By Pamela Steward · Kanine Country Club · Oct 20, 2026
Packing for your dog is a little like packing for a child: a few smart choices make the whole stay smoother. At Kanine Country Club in Sperry, Iowa, we care for dogs while their families travel, and we see how much a well-prepared bag helps a dog settle in. Here is what to bring, what to leave at home and a few tips that make drop-off easier.
Your dog’s regular food
Bring your dog’s normal food, measured out with a little extra. Changing food during a stay can upset a dog’s stomach, and a trip is not the time for that. Extra covers you if your return is delayed by weather or traffic.
Pack each meal in a labeled bag or container, or send the whole bag with a measuring cup. Write down the amount and times of each meal, plus any treats or toppings your dog gets.
Medications and supplements
Bring all medications in their original containers, with clear written instructions on dose and timing. Include supplements and any preventive medications that fall due during the stay. Tell us about allergies and past reactions.
Be specific. A note that says morning and evening with food is much better than just giving the pill. If your dog has a health condition, share your vet’s name and number too.
Records and contact information
Bring proof of current vaccinations as we request. Write down your phone numbers, an emergency contact and your vet’s clinic. Make sure the number you give is one you will answer while traveling.
Check that your dog’s ID tag and microchip details are up to date. If a dog ever slips out of a collar, those details are what bring them home.
Comfort items from home
A blanket or bed that smells like home can calm a nervous dog. Bring a favorite toy or two, but skip anything your dog might destroy and swallow. Label everything with your name, because belongings can look alike.
An old T-shirt you have worn also works well. The familiar scent helps many dogs feel less alone.
Collar, leash and gear
Send your dog in a well-fitting collar with a current ID tag, and bring a leash. If your dog uses a harness, special bowl or elevated feeder, send that along too.
Remove anything that could catch or pinch during play, like long dangling tags or bulky bandanas.
What to leave at home
Leave behind rawhides, small chew toys and anything your dog could break into pieces. Skip expensive items you would hate to lose. Do not bring a bed that your dog treats as a chew toy.
If you are unsure whether something is a good idea, ask us when you book.
Share a few notes
Write a short page about your dog: nicknames, words they know, favorite games, fears, how they like to sleep, and how they get along with other dogs. Mention if they are afraid of storms or shy around men with hats.
The more we know, the more we can make your dog’s stay feel familiar and calm. Add anything that is unusual, like a dog who only drinks from a certain bowl or needs a night light.
Day of drop-off
Give your dog a good walk beforehand so they are relaxed. Keep the goodbye short and cheerful. Dogs read our feelings, and a long, tearful farewell makes them anxious.
Double-check that we have your dates, contact numbers and anything you want us to know. Then relax and enjoy your trip. We will take it from here, and when you return, expect a happy, tired dog.
A sample packing list
Here is a quick version you can copy. Food measured for every meal plus extra. Medications and written instructions. Vaccination records. Collar with ID tag and a leash. A blanket or bed that smells like home. One or two safe toys. A page of notes about your dog and your contact numbers.
Put everything in one bag and label it. At pick-up, you will know exactly what to take home, and nothing gets left behind.
Packing for puppies and seniors
Puppies may need a few extra meals, a spare blanket for accidents and any chews that are safe for them. Seniors may need orthopedic bedding, joint supplements and clear notes about stairs, slippery floors or mobility.
Tell us about any changes in appetite, hearing, vision or bathroom habits so we can adjust. Older dogs often do best with a calm space and steady routine.
Test your plan before you leave
A day or two before drop-off, check that you have enough food, that medications are filled and that every bag is labeled. If your dog has never stayed overnight away from you, a short test stay with friends or family helps a lot.
It also helps to run through the morning of drop-off. Feed on time, walk your dog and keep things calm. The more relaxed the day is, the easier the goodbye.
Ready to book?
Planning a trip? Send a boarding request or call 319-759-4210 and we will confirm availability. More answers are in our FAQ, and you can find us in Sperry.