A little preparation can make boarding easier for both your pet and the caregiver. Small pets often rely on familiar routines, specific food, and careful handling, so useful details matter. Before the stay, write down your pet’s usual schedule, feeding amounts, health needs, and favorite comforts. Share the information in a format the caregiver can refer to quickly, and leave time to discuss questions before drop-off.
Write Down the Daily Routine
Note when your pet usually wakes, eats, rests, and becomes active. Include any regular exercise, supervised play, or time outside the enclosure. If your pet prefers quiet at certain times or hides when unsettled, explain what is normal so the caregiver can respond patiently rather than mistake a familiar behavior for a problem.
Be specific about handling and housing. Explain how your pet likes to be picked up, whether it should be handled at all, and which parts of its enclosure or setup must stay in place. Mention companions, favorite resting spots, and any situations that tend to cause stress. A written routine helps keep care consistent when several details are easy to forget.
Give Clear Feeding Instructions
Pack enough of your pet’s usual food for the stay, plus a little extra in case your return is delayed. Label each item with your pet’s name and explain what to feed, how much, and when. Include treats and fresh foods only if the caregiver has agreed to provide them, with clear portion and preparation instructions.
List foods your pet must avoid, along with any known sensitivities or past reactions. If food needs refrigeration, special storage, or a particular serving method, spell that out. Keep measuring tools with the food when practical, and avoid switching diets just before boarding unless your veterinarian has advised a change.
Share Health and Emergency Details
Tell the caregiver about medical conditions, recent changes in behavior, and any signs that may need attention. Provide medication names, doses, timing, and instructions for giving them. Pack medication in its original container when possible, and confirm in advance that the caregiver can follow the required treatment schedule.
Leave your veterinarian’s contact information and a number where you can be reached during the stay. Name an alternate contact in case you are unavailable, and explain how you want urgent decisions handled. Share any relevant care records and make sure the caregiver knows which clinic to contact if your pet needs prompt attention.
Pack Familiar, Useful Items
A familiar hide, safe toy, or small piece of bedding can help your pet recognize comforting scents. Ask the boarding caregiver which belongings are appropriate to bring and how items should be labeled. Choose safe, washable pieces rather than anything your pet may chew or swallow, and avoid packing items that could be difficult to clean or keep secure.
Before drop-off, review the care notes together and invite questions. Confirm feeding, medication, pickup, and contact arrangements, then share any last-minute changes. At Little Haven Boarding, clear instructions help caregivers provide attentive, consistent care; the same simple checklist can make any boarding handoff smoother.
A practical care sheet, familiar food, and a few safe comforts give the caregiver a clear starting point. Share details early, confirm that instructions are understood, and update the plan if anything changes before the stay. If you are arranging boarding, contact the caregiver ahead of time to discuss your pet’s needs and what to bring.