Rachel's Practically Perfect Puppy Packing Plan

The packing list

            As a sitter, I ask my clients to bring essentially everything their dog will need. This has two benefits for clients, myself, and the dogs. First, it keeps my costs down, which keeps my rates down. Second, dogs are much happier with their own toys/crate/food, etc. And happy pups are our goal!

Essentials:

1.     Food: Obviously, dogs need food! An extra day of food is great just in case of emergencies. I am a big fan of doling out dry kibble as “treats” for good behavior throughout the day rather than all at once in a “meal”, as recommended by Dr. Ian Dunbar in his book Before and After Getting Your Puppy: The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, and Well-Behaved Dog.

2.     Treats: If the client says that their dog should get them as part of their total caloric intake, then I’ll give treats. If the client doesn’t bring them, I don’t give them!

3.     Leash/collar/harness/dog tags.

4.     Poop bags!

5.     Crate or bed: If the dog sleeps in a crate at home, they should have their crate at your house. I’ve had normally-crated dogs come to me without their crate, and it’s a hot mess. If they are used to a crate as their “safe space”, they should have it on overnights or even day visits.

6.     Toys: Not all dogs come with their own toys, but it’s better if they have even one. A tug toy plus a toss toy is nice. Even if they aren't that into toys at home, a toy is great in a new environment, plus it gives you, the sitter, an easy way to connect with a dog.
7.   Medicine, if the dog is on it. It's up to you to decide how comfortable you are dispensing meds. Personally, I have professional zoo experience, so I feel ok with pills, injections, etc., but be honest about what you can handle.

Depends on the dog:

7.     A shirt that belongs to their owner: This can be nice for dogs that are a little sadder about missing home.

8.     Paw or fur wipes

9.     Brush, for the shedders among us.

10. Rain coat or cold weather coat

11. Thundershirt, for anxious pups.

Coming up next, a list of what I will provide to complement the owners' items.
To get $20 free on Rover.com, whether or not you need a sitter in the Seattle area, use my code BESTBALLARD20. Happy sitting!