Day care

What should I pack for my little one's first day of day care?

Less than you'd think. The paperwork's done before day one, I pick up from your door, and the pack has everything they need at my place. Here's the short list.

Roslyn, runs Oodles of Paws from her home in Lota 21 September 2026 2 min read

One of the little ones ready for the day, in the garden at my place

Less than you'd think. I pick your little one up from your door, the paperwork's already done, and the pack has everything they need at my place. On the day, it's really just your pup and their lead.

Here's the short list, and what to leave at home.

Before day one: the paperwork

This happens once, after the meet & greet, and it's all online. I send you a sign-up form: the waiver, a bit about your pup (name, breed, the things I should know), and a copy of their vaccination certificate to upload.

Once that's in, you're set. No folder to bring on the day.

On the day: what's on your pup

A collar with a tag.
A lead.

No harness needed: I put them in one of my balance harnesses at the door, and they're strapped in by it in the van. That's it.

Food and water

Every pup's different, so food is one of the things we talk about at the meet & greet. Tell me what your little one eats and when, and I'll tell you what works on a day-care day. Water's always out.

What to leave at home

Ask me before you send toys, beds or treats from home. The pack shares everything, so most things are better off staying at yours. If there's one thing your little one can't be without, tell me at the meet & greet.

The first morning

Have your little one ready at the door at your pick-up time, lead on, and I'll take it from there. You'll get a photo from the garden before you've finished your first coffee.

Key takeaways

The paperwork is done online before day one: the sign-up form, puppy info, vaccination certificate.
On the day: collar and tag, and a lead. The harness is mine, at the door.
Food: we sort it at the meet & greet.
Leave at home: toys, beds and treats, unless we've agreed otherwise.
Be at the door at your pick-up time, and the van does the rest.

Common questions

Do I need to send food with my little one?

It depends on your little one, so it's one of the things we sort at the meet & greet. Tell me what they eat and when, and we'll work out what happens on a day-care day.

Does my pup need a harness for day care?

No. I keep a set of balance harnesses in the van and every pup wears one, strapped in for the drive. The shop has the same harness if you want one for your own walks.

What paperwork do you need before the first day?

A signed waiver, a bit about your pup, and a copy of their vaccination certificate. I send you the form after the meet & greet and it's all done online, so there's nothing to bring on the day. Then your little one gets picked up from your door on their first morning.