Starting dog daycare is an exciting step for both you and your furry companion. Whether you’re enrolling your pup for socialization, daily exercise, or care while you’re at work, the first day can feel a bit like sending a child to school. There’s excitement, a touch of nervousness, and a whole lot of preparation involved.
Packing the right items not only helps your dog feel secure and comfortable, but it also ensures that daycare staff can care for your pet in the best way possible. A well-prepared bag can make the difference between a stressful drop-off and a smooth, happy experience for everyone involved.
Here’s a complete guide on what to pack for your dog’s first day at daycare, including practical tips to help your pup settle in easily and start their new routine off on the right paw.
Before heading out the door, take a few minutes to gather everything your dog will need for a safe, happy, and comfortable day. Here’s a checklist of must-have items that every pet parent should pack:
Before your dog can join the fun, most dog daycares require proof of current vaccinations. These records are essential for maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all dogs. Make sure your dog is up to date on:
It’s best to bring a printed copy of your dog’s vaccination records or have a digital version ready to show. The information should include your veterinarian’s contact details and vaccination dates.
If your dog has recently undergone a checkup or been treated for a health condition, bring that information along as well. Daycare staff appreciate having a clear picture of your dog’s health history in case of emergencies or behavioral changes during the day.
When arriving at daycare, your dog should always be on a secure, well-fitted collar and a sturdy leash. This ensures staff can safely escort them in and out of the facility without risk of slipping away.
Avoid using retractable leashes for drop-off and pickup. While convenient, they can cause tangles and confusion, especially in areas with multiple dogs. A simple non-retractable leash made of nylon or leather is safer and easier to handle.
Make sure your dog’s collar has:
If your dog uses a harness for walks or training, you can bring that along as well. Just ensure it’s labeled and easy for staff to put on and remove.
Even if your dog will only be at daycare for a few hours, it’s essential to maintain their routine as consistently as possible. A sudden change in diet or feeding schedule can lead to stomach upset or anxiety.
If your dog will be eating during their stay, pack:
Label your dog’s food clearly with their name, and avoid bringing large bags or bulky containers unless the daycare requests it. Small resealable bags or airtight containers work best.
For dogs with allergies or special dietary needs, ensure staff are aware of what your dog can and cannot eat. If your dog isn’t scheduled to eat during the day, you can still include a few of their favorite treats as a form of positive reinforcement and comfort.
Even the most outgoing dogs can feel a little nervous on their first day away from home. A comfort item, like a small blanket, towel, or favorite toy, can make all the difference.
Dogs rely heavily on scent, so bringing something that smells like home helps soothe them during downtime or naptime. Choose something washable and not too valuable (in case it gets chewed or misplaced).
At Miss Emily Bed and Biscuit, we ensure every dog has time to relax between play sessions, so a cozy reminder of home can really help them settle in.
If your pup requires medication, supplements, or has any medical conditions, please notify the staff and provide clear written instructions. Place medications in their original containers and label everything with:
This ensures your dog’s routine continues smoothly and safely while they’re in our care.
While emergencies at dog daycare are rare, it’s essential to be prepared. Leave a current emergency contact number that staff can use if you can’t be reached. Ideally, this should be someone familiar with your dog and who can make quick decisions if needed.
In addition to your own contact information, provide your veterinarian’s name, address, and phone number. Some facilities may ask for a secondary emergency contact, especially if you’re often unavailable during the day.
It’s also wise to confirm that the daycare has permission to seek veterinary care for your dog in case of illness or injury.
Bringing a small supply of your dog’s favorite treats is always a good idea. Daycare staff often use treats as a training tool, for redirection, or to reward calm behavior.
Opt for bite-sized, low-odor treats that won’t crumble or make a mess. Examples include soft training treats, small biscuits, or dehydrated meat snacks. If your dog has allergies or sensitivities, clearly mark the bag and mention it during check-in.
Avoid bringing bones, rawhide, or treats that could cause resource guarding during group play. Staff will let you know what’s safe and suitable for their environment.
Your dog should wear an ID tag that includes:
Even though all dogs are supervised and secure within the facility, an ID tag is a basic safety precaution that every pet owner should maintain.
For smaller dogs or those who feel more comfortable in their own crate, you can bring it along for the first few visits. A familiar crate provides a personal safe space for rest, especially during nap breaks.
If you choose to bring one, label it clearly with your dog’s name and any specific notes, such as “Loves blanket inside” or “Leave door open during rest time.”
Dogs thrive on routine, and even small changes can affect their mood or energy levels. Write down a summary of your dog’s daily schedule, including:
For example, if your dog gets nervous during thunderstorms or dislikes having their tail touched, this is valuable information for staff to know. The more they understand your dog’s preferences, the better they can ensure a positive experience.
Your dog takes emotional cues from you. If you’re anxious, they’re more likely to sense it. Approach the first day with calm confidence, a cheerful goodbye, and steady energy, which will reassure your dog that everything is okay.
It’s perfectly normal if your dog seems hesitant, barks, or clings to you during drop-off. Most dogs adjust quickly once they see other pups playing and realize daycare is full of fun and attention.
Avoid lengthy goodbyes; short and positive departures make the transition smoother. When you return for pickup, greet your dog warmly and offer plenty of praise for doing well.
Daycares are bustling places with lots of wagging tails and happy chaos! To prevent mix-ups, label all items, from food containers and toys to leashes and medication. Use permanent marker or waterproof labels to ensure everything makes its way back home.
Contact Miss Emily Bed and Biscuit today to schedule a meet-and-greet or daycare evaluation. We can’t wait to welcome your furry friend to our family!
Thank you for your interest in joining our Miss Emily’s Family! We have an awesome program, which we are very proud of for the past 25 years!
Before filling out our registration form, please directly inquire with us IF:
You have a larger breed dog, or suspect that your dog(s) might be a part of breed restrictions. We are a smaller facility, therefore, are limited as to how many larger dog breeds we can accommodate and accept within the program.
If your dog has more serious medical conditions, or requires multiple steps of medication. Our staff is well trained, and can accommodate routine medications, but for more serious attention, it is accepted on a case by case basis.
If you are looking for boarding within the week. We require a Trial Day for any dog(s) who are new to the facility, due to the nature of our safe socialized program. This is complimentary, but must be prescheduled. If you are looking for more immediate boarding, or other services, please call us to see if we can accommodate.
If you are looking for holiday boarding. Our holiday reservations are typically reserved for our existing clients. It is how we thank them for being a part of our Miss Emily's family year round! If it is close to a holiday, all new clients will be placed on an Waitlist. You can still reach out to inquire.
Thank you for your interest in joining our Miss Emily’s Family! We have an awesome program, which we are very proud of for the past 25 years!
Before filling out our registration form, please directly inquire with us IF:
You have a larger breed dog, or suspect that your dog(s) might be a part of breed restrictions. We are a smaller facility, therefore, are limited as to how many larger dog breeds we can accommodate and accept within the program.
If your dog has more serious medical conditions, or requires multiple steps of medication. Our staff is well trained, and can accommodate routine medications, but for more serious attention, it is accepted on a case by case basis.
If you are looking for boarding within the week. We require a Trial Day for any dog(s) who are new to the facility, due to the nature of our safe socialized program. This is complimentary, but must be prescheduled. If you are looking for more immediate boarding, or other services, please call us to see if we can accommodate.
If you are looking for holiday boarding. Our holiday reservations are typically reserved for our existing clients. It is how we thank them for being a part of our Miss Emily's family year round! If it is close to a holiday, all new clients will be placed on an Waitlist. You can still reach out to inquire.
