A little preparation can help your dog settle into daycare and give staff the information they need to care for them. Pack only what your dog will use, label each item, and share instructions that are clear enough to follow during a busy day. Food, medication details, and a few notes about your dog’s routine are usually more useful than a bag full of familiar toys. Confirm the daycare’s policies before bringing anything unusual.
Pack Meals and Treats
If your dog eats during daycare hours, portion each meal into a labeled container or bag. Include your dog’s name, the feeding time, and any preparation directions, such as adding water. Send the amount your dog normally eats rather than relying on staff to estimate. If your dog does not need a meal while away, let the daycare know so staff can avoid offering food.
Tell staff about food allergies, dietary restrictions, or treats your dog should not have. Pack approved treats only if the daycare allows them, and keep them in a sealed, labeled container. Avoid sending food that needs special handling unless you have confirmed the facility can store and prepare it safely.
Share Medication Instructions
For any medication, provide the original packaging when possible and write down the dose, timing, and method of administration. Note whether it should be given with food and what to do if your dog refuses a dose. Make sure the written directions match the prescription label, and tell staff about relevant side effects or handling precautions.
Never assume that a medication can be given simply because it is in your dog’s bag. Confirm in advance that the daycare can administer it and ask about its drop-off procedure. Include your current phone number so staff can reach you if instructions are unclear or your dog’s condition changes.
Write Useful Routine Notes
Brief routine notes help staff understand what is normal for your dog. Mention usual meal and bathroom times, preferred ways to take a break, and cues your dog knows. If your dog is shy with new people, needs space around food, or is uncomfortable with certain handling, state that plainly. Specific observations are more helpful than broad labels.
Include practical details about settling and rest, too. Explain how your dog shows they need a quieter moment, whether they are used to a crate or separate rest area, and what tends to calm them. Share recent changes, such as an injury or an unusual reaction, before drop-off rather than relying on a note buried in the bag.
Keep the Bag Simple
Bring only items the daycare has approved. A labeled leash is useful for arrival and departure, while a collar or harness should fit securely and be easy for staff to identify. Ask whether the facility needs vaccination records or other forms before the first visit, and send documents through its preferred method instead of packing loose paperwork.
Leave valuable, fragile, or hard-to-clean items at home unless staff specifically requests them. Toys and bedding can be misplaced or may not suit group activities, so check the daycare’s rules first. Before leaving, review the bag with staff, point out food and medication, and confirm the best way to contact you during the day.
A labeled meal, clear medication directions, and concise routine notes give daycare staff a practical starting point for your dog’s visit. Check the facility’s requirements before packing, and update your notes whenever your dog’s needs change. If you have questions about what to bring, contact Lowcountry Dog Club before your dog’s next visit.