Preparing your dog for dog boarding doesn’t need to be complicated. A little thought beforehand goes a long way – and we’re here to make the whole process feel easy, reassuring, and personal.
At McKenzie Manor, we offer a small, personalised dog boarding experience designed to feel like a true home away from home. Every guest matters here. This guide covers exactly what to bring, along with a few simple notes to help your dog’s stay go as smoothly as possible.
Label Everything Clearly
Please label all items you bring from home with your dog’s name. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures belongings are returned to the right family at pick-up.
Please note: while we take every care with your dog’s belongings, McKenzie Manor cannot accept responsibility for items that are lost or damaged during their stay.
Collar and Lead
For a calm, safe arrival, all dogs must come:
- Wearing a properly fitted collar
- On a secure lead
We prefer collars during transitions as they make handling gentler and more familiar for your dog, but travel harnesses are absolutely fine. A secure, confident arrival sets the tone for a happy stay.
Food and Feeding
Please bring more than enough of your dog’s regular food to cover their entire stay.
Keeping your dog on their usual diet is one of the most important things we do to protect their comfort and wellbeing. A sudden change in food – especially in a new environment – can cause digestive upset and unnecessary stress. Familiar food is part of what makes McKenzie Manor feel like home.
Most dogs are naturally more active during their boarding stay, so we do ask for a little extra food to be included. We’ll monitor each dog’s condition and energy levels individually, and adjust portions if needed – or if any unexpected travel delays arise.
Our personalised dog boarding care also includes, at no extra charge:
- Administering medications or supplements
- Following your dog’s usual feeding schedule
- Honouring any treats or special routines from home
Just let us know what your dog loves, and we’ll take it from there.
Comfort Items from Home
If your dog is boarding for the first time – or you simply want to send a little piece of home with them – we warmly welcome:
- A small blanket
- A soft toy
Familiar scents are genuinely comforting for dogs adjusting to a new environment, and these small touches can help them settle in quickly and feel secure.
We do ask that all comfort items are:
- Clean and in hygienic condition
- Clearly labelled with your dog’s name
To maintain a safe and healthy environment for all our guests, we’re unable to accommodate beds or large bulky items. You can rest easy knowing every dog at McKenzie Manor has access to premium beds, blankets, coats, and towels throughout their stay – provided by us, as standard.
A Note from Us
Everything we do at McKenzie Manor is designed with your dog’s comfort in mind. By bringing the essentials – and a little piece of home – you’re helping us give them the warmest, most settled experience possible.
If you’re ever unsure what to pack, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We love hearing about your dog, and we’re always happy to help you prepare.