You’ve done the research, toured the facility, and booked the reservation. Now comes the question that trips up a lot of first-time pet boarding parents: what exactly do I bring?
The answer largely depends on your pet – and on the facility.
The best boarding resorts will provide most of what your pet needs to be comfortable, fed, and cared for. But a few personal items from home can go a long way toward helping your pet settle in and feel secure while you’re away.
Here’s a practical guide for what to pack for your pet’s first boarding stay at Stone Mountain Pet Lodge.
Before You Pack: Know What’s Already Provided
One of the most common first-timer mistakes is overpacking. Knowing what the facility already supplies helps you pack smarter and avoid sending items that could get lost, damaged, or simply go unused.
At Stone Mountain Pet Lodge, boarding guests arrive to a fully prepared space. Dogs settle into private, climate-controlled suites with premium raised beds and soft bedding already in place – no need to haul your own dog bed across town (with one exception noted below). Cats check into Whisker Ridge, our dedicated cattery, where each suite comes with custom fleece bedding and a variety of toys ready and waiting – nothing needs to come from home. Even food is covered for guests who need it, with high-quality house food available for a small fee for dog boarding guests if you’d prefer not to bring your own.
That said, there are still a few things worth bringing along – and for some pets, a few things that are required.
What to Pack for Dog Boarding at Stone Mountain Pet Lodge
Food
The most important thing to bring is your dog’s regular meals. Keeping pets on their usual diet during a boarding stay helps prevent digestive upset, which is especially common when animals are already a little stressed from the change in environment.
At Stone Mountain, we ask that you bag and label each serving individually so the team can feed on the right schedule with the right amount. If you’d prefer not to bring food or run short during the stay, we offer a high-quality house food for dog boarding guests for a small fee.
If your dog eats wet food, a combination diet, or has specific portion requirements, write it down and pack a note with the food. Our team will follow your instructions.
Medications
If your dog takes any medications – oral, topical, or injectable – bring them along with clear written instructions. Our caregivers are trained and experienced in administering medications; dogs with more complex or frequent medication schedules may benefit from the TLC Package, which includes unlimited administration throughout the stay.
A Comfort Item (Optional)
A familiar item from home – a favorite toy, a well-worn t-shirt with your scent, or a small blanket – can offer an extra layer of comfort, especially for first-timers or anxious dogs. Keep in mind: Stone Mountain is not responsible for lost or damaged personal items, so leave irreplaceable things at home.
What to Leave Behind
Stone Mountain provides a premium raised bed with soft bedding for all dog boarding guests – unless your dog tends to chew, in which case it’s worth calling ahead to discuss. Heavy items, bulky crates, and anything your dog tends to destroy are otherwise best left at home.
What to Pack for Feline Guests
Food
Bringing your cat’s regular food is strongly encouraged. Cats can be particularly sensitive to diet changes, and a familiar food is one less variable during what might already be a slightly stressful experience. Pack enough for the full stay and label it clearly with your cat’s name and feeding instructions.
Medications
Bring any medications with written instructions. Stone Mountain’s team is experienced in administering feline medications throughout the day, including injections.
What to Leave Behind
Everything else is already handled. Each Whisker Ridge suite – whether a Condo Suite, Penthouse Suite, or Cat Atrium (exclusive to our Blaine location) – comes stocked with custom fleece bedding and plenty of toys, so there’s no need to bring any from home. Each suite also has its own dedicated litter compartment with independent ventilation, so your cat’s litter box stays home too. There’s no need to bring a carrier beyond what you use for transport.
Exotic Pet Essentials
Exotic pet boarding has the most specific packing requirements of the three, and it’s worth calling ahead to confirm exactly what your species needs. As a general rule, Stone Mountain asks exotic pet owners to bring:
The Enclosure and All Equipment
Your pet’s own enclosure is required – the Stone Mountain team does not supply cages, tanks, or habitats for exotic guests. Bring the full setup: heat lamps, humidity controllers, water bottles, bedding, substrate, hides, perches, or any other environmental equipment your pet depends on. There’s no need to bring cleaning equipment, though. We’re well-equipped to maintain a fresh and tidy enclosure throughout the stay.
Food
Bring your pet’s usual food in sufficient quantity for the entire stay. Our specialists are adept at handling frozen, refrigerated, and live foods, so whatever your pet eats normally is perfectly fine to bring.
Written Care Instructions
This is an essential step. Write down your pet’s full daily routine – feeding times and amounts, lighting schedule, temperature requirements, any handling preferences, enrichment needs, and anything else the team should know. Our team will follow your instructions exactly.
Enrichment and Comfort Items (Optional)
If your pet has a favorite toy, hide, or enrichment item, feel free to bring it along. Familiar objects can help exotic pets feel more settled in a new space.
Need a Few Things Before You Go?
If you’re realizing your packing list has a few gaps, Stone Mountain Pet Lodge’s retail stores in Blaine and Champlin Park are a convenient stop before your pet’s stay. Both locations carry a solid selection of pet-approved essentials – from high-quality food and treats to toys, enrichment items, leashes, collars, and more – so you can pick up what you need without a separate trip across town.
A Few Final Tips
- Label everything. Whether it’s food bags, medication bottles, or personal items, clear labeling with your pet’s name helps the team keep everything organized and matched to the right guest.
- Call ahead with questions. Every pet is different, and our team is happy to walk through any specific needs or concerns before your arrival. If your pet has a complex care routine, unusual dietary requirements, or special medical needs, a quick call before the stay goes a long way.
- Book early. We require reservations for all boarding services – and peak periods like holidays and summer weekends fill quickly. Once you’ve confirmed your dates, getting the reservation locked in is always the right move.
Your Pet Is in Good Hands
Packing for a first boarding stay doesn’t have to be complicated. Bring the food, bring the medications, add a comfort item if it feels right – and rest assured that the rest is handled. At Stone Mountain Pet Lodge, we’ve been welcoming pets from across the Twin Cities since 2005, and the team is built around making every stay as comfortable and stress-free as possible, for pets and their people alike.
Questions about an upcoming stay? Reach out to the Stone Mountain team in Blaine or Champlin Park – they’re happy to help you prepare.
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TL;DR
Packing for your pet’s first boarding stay is simpler than it sounds. Dogs and cats should bring their regular food (portioned and labeled) and any medications with written instructions – bedding and toys are already provided at Stone Mountain for both species, though dog bedding is not available for dogs who tend to chew. Exotic pet owners need to bring their pet’s full enclosure and equipment, food, and detailed written care instructions; no cleaning supplies needed. For anything missing from your packing list, Stone Mountain Pet Lodge’s retail stores in Blaine and Champlin Park carry a range of pet essentials. Label everything, call ahead with questions, and book early – especially around holidays and peak travel periods.
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FAQ
Should I bring my dog’s bed to boarding?
Stone Mountain provides a premium raised bed and soft bedding for all dog boarding guests – unless your dog tends to chew, in which case bedding won’t be offered. If your dog is a chewer, call ahead to discuss options. Otherwise, your dog’s bed is best left at home.
Should I bring my pet’s food?
Yes, and it’s strongly encouraged for both dogs and cats. Bring their regular food portioned and labeled per serving to keep them on the diet they’re accustomed to. If you’d prefer not to bring food or run short, Stone Mountain offers a high-quality house food for dog boarding guests for a small fee.
Does Stone Mountain provide bedding and toys for cats?
Yes – every Whisker Ridge suite comes with custom fleece bedding and plenty of toys. There’s no need to bring any from home.
What do I need to bring for exotic pet boarding?
Bring your pet’s full enclosure and all necessary equipment (heat lamps, bedding, water bottles, etc.), their food, and detailed written care instructions. No cleaning supplies needed – Stone Mountain handles enclosure maintenance throughout the stay.
Can Stone Mountain administer my pet’s medications?
Yes. Caregivers are trained to administer oral, topical, and injectable medications for dogs and cats. Dogs with more complex medication needs may benefit from the TLC Package. Call ahead to discuss your pet’s specific requirements.
Do I need to bring a litter box for my cat?
No. Each Whisker Ridge cat suite has its own dedicated litter compartment with independent ventilation.
Can I bring my dog’s food if they have dietary restrictions?
Absolutely – and it’s encouraged. Bring your dog’s usual food portioned and labeled per serving. If your dog has specific dietary needs or a complex feeding routine, include a written note with the food.
What should I pack for a puppy’s first boarding stay?
Puppies follow the same general packing guidelines as adult dogs – regular food portioned and labeled, any medications, and an optional comfort item. Because puppies benefit from consistent routines and extra attention, it’s also worth calling ahead to discuss your pup’s schedule so the team can support their needs throughout the stay.