If you are boarding the pet at your home
Try to give your guest a “home away from home” experience. Make sure that the pet parent provides them with everything they need to make them feel as much at home and as comfortable as possible, such as:
- Food and treats
- Harness/collar and leash
- Toys
- Food and water bowls
- Basket and blankets, or a crate if the dog is accustomed to one
- If needed, unwashed clothes with the smell of the pet parent on them for reassurance.
The above list is of course for dogs and cats. When boarding other animals like rabbits, hamsters and birds, you will need their enclosure or cage as well as bedding, food and any other necessities, which the pet owner needs to provide.
If you are visiting a pet at their home
Make sure you know where to find everything you need in order to care for the pet, e.g. food, cat litter or bedding, cleaning supplies, a brush, toys, etc.
In any case
Ask the pet parent to leave at least 2 emergency contacts in case they can’t be reached, as well as the contact details of their preferred vet and the nearest 24-hour vet clinic. It’s also best to keep the pet's passport (vaccination certificate) with you for the duration of the booking.