What to do with your dog while on vacation: 6 tail-wagging options

Vacations are all about relaxation and having fun, but they can be a bit more complicated to plan when you’ve got a furry friend. Do bring your pup along for the adventure, check them into a pet hotel, or leave them at home with a trusty sitter? We’re exploring what to do with your dog while on vacation and bringing you tips and tricks to make sure they enjoy your time away just as much as you do.

What to do with your dog on vacation

1. Take them with you

Depending on where you’re headed and the type of trip you’re taking, you might be able to take your furry friend with you. Before bringing your dog along for the ride, think about how to travel with a dog and consider the following details:

• Is your journey long or complicated, and likely to cause your dog stress?
• Is your destination and accommodation dog-friendly?
• Will your pooch be able to join in with your vacation activities? 
• Is your four-pawed pal adaptable to change, or do they get stressed easily?

The truth is, many vacations aren’t ideal for furry friends, and they might be happier staying at home. That’s why the following options might be better for pet care when on vacation.

2. Ask a neighbor, friend, or family member to help

If you know someone who’s great with dogs (bonus points if they already adore your pooch!), then this is a great option. You can ask them to stay at your place with your pup, bring your furry friend to their home, or pop round a few times a day for feeding and walks. However, leaving dogs with friends while on vacation isn’t always possible, and it can be hard to find someone who’s trustworthy and can also meet your dog’s needs in your inner circle. That’s why we’ve got even more ideas of what to do with dogs when traveling.

3. Get an in-home dog sitter

Getting an in-home dog sitter is by far one of the best options for your pup. They get to stick to their usual routine in the home they know and love, receiving all the care and attention they’re used to from a true pet lover. It’s also the most personal option, with sitters tailoring their care to your furry friend’s unique needs and focusing solely on your pets.

To find an in-home pet sitter, create a listing on TrustedHousesitters and browse through sitter profiles or wait for them to apply. Make sure to arrange a meet and greet before you leave for vacation, so your pup can get used to their new pal and you can provide your sitter with everything they need for their stay, from contact information to feeding instructions.

4. Board your dog at the vet 

This can be a particularly good option if your furry friend has health problems or needs monitoring by a medical professional. While they may not get the same level of exercise or love and attention as they would at home, veterinary boarding services can provide a safe and secure environment with medical experts on hand. These professionals can keep an eye on your pet’s health, administer medications, and handle any emergencies that might arise, giving you peace of mind while you’re away.

5. Dog boarding facilities and hotels

This might be one of the pricier options of where to keep dogs while on vacation, but you can find dog boarding options to fit most budgets. Some places offer simple care (more like a traditional dog kennel) while others provide lots of playtime and opportunities for social interaction with other pups. For this reason, it’s a good idea to visit the facility ahead of your vacation to make sure it will be the right place for your pooch. 

6. Residential dog training programs

This is definitely the most expensive option, but that’s because it’s a two-for-one deal! Not only will your furry friend be well cared for while you’re away, but they’ll also receive professional training. These programs usually require a minimum stay of one to two weeks, giving your pup plenty of time to learn new skills and good behaviors. It’s a great way for your dog to have a productive vacation while you’re enjoying yours!

Pet care while on vacation: Top tips

Do what’s best for your pup 

Vets agree that pets are happier at home, so they usually recommend getting a friend, family member, or in-home dog sitter to take care of your pup while you’re away. When thinking about what to do with your dog while on vacation, consider your furry friend’s needs:

• Can they be left for a few hours or do they suffer from separation anxiety?
• Do they get along well with other animals, or do they prefer to be alone?
• Are they crate-trained? Boarding facilities usually require pups to be crated overnight.
• Do they warm up to strangers quickly or are they better off with someone they know?

Plan in advance

No matter which pet care option you choose, start planning who’s going to care for your pooch as soon as you book your trip. This will give you the best chance of finding the perfect solution for your four-legged friend.

Have a backup plan

You never know what could come up, so it’s always good to have a backup option ready just in case.

Do your research

Whether you’re choosing an in-home dog sitter or a boarding facility, make sure you find out as much as you can about their services beforehand. This way, you can ensure your pup is in good hands while you’re away.

Traveling as a pet parent can feel overwhelming if you’re unprepared and unsure of your options for pet care when on vacation. Thankfully, there are plenty of choices available to fit any budget, trip length, and your pet’s specific needs. With a bit of planning, you can find the perfect solution to ensure your furry friend is happy and well-cared for while you’re off on your adventure.