Handing a feeding instruction change to the next shift

Feeding instruction sheet

Each dog’s record may have a Feeding panel showing current amount, frequency, and any supplements. When an owner changes instructions, write the new details on a paper Feeding Change slip: dog name, date, old amount, new amount, owner initials, staff initials. Place the slip in the shift binder at the front desk. This is an offline recordkeeping practice.

Verbal handoff ritual

At shift change, outgoing staff reads every active Feeding Change slip aloud. Incoming staff repeats the changes and confirms the updated feeding notes on each dog’s record.

Worked example: Luna’s dinner portion increase

Before change - Dog: Luna, Golden Retriever - Feeding panel: 2 cups kibble AM, 2 cups PM - Owner request at 15:30: increase PM to 2.5 cups starting tonight

Desk action - Fill Feeding Change slip: - Dog: Luna - Date: 14 May - Old: 2 cups PM - New: 2.5 cups PM - Owner initials: JK - Staff initials: MP - Slip placed in shift binder. - Update Luna’s feeding notes to 2.5 cups PM if the record supports editing.

Shift handoff at 16:00 - Outgoing: "Luna PM increased to 2.5 cups, slip in binder." - Incoming: "Confirmed, feeding notes show 2.5 cups PM."

End-of-day verification

Closing staff checks each dog’s feeding notes against the binder slips. Any discrepancy is corrected before the next morning.

Exception: Temporary medication mixed with food

If the change is a one-time medication addition (e.g., "add antibiotic to PM meal tonight only"), use a Medication slip instead of a Feeding Change slip. The Feeding panel stays unchanged; the Medication panel shows the one-time dose.

Result: The new portion is recorded, communicated verbally, and verified against the panel so the next shift feeds Luna exactly as the owner requested.

Related: Dog Daycare Manager features.