A little preparation can help your puppy settle into daycare more comfortably. Before the first visit, ask the daycare what it supplies, what it allows, and how it prefers items to be labeled. Policies vary, especially for food, medication, toys, and bedding. Pack only what your puppy needs for the scheduled stay, and share clear instructions with staff. A simple checklist can prevent missed meals, confusing medication directions, or an item your puppy cannot safely use.
Confirm the Daycare’s Requirements
Ask what to bring before you pack. Some daycares provide bowls, water, bedding, or treats; others may ask you to send specific items. Check whether the facility accepts personal toys or blankets, since shared play areas and group settings can make some belongings unsuitable. Also confirm how staff want belongings packed and labeled, and whether your puppy needs a collar, harness, or leash for arrival and departure.
Find out which health records the daycare requires and how to submit them. You may need documentation of vaccinations or other veterinary care, but requirements differ by facility and local rules. Ask whether records must come from your veterinarian and whether you can send them ahead of the first day. Keep a copy available at drop-off in case staff need to verify information.
Pack Food and Feeding Directions
If your puppy will eat during daycare, portion each meal in a separate sealed bag or container. Label it with your puppy’s name and the feeding time. Include any approved treats only if the daycare permits them, and let staff know about allergies, food sensitivities, or ingredients to avoid. Keeping meals consistent with your puppy’s usual diet can make the day easier on their stomach.
Write down the amount to serve, when to feed it, and any special directions. Mention whether your puppy needs a slow feeder or other approved feeding aid, and ask if the facility can use it. Do not rely on staff to guess portions from a large food bag. Clear, concise instructions help prevent mix-ups, particularly when several puppies have different meal routines.
Bring Medication Instructions
Tell the daycare in advance if your puppy needs medication during the visit. Ask whether staff can administer it, what forms they accept, and what documentation they require. Bring medication in its original labeled packaging unless the facility gives you different instructions. Include the dose and timing, and make sure the written directions match the label and your veterinarian’s guidance.
Share relevant safety information, such as whether the medication must be given with food or whether staff should watch for a reaction. Do not pack a dose without telling the daycare team, and do not leave instructions only in a text message or verbal handoff. If your puppy has a medical condition or recently started a medication, ask your veterinarian whether daycare is appropriate that day.
Choose Comfort Items Carefully
A familiar blanket or other comfort item may help some puppies rest, but check the daycare’s policy first. Items should be washable, clearly labeled, and safe for your puppy to have without close supervision. Avoid anything with loose parts, long cords, or pieces your puppy might chew off and swallow. If your puppy tends to guard belongings, chew fabric, or become distressed when separated from an item, tell staff before packing it.
Keep the bag focused on essentials: food, approved medication, required records, and any permitted comfort item. Add a note with your contact information and your puppy’s routine or care instructions if the daycare requests one. Birmingham Puppy Club can explain its current drop-off requirements before your puppy’s first visit, so check directly rather than assuming every item is accepted.
Before daycare, confirm the facility’s policies, label every item, and write down feeding or medication directions. Pack only what staff can safely use, and share health or comfort needs during drop-off. A quick check of your bag and instructions can make the transition clearer for both you and your puppy. Contact the daycare ahead of your visit with any questions.