doggy daycare. However, I never know what to pack! Here’s an easy, to-do list to keep you on track when packing Fido’s howlday bag!
Doggy Dos
First, doggy daycares require vaccines! So save yourself the headache and keep your pooch up to date on all their vaccines, heartworm, and flea/tick medications! It’ll keep them safe all year round, and they’ll be prepped for their little getaway!
Second, let’s not forget the basics! Food and snacks! Pre-package your dog’s food for their stay, it’ll save you, and the daycare staff lots of time. It’s always better to pack more than less. In addition, don’t assume the staff will give your dog treats while you’re away. They might, with your permission, but it’s a vacation! Pack your pup’s favorite treats! Make their stay extra enjoyable!
Remember how you kept your pup up to date on vaccines? Make sure the daycare has a copy of those records. Along with those records, be sure Fido has a great collar for their stay. Labels are important! Be sure your dog’s leash, food, and any other belongings are labeled with their name, and of course, don’t forget the clean-up bags!
Along with labels, instructions are key! Be sure to leave the doggy daycare with instructions on your pup's eating and behavioral habits. Keep them informed and up to date on any additional medical conditions, including medications and allergies. It’s especially important that they have veterinarian contact information, as well as emergency contact information while you’re out of town.
Doggy Don’ts
Often, when we bring our fur babies to a new environment, away from home, we want to bring their favorite toy, blanket, or maybe even their Tlabambaa scarf! Typically, this isn’t recommended only because we don’t want any belongings to get lost. However, every doggy daycare is different, and odds are, if this is a preference for you and your pup, you’ve found the right fit!
With that being said, make sure you do your research! It’s common for doggy daycares to require meet and greets and/or pet interviews prior to an actual, extended stay. This is important! It’s necessary to make sure all the pups get along accordingly and everyone enjoys their home away from home!
You know your pooch best and what environment works best for them when you’re out of town. Do your research, and don’t be afraid to take a test run with different types! Doggy daycares are a viable option, but so are in-house pet sitters that do drop-ins, or stay over. Do what works best for you and your best friend!