Quick answer: Start 2 to 4 weeks early. Book a free Meet & Greet, send vaccine records, and try a daycare day first. Pack food portioned by meal in small labeled zip bags, plus any medication in its original bottle. Leave beds, bowls, toys and harnesses at home. Keep the goodbye short and happy. Want it all on one page? Get our free First Stay checklist.
Leaving your dog overnight for the first time is a big moment. For your dog, and for you.
The good news: a little planning makes the first stay feel easy. Here is how we help families in Gainesville get ready, step by step.
2 to 4 weeks before: get ready
Book early. Thanksgiving, Christmas and school breaks fill up fast.
Start with a free Meet & Greet. Your dog explores, meets the team, and we walk you through our daily routine.
Send vaccine records with due dates. Rabies, Distemper/Parvo (DHPP) and Bordetella are required. Influenza is recommended.
Get a recent negative fecal test (every 6 months for group play) and keep flea, tick and heartworm prevention current.
Never stayed away before? Book a daycare day first. Boarding feels familiar when the yard, the smells and the faces already are. (Not sure which one you need? Read dog boarding vs daycare.)
What to pack (and why less is more)
The best packing list is a short one.
Food, portioned by meal. One small zip bag per meal, labeled with your dog's name and the meal. Add one or two extra meals, just in case.
Medication in the original labeled bottle, with written instructions.
A flat collar with a name plate.
Treats, if you like, in a labeled bag.
Why pre-portion the food? "One cup" is not the same everywhere. Every scoop is a different size. When you portion each meal yourself, your dog gets exactly the amount you planned, every time.
Leave these at home
At Jazz's, we provide beds, bowls and blankets. Toys, clothes and extras stay home too: the less you bring, the better. We also take harnesses off for play, because in our humid Florida weather a harness worn all day can trap moisture and cause rashes.
The full checklist (with the small details people forget) is in our free guide. Get the First Stay checklist.
The day before
Pack and label everything.
Check your dog's profile in our client portal: emergency contact, feeding notes, medication and vet.
Tell us about any new allergies or behavior changes.
Drop off day
We are open every day, 6 AM to 7:30 PM. Try to drop off before 5 PM, so your dog has time to play and settle in before bedtime.
Keep the goodbye short and cheerful. Dogs take their cue from you. A long, emotional goodbye tells them something is wrong. A happy "see you soon" tells them this is a good place.
During the stay
Boarding at Jazz's includes supervised play in our outdoor yards, in groups matched by size, age and personality. You get free photo updates every other day, and you can text us any time we are open. Want more? Add a Report Card with Photos for a personal daily summary.
Pick up and coming home
Checkout is by 12 PM, and the stay includes play until noon. Need more time? Add Stay and Play until 7:30 PM. Many families add a going-home bath so their dog comes home fresh.
Is your dog extra thirsty, hungry or sleepy after? That is very normal after all the fun. Offer water slowly, then regular meals. A day or two of extra naps usually means a great stay.
Traveling for the holidays? Here are more tips for getting ready for Thanksgiving boarding.
Your free First Stay checklist
We put everything on 3 simple pages: the packing list, the step by step timeline from booking to coming home, and what to expect during the stay. Print it or save it on your phone.
New to Jazz's Wonderland?
Your first step is a free Meet & Greet. Book your dog's first visit within 7 days after it, and their first day includes a free bath.
Book a free Meet & Greet or see dog boarding at Jazz's.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. Questions about your dog's health before a stay? Ask your vet.
