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Travel, Boarding & Emergency — The Complete Preparation System
Boarding prep checklist, pet-sitter instruction sheet, lost-dog emergency plan, and GPS tracker comparison — everything you need before you leave.
Step-by-Step Prep
Boarding Preparation Checklist
Most boarding disasters happen because of last-minute preparation. Follow this timeline to make drop-off smooth and stress-free.
Printable Template
Pet Sitter Instruction Sheet
Fill this out before every trip. Leave a printed copy with your sitter and keep a digital copy in your phone.
FFeeding
Food brand & amount
Feeding times
Treats allowed? (yes/no, what kind)
Foods to avoid / allergies
EExercise
Walk frequency & duration
Off-leash OK? Where?
Favorite games / activities
Dogs they can play with
MMedical
Medications (name, dose, timing)
Vet name & phone number
Emergency vet address & hours
Health conditions to watch for
BBehavior
Triggers to avoid (sounds, people, dogs)
Crate trained? (yes/no)
Separation anxiety level
Commands they know
EEmergency Contacts
Your cell number
Backup contact name & number
Authorization for emergency vet treatment
Pet insurance policy number
Download the Pet Sitter Sheet
Get a fillable PDF version — complete it once, update as needed, and share with any sitter or boarding facility.
Prefer not to subscribe? View & print directly →
Emergency Preparedness
Lost Dog Emergency Plan
The first 24 hours are critical. Having a plan before you need it dramatically increases the chances of a safe return.
First 30 Minutes
Search the immediate area — most dogs stay within a 1-mile radius initially
Call your dog's name calmly (not frantically — it can cause them to run)
Leave a worn item of your clothing at the last known location
Call animal control and local shelters immediately — file a report
First 24 Hours
Post on Nextdoor, Facebook Lost & Found Pets groups, and Ring/Neighbors app
Create a flyer with a clear photo, your phone number, and last seen location
Post flyers within a 1-mile radius — focus on intersections and mailboxes
Contact local vet offices — people often bring found dogs to vets first
Days 2–7
Expand your search radius — dogs can travel 5–10 miles in 24 hours
Set a humane trap near the last sighting with familiar-smelling items inside
Check shelters in person every day — photos online are often outdated
Post on PetFBI.org, Petfinder.com, and Lost Dogs of America
Prevention is the best plan
A GPS tracker on your dog's collar means you know exactly where they are the moment they leave your yard. Real-time tracking cuts average recovery time from days to minutes.
Compare GPS trackers belowProduct Comparison
GPS Dog Tracker Comparison
The three trackers we recommend — compared on the metrics that actually matter for dog owners.
| Tracker | Price | Subscription | Battery | Update Freq. | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tractive GPS Best overall — widest coverage, fastest updates | Check on Amazon | $5–13/mo | 2–5 days | 2–3 seconds | Top Pick |
Fi Series 3+ Best battery life — ideal for active dogs | Check on Amazon | $9–15/mo | 3 months | Every few seconds | Runner-Up |