United Kingdom · AnimaliaHotels
Pet boarding packing and information checklist
Published
Reviewed by the AnimaliaHotels editorial team
Ask first what the establishment accepts. Some provide food, bedding and bowls; others ask owners to bring them. Label every item and keep a photograph of what you hand over.
Documents and information
- Identification and current owner details.
- Alternative contacts authorised to decide or collect.
- Usual vet, insurance and requested health evidence.
- Dates, times and booking reference.
- A description of behaviour, routine, diet and toileting.
Food
Confirm whether the usual diet can continue. Pack enough, label it clearly and provide simple instructions. Disclose allergies and food-related behaviour. Do not include supplements or treats without agreement.
Medication
Supply medicine in its original container or the format required by the establishment, with the name, dose, timing, storage and prescribing vet. Include enough for a reasonable collection delay. Do not hide medicine in food unless the establishment has agreed to give it that way.
Comfort items
Safe bedding or a toy carrying a familiar scent may help some animals. Avoid valuable or fragile belongings, long strings and parts that could be swallowed. A cat’s carrier should remain available for the return journey and any necessary transport.
A one-page care sheet
Summarise the essentials on one page: pet name, photograph, identification, contacts, food, medication, risks, veterinary practice and permissions. Full medical notes can be attached, but staff need to find daily instructions quickly.
Before leaving
Review the list with a member of staff and confirm what has been recorded. Keep copies on your phone and share them with your alternative contact.
For continuing care, read our guide to older pets and medication.
Practical packing questions
How much food should I provide?
Calculate enough for the full stay and agree a small contingency in case collection is delayed. Separate or mark portions if requested. Record an exact measure: “one cup” can mean different quantities to different people.
Do I need to bring a bed and toys?
Ask first. Bring only washable, safe items accepted by the establishment. A familiar scent may help, but an item should not create ingestion, entanglement or conflict risks, and it should not be something valuable that cannot be replaced.
Should instructions be on paper or a phone?
Give staff a copy in the format they use and retain another that you and the alternative contact can access. Date the document so an older care plan cannot be mistaken for the current one.
