Boarding or Pet-Sitting Your Dog? The Handover Checklist

The 10-minute checklist before you hand your dog over

Whether it's a boarding kennel, a friend, or a paid sitter through an app, the handover moment is when the most important details get forgotten in the rush to get to the airport. Here's what to actually cover.

What to pack

• Enough of their current food to avoid a diet change (a sudden switch is the #1 cause of upset stomachs while boarding)
• Any medication, clearly labelled with dosage and time
• A worn (unwashed) item of your clothing or their bed — the smell helps with settling in
• Their lead, collar and tag — don't assume the sitter has a spare that fits

What to brief the sitter on

• Any reactivity to other dogs, noises, or specific triggers
• Your vet's details and any standing conditions
• How your dog signals they need the toilet, if it's not obvious to a stranger
• Whether your dog is a known escape risk (fence jumper, gate-slipper, bolter at loud noises) — sitters manage this very differently once they know

The one thing most owners skip

If your dog wears a GPS/AirTag holder, this is exactly the situation it's built for — you're handing your dog to someone else's care in an unfamiliar environment, which is precisely when dogs are most likely to bolt if spooked. Share your Find My location access with the sitter (or just keep checking yourself) so if something does go wrong, you're not relying entirely on a stranger's account of what happened.

FAQ

Should I visit a new boarding kennel before booking?

Yes — a reputable kennel will always let you tour the facility beforehand. Be wary of any that won't.

How much food should I pack for a week away?

Pack their usual amount plus 2-3 extra days' worth, in case your return is delayed.

Can I track my dog's location while they're being sat by someone else?

Yes, as long as the AirTag stays on their collar and within Find My network range — you can check location the same way you would if they were home with you.