16 Nov What To Do If Your Dog Can’t Go On Vacation With You

So you’re going on vacation . . . and you’ve got a problem: what to do about your dog? You can’t always take (or want to take) your dog with you. Maybe your dog dislikes people hotels. Or has an aversion to airplanes. Or gets anxious in unfamiliar places. Or taking your best friend along just isn’t practical or feasible. Whatever the reason, you want to ensure your dog’s safety, comfort, and well-being while you’re away, whether you’re going on an extended trip, for the weekend, or just overnight. 

Your dog deserves the best possible care and protection while you’re gone. Figuring out what housing or boarding arrangement works best for your unique dog is the goal. 

Is my dog more or well-socialized, that is, does my dog get along with other dogs?

Is my dog well-behaved? 

After thinking through these issues (and any other special circumstances for your pup – like medications, ability to climb stairs, etc.), it’s time to consider the various boarding options. 

Here are some suggestions:

Get a family member or a close friend to stay in your own home and dogsit while you’re out of town. Although your dog will miss you while you’re away, their homespace will remain the same and their routine won’t be hugely upset. Some professional pet sitters are willing to stay in your home to give your dog round the clock attention. And having someone stay in your home while your away is an extra security benefit!

Another great option is to take your hound to a pet sitter’s home, for boarding and care in their home, where your dog can approximate its own routine in the pet sitter’s home.
Rover.com is a great place to look for professional dog sitters. But be sure to ask if the pet sitter has other dogs, cats, or people in the home as these may cause problems with your dog.

Professional pet sitters can also come to your house for a few hours throughout the day, to play with, feed, and take your dog for walks. This is usually less expensive than having a professional sitter stay in your own home around the clock. (As for nonprofessionals, maybe a neighbor or a retired couple who is familiar with pet care will look after your pup. Maybe they’ll even bring in your mail and water your plants.)

Dog hotels or boarding facilities are a good option. Most of them today are a far cry from the old conception of a dog kennel of yesteryear. In many cases, today’s boarding accommodations are more like spas or resorts for dogs. Be sure to call ahead and book a reservation. Also make sure the facility you choose is Pet Care Services Association (PCSA) certified and licensed. Not sure where to look? You can find qualified boarding facilities here: International Boarding and Pet Services Association

Boarding your dog with the local vet is another option. This is a good option if your pup needs regular medical attention, but otherwise you’d probably only be leaving your dog among others that are injured, sick, or in distress. There are probably better options.

It goes without saying — but I’ll say it — make sure whoever it is that takes care of your dog is capital-T Trustworthy, or certified and licensed.

If and wherever you decide to board your dog away from home, be sure your dog has something familiar from home with your scent on it (toys or a blanket) to help with the transition. A good idea is to make a packing list, and fill it with these items:

• Food and water bowls
  
• a 6-foot leash for walking and maybe longer leash for exercise sessions
• a record of your dog’s vaccinations
• your dog’s bed
• your dog’s favorite toys
• dog food and treats
• poop bags for easy clean-up
• medications and instructions

Also include a brief outline of your dog’s daily routine for your sitter: things such as what time your pup usually wakes up, mealtime(s), an idea when they go potty, when and where they like to walk, etc.

Most importantly, don’t forget to provide an emergency checklist for whomever is watching after your pup. Below is a list of emergency and pet care contact numbers you should give to your dog’s caregiver. Besides your cell phone number, they’ll have other resources to turn to while you’re away. 

• Your Vacation Contact Info (vacation address/phone)
• Veterinarian (phone/address)
• Emergency Vet Clinic (phone/address)
• Poison Control (phone)
• Someone local who’s familiar with your pup, such as a family member, friend, dog sitter or dog walker (phone/address)

I know it’s always a worry when you can’t take your best friend on vacation, and there’s a period of separation and distance between you both. Ensuring your best friend’s security and health is priority number One.

BONUS TIP: Write a postcard to your dog the first day of your trip and before you mail it, rub the card under your arms to ensure it has your scent on it. Ask your dog sitter to read the card to your dog and let him sniff it. This may sound silly and a bit embarrassing but this can give you peace of mind and let your pup know you miss him!

Good luck! And try to enjoy your vacation!