food, bed and dogs accesories?
should i have in home food, bed and toys for the dogs or the owner is who should bring that
6 Answers
The owner needs to supply food, meds, and a collar/leash or harness for their dog. I also require that the dog have I.D. tags with contact information. Everything else is at their discretion. Many do like to bring their dog's own bed and toys. If they're concerned their dog might need additional reassurance, I've suggested they bring an old, worn T-shirt (not freshly laundered), so the dog may be comforted by the owner's scent. I will place that in their bed. I have extra bowls and beds on hand, and my dog isn't possessive about his toys, although I might put the good ones away if the guest dog shows signs of being destructive.
Generally the owner brings all of that. My clients usually bring more than a human child would need for a visit! :-) However, it never hurts to be prepared in case they forget. This is something you may wish to discuss at the Meet and Greet so you know in advance.
Comments
thank you :)
I can supply everything for my guests except their food, the dog's collar/leash and any special needs items, like medication, limited ingredient treats, sweaters/rain jackets, etc. I suggest that owners bring their dog's bedding or a toy from home, especially if it's their first stay, since having something familiar can help them settle in, but guest dogs are allowed to play with my toys and sleep wherever they find a comfortable spot and have some of my treats (assuming they're allowed).
I have a list of items that I ask my clients to bring with them - bedding, toys, food, collar, leash, meds, and food and water bowls. I don't currently have a dog so I don't have many supplies of my own. I do keep a box of small treats in case the owners forget. If they forget something like food, I will message them and ask them what type and where they get it. I will then buy it and charge them for it. Fortunately, that hasn't happened yet.
Owners must bring their own dog food. That's the only MUST. I have extra beds, toys, bowls, leash, etc. However I tell them to bring with them anything they feel their doggie might need to feel comfortable. Perhaps they have a favorite blanket or toy. For dogs with separation anxiety, I have their owner bring a worn shirt with their scent and I lay it on their bed so they can sleep on it and feel like they are close to their owner. If they sleep in crates then they need to bring that as well, I don't crate dogs in my home so I definitely do not have extra crates.
I give them a form to fill out with important information about their dog(s). At the bottom I provide a list of what they need to bring; i.e. bed/crate favorite toy/blanket food treats medications etc. Over the last 3 years, I have created a "tool box" extra leashes & Y or double leash, collars, harnesses in different sizes, toys plus various sizes of food and water dishes. The less they have to bring the better for the customer so they don't have to make several trips to their car and back in 110 degree heat. Anything you buy for your business keep a receipt for a business deduction.