dogs
Preparing for a Dog Sitter or Boarding Stay: Practical Handover Checklist
Prepare for your dog's stay with a sitter or kennel using this in-depth handover checklist covering routines, comfort, and information.
Published 13 November 2026
Leaving your dog with a sitter or at a boarding kennel can be an anxious experience, both for you and your pet. Careful and thorough planning, however, can provide peace of mind and help ensure that your dog's routines and needs are fully respected in your absence. Laying out all the vital information, emergency contacts, and favourite comfort items can support a smoother transition and make it easier for the sitter or kennel team to provide attentive, consistent care. This step-by-step handover checklist draws on animal welfare charity guidance to help you decide what to include, how to organise key instructions, and ways to prepare your household for a dog’s stay away from home. Whether your dog is staying with a friend, a professional sitter, or in an established boarding kennel, organizing these details in advance can make leaving your pet a less stressful, more positive experience for everyone involved.
Compile Essential Contacts and Veterinary Details
Start by creating a central information sheet that includes your main phone numbers as well as an alternate emergency contact to cover times when you may be difficult to reach. Add the contact details for your regular veterinarian, and also include the address and phone number of a nearby veterinary clinic in case care is needed when your usual vet is unavailable. Gather vaccination records and any important recent medical history, such as allergies, ongoing conditions, or previous treatments, as these may be required by some boarding kennels and are helpful for sitters in emergencies. It can be practical to keep all this information in a dedicated folder, envelope, or plastic wallet so it’s quick to locate and share. Before leaving, check the sheet for any details that may have changed, and update it for each new stay. You might also want to place the information in a visible area of your home—like by the front door or with your dog's leash—so it's easy for the carer to find upon arrival. Consider including a brief checklist on the sheet to confirm that all documents and contacts have been communicated.
Document Feeding, Exercise, and Medication Routines
Maintaining your dog’s usual schedule can help keep them more settled while you are away. Write a clear, day-by-day plan for your sitter or kennel team. This should include the specific brand and type of food, precise portions, and any dietary restrictions or allergies. Note typical feeding times, and whether your dog requires treats throughout the day, pointing out any foods that are off-limits. For exercise, describe the normal daily walk routines, including distance, favourite local parks or routes, and preferred toys or games. If your dog has restrictions—for example, they cannot go on long walks or should avoid crowded places—make these explicit. Detail any medication: name, dose, timing, way to administer, and what to do if a dose is accidentally missed. For extra organisation, you can prepare a table or chart that makes these details easy to check off during the stay, which also helps multiple household members participate in routine planning.
Summarise Social Behaviours and Individual Preferences
Each dog’s character and social preferences differ. Give your carer honest, detailed notes on your dog’s typical behaviour: how they react to strangers, children, or other animals; whether they are nervous during certain activities; or if they are prone to barking, hiding, or seeking extra attention in new situations. Note whether your dog prefers quiet one-on-one time or thrives on group play. Highlight any specific triggers for stress or excitement, such as thunderstorms or doorbells, and what usually helps to calm them. Mention particular likes or dislikes regarding games, interaction, handling, or grooming. By going beyond basic temperament, you give sitters or kennel staff the context needed to adapt their approach for your dog’s comfort. You might even ask household members to jot down their observations, building a more well-rounded profile for the carer.
Select Comfort Items and Familiar Scents for Packing
Familiar items can reassure your dog in a new environment. Pack their favourite blanket, bed, or a well-loved toy that holds positive memories. Adding an item infused with your scent—a recently worn t-shirt, for example—can also provide extra comfort and help them settle in more easily. Check what space is available at the kennel or with the sitter, and compare it to your dog’s regular sleeping area at home when deciding which bedding or objects to send. Some owners find it helpful to make a list of preferred comfort items ahead of time. You can involve family or housemates in choosing these to ensure nothing is left behind. Sort toys, blankets, or clothing based on their condition and size, and consider marking items with your dog’s name to prevent mix-ups if there are other pets around.
Write Clear Instructions for Daily Household Routines
Present a written outline of your dog’s typical day at home, starting from morning wake-up to bedtime. Cover the timing and specifics of toilet breaks, feeding, and naps; mention any regular treats or training rewards. List locations within your home and garden that the dog is permitted to access, as well as any rooms or areas that are strictly off-limits. Include any cues you use for access, like 'out', 'bed', or 'wait.' Describing how routines differ between weekdays and weekends can clarify your expectations for the sitter or kennel. If caregiving duties are usually split across household members, consider gathering everyone to confirm the full set of routines and rules, then write them all down for completeness. This could take the form of a checklist or step-by-step calendar. Where practical, you might leave these instructions alongside your contact information or directly attached to key areas like the fridge or a noticeboard.
Organise and Confirm Handover Day Logistics
Careful logistical planning helps avoid confusion on the day you leave. Decide in advance where and when you’ll pass your dog to their temporary carer—at your home, outside, or at the kennel reception, for example. Will the handover include a tour of your dog’s key spots or a final walk together? Scheduling a meet-and-greet before your trip can sometimes help familiarise everyone with the process. Prepare a short summary note or use a checklist to confirm which items and written instructions you’ve provided; this can reduce the risk of leaving anything behind. Decide if you want to hand over in the presence of trusted family or alone, and whether you’d like to give carers time to ask questions before you depart. Some owners keep a reusable packing and handover checklist and tick off each item in real time on the day.
Simplify Packing with a Prep Checklist
To stay on top of what needs to go with your dog, draft a list of essentials: lead, collar or harness, up-to-date identification tags, enough food with instructions, all regular medication in original packaging, favourite toys, and comfort bedding. You might add extras such as a water bowl, grooming brush, a doggy first aid booklet, raincoat, or spare towels. Consider the length of your dog’s stay and the space available when deciding on quantities. Tick off each item as you pack, and if you’re sharing responsibility with other family members, assign roles for who brings what. For longer stays, check whether the kennel provides food or bedding and what is allowed—this will help avoid unnecessary duplication. For short trips, it may be simpler to prepare a small overnight bag; for longer ones, you might use a labelled container or suitcase.
Communicate Preferences for Updates and Emergencies
Make your communication preferences clear for the duration of your dog’s stay. Would you like the sitter or kennel to send daily updates, or only contact you if something urgent arises? Specify your preferred method—text, phone call, email—and the times you’re most likely to be available. If you want other family members kept in the loop, provide their details and preferred contact method as well. Instruct the carer on how and when to use your emergency contacts, such as for medical situations or if your return is unexpectedly delayed. Providing this information up front helps everyone understand expectations and alleviates uncertainty on both sides. You might choose to summarise these preferences in a note that sits alongside the main contact list for reference. After the handover, some owners prefer to check in themselves at set intervals rather than wait for sitters to initiate contact.
Review and Organise All Paperwork Before Departure
Before you leave, lay out all documents—contact information, medical records, written routines, comfort item list, and any required forms—where the sitter or kennel staff can easily find them. Double-check each section for accuracy and completeness, paying close attention to any recent changes in your dog's health, contact details, or behaviour. For longer absences, you might make copies of the paperwork for both yourself and the carer, or keep digital backups that can be shared if documents are misplaced. These preparations can spare both you and your dog’s carer unnecessary worry or confusion. Some owners attach a master checklist to the folder so that, on the day of departure, nothing essential is forgotten. Revising this set of documents before each new trip helps you keep everything up to date and tailored to individual circumstances.
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Questions & answers
What is the most important thing to leave with a dog sitter or kennel?
A clear, up-to-date information sheet including your dog's routine, dietary needs, medical details, and emergency contacts should always be left for any dog sitter or kennel service.
Why do comfort items matter for boarding dogs?
Comfort items like familiar bedding or an item with your scent can help soothe your dog and make them feel more at home in a new environment.
How can I make sure my dog's routines are followed?
Provide detailed written instructions about feeding, exercise, medication, and household rules. Discuss these in person or by note to clarify expectations.
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