I might be having my first dog boarding client in the next two weeks, what do the pet parents supply and what are we already supposed to have available in our homes? (as far as treats, toys...)
Hooray for first clients!! Pet parents should bring the dog's food - ideally in single serving containers, I usually have parents bring them in a baggie per meal, or for longer stays they will bring a larger container (labeled on top with the pup's name and serving instructions) with the serving scoop they use inside. Make sure to ask that they include one extra day's worth of food, just in case! Other than food, of course any medication is the second priority. It looks like you have a dog in the home, so since you will be juggling multiple pups, any food and medication brought into the home should be labeled, just to be on the safe side.
I also ask pet parents to bring a food bowl, because even though pups might be normal, easy going eaters at home, in new situations with other dogs, things can get intimidating, and having their own bowl with their own smells is SO much more comfortable! I highly, highly recommend doing all feeding separately, whether it is in separate rooms, crates, through baby gates - it will just cut down on any possibility of tension.
Other than that, the rest is up to you and the client! Beds and kennels are the only other things that owners usually bring, though honestly -- the dogs don't usually use them! They are usually so overwhelmed with the new environment and interested in sleeping in new spots that they don't even notice that their own bed is over in the corner. However, every dog and every sitter is different! If you would rather that they have their kennel so that you have that option, definitely ask their owner to bring it.
I do ask that the owners not bring toys, for a few reasons - often, toys get destroyed, whether it's by the owner of the toy or by someone else who is borrowing the toy, or toys get lost or mixed up. Toys are also personal property! When dogs come over, I put away the toys that are my dogs' personal toys and bring out the toys that are "communal" toys, that no one is attached to (and that I buy from the dollar store, so that when, not if, they get destroyed, they are easily replaceable - I had a bulldog last weekend go through six tennis balls while I took one phone call). If a dog came in with their own personal toys, I am certain that there would be some tension and possible fights. However, this also depends on the sitter - for sitters without dogs in their home, this is definitely not an issue!
Anyway, this is definitely more than the question you asked - sorry! Got a little off track! Sometimes owners will bring a LOT! Last thing, as well - always ask that they bring a leash! Just throw it into the message! Some just don't do it, which is kind of an odd thing. As a dog sitter ...
The tip about the toys is great! I always ask pet parents to refrain from bringing any personal toys, unless it's something the pet may NEED to feel comfortable (I then keep it in their crate/kennel). Dogs can get possessive in new places, and toys often get torn up in boarding environments!
During the M&G, we discuss what items the owner needs to bring and I give them my Dog Info Sheet, which asks for a copy of vaccination records. Then a couple of days before the stay begins, I send a message with a list of mandatory and optional items. It includes:
Also, if the dog might experience a moderate level of separation anxiety, I suggest including an unwashed piece of clothing (old T-shirt) with your scent which can be very comforting.
Everything on the list is optional other than the food, collar/leash, and medications.
Hi Aja, on top of what the other rover sitters already included, definitely ask for a copy of their health/vaccination records, and an emergency number in case the owner can't be reached.