Documenting an owner-supplied meal that was not used

Owner-supplied meal log

Each dog’s record includes feeding notes. When an owner brings a labeled container, log the meal: date, meal name (e.g., "chicken & rice"), container description, and staff initials. Record the meal in the dog’s feeding notes.

Uneaten meal procedure

If the dog refuses the meal, do not discard the container. Add a note with the reason ("refused", "upset stomach", "owner requested return"), and place the container in the labeled return bin. Inform the owner at pickup. Record the uneaten meal in the dog’s feeding notes.

Worked example: Bruno’s special diet

Before lunch - Dog: Bruno, French Bulldog - Meals panel: no entry for today - Owner drops off container at 11:00: white tub, blue lid, labeled "Bruno – chicken & rice"

Desk action at 11:05 - Log meal: 14 May, Lunch, chicken & rice, white tub blue lid, staff MP. - Note: meal received.

Lunch time 12:30 – Bruno sniffs and walks away. Kennel staff action - Add note: "refused 12:35, offered regular kibble, ate 1 cup". - Mark meal as not used in feeding notes. - Container placed in return bin slot B.

Pickup at 17:40 - Owner receives container, sees note on Bruno’s strip: "Lunch not used – refused 12:35". - Owner initials acknowledgment on the strip.

Verification

• Feeding notes show the full timeline: received 11:05 → not used 12:35.
• Return bin matches the container description.
• Owner acknowledgment recorded.

Exception: Meal used for another dog

Never repurpose an owner-supplied meal. If another dog needs food, use house kibble. The original container stays in the return bin with the Not used status.

Result: The meal’s journey from drop-off to return is documented, the owner sees exactly what happened, and no container is mistakenly fed to a different dog.

Related: Dog Daycare Manager features.