Boarding your dog can feel like a big step, but with a little preparation, you can help ensure your pup feels right at home. At On Command Dogs, we strive to provide a safe, comfortable, and engaging environment for your furry friend. To make your dog’s stay as smooth as possible, here’s a breakdown of what to bring—and what to leave at home—when boarding with us.

What You Can Bring

We encourage you to bring items that will help your dog feel more comfortable and maintain their routine. Here’s what we allow:

1. Your Dog’s Food: Whether your dog prefers dry kibble or wet food, bring enough to cover their entire stay. Consistency in diet helps prevent upset stomachs.
2. Treats: Feel free to pack their favorite treats, but be sure to keep them in their original packaging for easy identification.
3. Blankets (1-2): A familiar scent can provide comfort. One or two washable blankets from home are a great addition to their cozy spot.
4. Toys (1-3): Pack a few durable, non-squeaky toys your dog loves. These can help keep them entertained and relaxed during their stay.
5. Medication, Supplements, or Vitamins: If your dog requires medication or supplements, bring these in their original containers. Be sure to review our Medication Rules on our Dog Boarding page to ensure compliance.
6. Slow Feeder Bowls: If your dog benefits from a slow feeder, you’re welcome to bring it along. We provide regular bowls and water buckets, but we understand some dogs may need a specialized option.

What You Should Not Bring

For safety and practicality, there are certain items we cannot accept:

• Raw Food Diets: For sanitary reasons, raw food is not permitted.
• Beds and Crates: We provide cozy cots for all boarding dogs, so no need to bring beds or crates.
• Glass Containers and Liquid Medications: To prevent breakage and accidents, glass items and liquid medications or injections are not allowed.
• Heated Blankets or Electrical Items: Safety is our top priority, so we do not accept any electrical items, including heated blankets.
• Leashes, Collars, Bowls, and Measuring Cups: Our team uses standardized bowls, buckets, and measuring tools to ensure consistent care. Please leave these items at home.

A Note on Personal Belongings

While we do our best to keep your dog’s belongings safe and secure, we recommend avoiding items of sentimental or high monetary value. Accidents and misplaced items, though rare, can happen.

Preparing for a Stress-Free Stay

At On Command Dogs, we’re committed to making your dog’s stay as enjoyable as possible. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your pup is comfortable, well-cared for, and ready to have a great time. If you have any questions about what to bring, feel free to contact us—we’re here to help!

When it comes to boarding your dog, their health and well-being are our top priorities. If your pup requires medications, supplements, or vitamins during their stay, we’re happy to help administer them. To ensure everything runs smoothly, here’s a detailed guide to our medication policy, including what we accept, what we don’t, and how to prepare for your dog’s stay.

Medication Administration Fee

Administering medications, supplements, and vitamins requires careful attention and adherence to your pet’s routine. For this reason, we charge a daily $5 administration fee for these services. This fee helps ensure our staff has the time and resources to properly care for your dog’s health needs.

What We Accept

To maintain safety and consistency, we require all medications, supplements, and vitamins to meet the following criteria:

1. Original Packaging: All items must be in their original packaging with clear labeling. This ensures accurate dosing and prevents any mix-ups. Please include the prescribing veterinarian’s instructions if applicable.
2. Clear Dosing Instructions: Provide detailed instructions for each item, including dosage, frequency, and any special notes (e.g., "must be given with food").
3. Pill Organizers (Optional): If you use a pill organizer at home, you may bring it along for convenience, but the original packaging must also be provided for reference.

What We Do Not Accept

For the safety of all pets and staff, we are unable to administer:

• Liquid Medications or Supplements: We do not accept liquids due to the higher risk of spillage, contamination, and inaccurate dosing.
• Injectable Medications or Supplements: Injections require specialized training and equipment beyond our facility’s scope of care.

If your dog requires liquid or injectable medications, we recommend consulting your veterinarian for alternative boarding or care options.

How to Prepare Your Dog’s Medication for Boarding

To streamline the check-in process and ensure proper care, follow these steps:

1. Organize Medications in a Separate Bag: Place all medications, supplements, and vitamins in a clearly labeled bag to keep them organized and easy to access.
2. Provide Detailed Instructions: Write out clear instructions for each item, including dosage, frequency, and any specific requirements (e.g., “administer with morning meal”).
3. Communicate Special Needs: If your dog has any specific needs related to their medication (e.g., difficulty swallowing pills), let our staff know in advance.

Ensuring Your Dog’s Health and Safety

Our team at On Command Dogs is dedicated to providing high-quality care tailored to your pet’s needs. By adhering to these medication guidelines, we can work together to keep your dog healthy and comfortable throughout their stay.

If you have questions about our medication policies or need assistance preparing for your dog’s stay, feel free to contact us—we’re here to help!