Pawliday Inn
Your suitcase is half full and you have triple-checked your ID, but what about your dog's bag? Knowing what to pack for dog boarding makes drop off quicker and helps your dog settle in faster. The goal is simple: bring enough of home that your dog feels comfortable, and enough information that our staff can care for them the way you would.
The short version: what to pack for dog boarding
If you only read one section, make it this one.
- Your dog's regular food, enough for the whole stay plus a little extra
- Any medications or supplements, in their original labeled containers
- A favorite toy or two
- A blanket or bed that smells like home
- Written notes on feeding, medication and routine
- Your contact details and your vet's contact details
Now, a bit more on each.
Food: bring what they already eat
At Pawliday Inn we encourage owners to bring their dog's own food. Overnight guests get breakfast and dinner, and serving the food your dog already eats is one of the easiest ways to avoid an upset stomach. Switching food suddenly, on top of the change of a new place, can be hard on some dogs.
A few tips:
- Pack a little more than you need. Flights get delayed and plans change. A couple of extra days of food takes the stress out of a late return.
- Pre-portion if you can. Bagging each meal, or writing the exact amount per meal, removes guesswork.
- Label everything with your dog's name.
- Write down any special instructions, such as warming water, mixing in wet food, or feeding slowly.
If your dog needs more than two meals, an extra meal is available as an add-on.
Medications and supplements
If your dog takes medication, call us at (346) 522 4472 before you book to talk through your dog's needs. Then pack it in its original labeled container, with clear written instructions for dose and timing, and enough to cover the whole stay. If anything has changed recently, such as a new prescription or a new dose, mention it at drop off. For questions about the medication itself, your vet is the right person to ask.
Comfort items: toys and blankets
We encourage owners to bring toys and blankets. A familiar smell is one of the most comforting things you can give a dog in a new place. An old t-shirt you have worn works well too.
A few things to think about:
- Pick durable items that are safe if your dog is alone with them.
- Leave behind anything precious or irreplaceable.
- If your dog guards a particular toy or chew, tell us. Resource guarding is part of the behavior we ask owners to disclose.
Notes for our staff
This is the item people forget most often, and it can make the biggest difference. A short written note helps us care for your dog the way they are used to. Include:
| Topic | What to write |
|---|---|
| Feeding | Amount, times, any quirks |
| Medication | Name, dose, timing, how to give it |
| Routine | When they usually go out, sleep, or settle |
| Behavior | Fears, triggers, separation anxiety, escape attempts, resource guarding |
| Health | Allergies, recent illness, past injuries |
| Contacts | Your phone, an emergency backup person, your vet |
We ask all owners to disclose known behavior such as aggression, fearfulness, resource guarding, separation anxiety, escape tendencies, or prior bites or injuries. That is not about judging your dog. It helps our 24/7 staff keep your dog and everyone else safe.
Paperwork to sort out before you pack
Every dog needs current Rabies, DHPP and Bordetella vaccinations, plus regular flea, tick and intestinal parasite prevention. Check that vaccines will still be current on your travel dates. Our article on the vaccines dogs need for boarding and daycare covers what each one does.
Booking is online, and a card on file is required. If you are traveling over Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's, read about booking holiday dog boarding early, since holiday stays have different deposit and cancellation rules.
What you can leave at home
- Large dog beds or crates, unless your dog truly needs them. Ask first if you are unsure. We have small, medium and large kennels.
- Bowls, unless your dog uses a special one, such as a slow feeder.
- Anything you would be upset to lose. Toys get loved hard.
Drop off day tips
Keep goodbyes short and calm. Long, emotional farewells can make some dogs more anxious, not less. Hand over the bag, share any last updates, and let our team take it from there.
Our hours are Monday to Friday 7:00 am to 6:30 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, and Sunday by appointment. See what a stay includes on our dog boarding in Houston page, and current rates on our homepage.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to bring my dog's food?
We encourage it. Your dog's usual food helps avoid stomach upset from a sudden change, and familiar routines help dogs settle.
Can my dog bring their bed?
Blankets and toys are encouraged. For bulky beds, ask us when you book so we can plan around your dog's kennel size.
What if my dog takes medication?
Call us before you book to talk through your dog's needs. Pack medication in the original labeled container with written dose and timing instructions, and enough for the full stay.
Should I bring a bath product for my dog?
Not usually. If you want your dog to go home clean, add a basic bath to their stay.