What to bring for your dog when you leave them with a caregiver

The day you leave your dog with a caregiver starts with a classic question: what do I bring? Here's the complete list, organized by priority, so you don't forget anything important.

The essentials (you can't forget these)

Food for all the days + 1 extra day

Bring the food your dog usually eats. Switching brands overnight can upset their stomach. Calculate the daily portions and add one more just in case (delayed flights, plans that change).

If they eat kibble, bring it in an airtight bag with the brand and dose written down. If they eat homemade food or BARF, bring it frozen in daily portions.

Bowls (if the caregiver doesn't have them)

Some caregivers have extra bowls; others prefer you bring your own to avoid contagions. Ask them beforehand. If you bring them, label them with your dog's name.

Leash, collar and ID tag

Even if the caregiver has them, theirs aren't your dog's. Better that they use their own for walks. The tag with your phone is essential in case they escape.

Health record or photo of the vaccination booklet

The caregiver may need to know what vaccines your dog has and when the last deworming was. Bring the record or take photos of the relevant pages.

What helps with adaptation

A blanket or sheet from your home

Your scent calms your dog much more than you think. Bring an old blanket, a towel or a sheet from your bed. They'll use it to sleep on and it gives them security in the new environment.

Their favorite toy

Another familiar object that reduces stress. If they have a plush, ball or favorite chew toy, bring it. If they have several, better bring 2-3.

Usual treats

Snacks or treats they already know. Useful for the caregiver to reinforce behaviors, calm them in anxious moments, or just to pamper them. Bring a reasonable amount.

What's worth writing down and giving to the caregiver

Make a simple sheet (it can be a chat message too) with:

• Name, age, breed and weight of your dog
• Usual vet: name, address and phone
• Your number and a secondary contact in case you can't answer
• Usual daily routine: what time they eat, how many times, when they walk
• Behaviors to keep in mind: afraid of fireworks, barks at bikes, doesn't tolerate paw touching, etc.
• Tricks or key words: if they respond to "come", "sit", "stay", etc.
• Emergency situations: what to do if they eat something they shouldn't, what warning signs to watch for

What helps the caregiver (optional but nice)

Poop bags

Out of respect: don't make the caregiver buy them. Bring a roll or pack.

A specific towel to dry them

If it's going to rain or they have a wet yard, a "dog towel" is practical.

A comb or brush

If your dog sheds a lot or has long hair, bring their brush. Some caregivers offer brushing as part of the care.

What you SHOULDN'T bring

• Opened food without a label: if it's unclear what it is, the caregiver won't give it to them.
• Too many toys: 2-3 favorites is enough. A huge bag gets lost.
• Fleas and ticks: check before bringing them. It's not cool to bring one with pests to someone else's home.
• Human food: chicken bones, asado leftovers or pasta are out. The caregiver won't give it and you don't want them sneaking it.

For the first meeting

The day you leave your dog:

1. Arrive with time (20-30 minutes). It's not just drop off and run.
2. Let them get familiar: let your dog sniff the place, meet the caregiver.
3. Show the items to your caregiver: food, toys, blanket. Don't assume they'll know.
4. Leave naturally, no drama: if your goodbye is very emotional, your dog notices and gets anxious. A calm "bye" and you go.

A checklist to print or copy

So you have it all at hand:

• Food (days + 1 extra)
• Bowls (check with caregiver)
• Leash + collar + tag
• Health record (or photos)
• Medication (if they take any)
• Blanket or sheet from home
• Favorite toys (2-3)
• Usual treats
• Poop bags
• Sheet with important details
• Vet contact info
• Your number and secondary contact

Got everything? Find a caregiver for your next trip.