What should I pack for my dog's boarding stay?

Food portioned per meal (plus one extra day), a leash and collar or harness with ID, any medications clearly labelled, an optional favourite blanket or toy, and your vet's contact information.

Is a meet and greet required before boarding?

Yes — every new dog has a free meet & greet (about 30 minutes) before their first stay, so we can make sure they'll be happy and safe with our small group.

What is the cancellation policy?

Boarding cancellations need 48 hours' notice. New clients confirm bookings with a 50% deposit; during peak season (Christmas/New Year and March break) a 50% non-refundable deposit applies to all bookings.

Boarding Requirements & What to Pack

Q: What vaccinations does my dog need for boarding?

Up-to-date rabies and DHPP vaccinations are required. Bordetella (kennel cough) is strongly recommended, and flea & tick prevention during warm months.

Everything you need for a smooth, safe stay — simple requirements, a short packing list, and our booking policies in plain English.

Book a Free Meet & Greet Call (647) 985-7239

5.0 on Google (14 reviews) Cage-Free Home Near Pearson (YYZ) Fully Insured 25+ Years Experience

Simple Requirements, Happy Pack

Because your dog joins our family home and a small group of 2–3 guests, we keep a few easy rules that protect every dog in our care.

Vaccinations

Up-to-date rabies and DHPP are required. Bordetella (kennel cough) is strongly recommended. Flea & tick prevention during warm months.

Free Meet & Greet First

Every new dog meets us (and the current pack) before their first stay. It’s free, takes about 30 minutes, and makes sure everyone will be happy and safe.

Dog-Friendly Dogs

Our guests share couches, a yard and group walks, so dogs need to be comfortable around other dogs. Not sure? The meet & greet answers that.

Health & Medications

Dogs should be free of contagious illness. Daily medications are no problem — just send them clearly labelled with simple instructions.

What to Pack

Less is more — we have beds, bowls, toys and a yard full of fun. Bring:

Food — enough for the stay plus one extra day, ideally portioned per meal (zip bags work great). Sudden food changes upset tummies, so we feed what your dog knows.
Leash & collar or harness with ID tag.
Medications (if any) in their original or clearly labelled containers, with instructions.
A favourite blanket or toy (optional) — a familiar smell helps some dogs settle on night one.
Your vet’s name and number, plus an emergency contact while you travel.

Booking, Deposits & Cancellation

Drop-off & pick-up times are arranged when you book — we’re flexible around flights out of Pearson. Pick-up/drop-off service available for $25 each way.
New clients confirm a booking with a 50% deposit.
Boarding cancellations need 48 hours’ notice.
Peak season (Christmas/New Year holidays and March break week): a 50% deposit applies to all bookings and is non-refundable, as spaces are limited.

Book Your Dog's Stay

Fill out the form and we'll get back to you within 24 hours — or just call.

Prefer to call or message?

(647) 985-7239

ratherbedogwalking@gmail.com

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@RatherBeDogWalking

Serving Toronto, Etobicoke & the GTA — minutes from Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ). Cage-free home boarding with Humber Trail & parkland access. We welcome dogs from across the GTA, wherever you're travelling from.