Macy Moore
Owner, MoorePetLove · Oakville, ON
After years of overnight guests, I can tell you exactly what ends up used from the bags people bring — and what sits untouched by the door until pickup. If you're getting ready for an overnight stay, here's the short, honest packing list: five things that matter, and permission to skip the rest.
The one non-negotiable. A sudden food switch plus the mild stress of a new place is the classic recipe for an upset stomach. Portion each meal into a bag or container, label it if there's anything unusual, and tell me the schedule — I feed exactly what you feed, exactly when you feed it. Pack an extra meal or two in case your return gets delayed. Raw-fed? Frozen and sealed is perfect.
Medications, supplements, ear drops, the works — all of it, with the dose and timing written down, not just told to me at drop-off when your dog is excited and you're double-checking your flight time. Written instructions mean nothing gets missed. I have experience with medication routines, so don't hesitate to board a dog who needs them — just send clear notes.
A blanket off their bed, or a t-shirt you've worn. This is the cheapest, most effective comfort item that exists — especially for a first overnight. Dogs process the world through their nose, and a familiar scent in a new place says "this is fine" in a language they fully understand. Don't wash it first. That defeats the purpose entirely.
Walks happen every day here (GPS-tracked, so you can peek at the route from wherever you are), and your dog walks best on their own familiar gear. Make sure the ID tag is current. If your dog uses a harness or a specific no-pull setup, send that too — the walk goes better on equipment they already know.
A beloved toy or a long-lasting chew, sure. The entire toy basket, the special bowls, the outfit collection — leave them home. I have bowls, beds, and toys here, and less stuff means less to track and nothing precious to get slobbered beyond recognition. The truth is your dog needs surprisingly little to be happy overnight: their food, their meds, your smell, and a person paying real attention to them. The last one's my job.
Overnight boarding in my Oakville home is $85/night — cage-free, small group, daily photo updates through the app. New dogs start with a free meet and greet, so book that first if it's your pup's first visit.