Planning your dog’s next adventure at Camp Bow Wow® is an exciting milestone for both you and your furry family member. Whether your pup is joining us for a fun-filled day of Day Camp or settling in for an overnight Sleepover Camp, knowing what to pack for dog boarding and daycare can help make their experience comfortable and stress-free.
To help you get ready, we've put together a dog boarding checklist covering what to bring (and what to leave at home), from everyday essentials and vaccination records to meals and bedtime comforts, so your pup can enjoy their visit as a truly Happy Camper™!
1. Daily Wear & Safety Essentials
Safety is our top priority in our open-play yards. When arriving at Camp, make sure your dog is equipped with the right gear:
Flat, Quick-Release Collar: Your dog must arrive wearing a flat collar featuring a quick-release clasp and up-to-date ID tags. Quick-release buckles ensure that Counselors can quickly remove collars if needed during play.
Leash: Keep your dog leashed during check-in and check-out to safely navigate the lobby and parking area.
What to Leave at Home: To maintain a safe group-play environment, choke chains, prong collars, and bark collars are not allowed inside the facility and play yards.
2. Dog Boarding Requirements: Health & Vaccination Records
We want all of our Campers to be happy and healthy:
Vaccination Records: You can email, your dog's records, upload them to our portal, or bring a printed copy.
. We need to make sure your pup is up to date on required vaccinations, including DHPP/DA2PP, Rabies, and Bordetella (which helps protect against kennel cough).
Parasite Prevention: We recommend putting your dog on a monthly, vet-approved flea, tick, and parasite preventative to keep play yards clean and healthy.
Medications: If your dog requires prescription medication during their stay, bring it in its original veterinary container with clear, written instructions for dosage and administration .
3. Nutrition & Mealtime Preparation
Maintaining your dog's regular diet can help prevent digestive upset and maintain their usual routine throughout the day:
Pre-Measured Meals: Although not required, consider packing your dog’s regular food divided into individual, pre-measured portions or bags for each scheduled mealtime during overnight stays. This is especially important for puppies with higher nutritional needs or dogs requiring a specific feeding schedule. It is also best practice to bring a container labeled with your pup’s name.
Extra Food: If your dog is staying for Sleepover Camp, consider packing 1–2 extra meals in case your travel plans are delayed.
4. Bedtime Comforts for Sleepover Camp
When the daytime play ends, Campers snooze the night away in spacious individual Cabins. You can help them settle in comfortably by bringing a piece of home, if permitted by your Camp:
Scented Blanket or Shirt: Pack a blanket or an unwashed T-shirt carrying your home scent. Having a familiar scent in their Cabin may help your pup feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar environment.
Restful Routine: Bringing your pup’s favorite toy may provide additional comfort during their overnight stay. Check with your Camp before packing toys or other personal belongings.
5. Mental Stimulation & Dog Enrichment Activities
At Camp Bow Wow, we believe physical exercise is only half the equation—mental stimulation is equally vital for a fulfilled, well-balanced dog.
Self-Soothing Licking Toys: Purchase one of our interactive licking toys, such as a licking mat, a Camp Cup or ask your Camp what else they have to offer. The repetitive licking action acts as a natural self-soother that lowers stress during midday rest cycles. Research even shows that quiet rest paired with a treat after play helps lock in long-term memory of positive social learning!
Enrichment Activities: You can also upgrade your pup's visit with our personalized dog enrichment activities. Our trained Camp Counselors offer tailored one-on-one play sessions, snuffle balls for foraging, brain-boosting puzzle toys, and backyard agility obstacle courses designed to encourage problem-solving, provide mental stimulation, and keep dogs engaged.
Quick Packing Checklist Summary
Before heading out the door, double-check your bag against this quick list:
[ ] Flat, quick-release collar with ID tags attached
[ ] Standard leash for lobby safety
[ ] Upload, email or print vaccination records (DHPP, Bordetella, Rabies)
[ ] Food for meals
[ ] Prescription medications in original bottles (if applicable)
[ ] Home-scented blanket or t-shirt for overnight stays
By packing smart and taking advantage of our tailored dog enrichment activities, you set your dog up for the ultimate CampLife experience—full of fun, friendship, and peace of mind!
