Back before COVID, traveling was a big part of my life. At least once per year, my husband and I would set off on an adventure, usually out of country. Although I love to take my dogs on as many adventures as possible, the reality of dog mom life is there are some trips where dogs are happier left at home. This raises a very important question: what do you do with your dog when you travel? Luckily, there are quite a few options for pet care while on vacation.
At the end of May, my husband and I flew to California to visit some dear friends. It was our first trip since COVID hit, and it was the first time we left June and Margot behind since adopting them. Even though this was not my first rodeo (so to speak), I was worried. How would June and Margot do? Luckily, we have a truly great pet sitter (who is also a dear friend). I knew she would take care of the pups as if they were her own. And of course I was right!
That said, not everyone is lucky enough to have a friend who is willing and able to take care of their dogs for a prolonged period of time. One day, my husband and I hope to move out of state. While we might make a new friend whom I trust so thoroughly, we might also have to figure out a different option.
So, after a little bit of research, I put together a list of viable solutions along with their pros and cons! I also rated them for cost, since some options can get almost as expensive as your own vacation.
Options for Pet Care While on Vacation
There are a lot of options when it comes to taking care of your dog when you travel out of town. Choosing the right one depends a lot on you and your dog. Does your dog have behavioral problems to navigate? Are they well trained? How much can you afford? And, how long will you be gone? These are all questions to ask when searching for pet care options.
After some research, I put together the following possibilities:
- Ask a neighbor ($)
- Board your dog at your vet ($$)
- In home pet sitter ($$)
- Doggy daycare/Dog Hotels ($$$–$$$$)
- Sleepover at a friend or family member’s house ($)
- Board-and-Train ($$$$$)
If you aren’t sure which option is best for you, keep reading! Remember to factor in what your dog is most comfortable with and what you can afford. Also, be sure to consider these options for dog care before you book your trip. This way, you can factor in the cost AND make sure it’s a viable option.
Ask a Neighbor ($)
If you have a friendly, low maintenance dog, you can ask a neighbor (or a neighbor’s kid) to check in on them. When I was a kid, I absolutely LOVED the opportunity to care for someone else’s dog. I took great pride in letting them out, playing with them, and feeding them. Although it’s a nice gesture to pay your neighbor a small fee (whether in money or a gift), it isn’t nearly as costly as other options. After all, it is fairly easy for a neighbor to walk over and quickly care for your dog.
This option works best if your dog is friendly and easy to care for. Of course, you also need to know and trust your neighbor! The other upside of this option is that your neighbor can check on your home; they can bring in the mail, keep an eye on things, water a plant, etc.
Board Your Dog at Your Vet ($$)
If you have a lower energy dog, or a dog with medical needs, boarding with your vet might be the best option! The cost for boarding with your vet varies, but the rates are usually pretty economical. Averages range from around $20 to $50 per day, with weekly rates often available. Be sure to book with your vet in advance to guarantee space! Holidays, especially, fill up quickly.
Personally, I would opt to board with a vet before I would board with a regular kennel. Although I have no doubt that many kennels are lovely, I’ve also read a lot of horror stories. For example, dogs not having access to water to reduce the number of times they need to potty. I strongly trust my vet to ensure my dogs are kept healthy and safe. The downside, however, is lack of exercise and attention. Boarding your dog at your vet may not be the best option for a high energy or needy dog.
In-Home Pet Sitter ($$)
This is currently my go-to option, as I am fortunate enough to have a reliable and trustworthy friend who is also an A+ pet sitter. I like this option because it is usually the most comfortable for the dog; boarding, even at a fun daycare facility, can sometimes be really stressful or scary! I like that my dogs can enjoy the comfort and routine of their own home without having to go somewhere new.
If you don’t have a friend who can pet sit, there are services, like Rover, where you can find someone. In my opinion, these options are hit or miss. It is vital to very carefully vet someone before you choose to leave them alone in your home with your dog. While many people have found top quality sitters, there are plenty of horror stories out there, too. Do your research, and don’t compromise your high dog mom standards.
Despite the horror stories, I really like the in-home option. I think it is one of the least stressful forms of pet care for when you travel. It’s also more affordable than a dog hotel, and I think you tend to get more “bang for your buck.” It’s especially helpful if you have more than one dog, or, in my case, three dogs plus a cat!
That said, if your dog has behavioral issues– especially a fear of strangers– this might not work. Not only do behavioral problems make things difficult for the pet sitter, but they can also make your dog a flight risk. The last thing you want to have happen while on vacation is for your dog to bolt while out for a walk with their sitter!
Doggy Daycare/Dog Hotels ($$$–$$$$$)
Although it’s one of the more expensive options, doggy daycare or a dog hotel are great options for pet care while on vacation. Kennels at these facilities are usually quite spacious and well furnished. Some even have “suites” set up with TV, music, and extra comfy beds! You can book add ons for your dog to help them enjoy their stay. These include one-on-one play sessions, cuddle time, or doggy daycare playtime with other dogs. If your dog requires extra attention, has a lot of energy, or if they love to play with other dogs, then this option could definitely be your winner!
There is a huge variety in doggy daycare options, from relatively basic boarding all the way up to high end facilities that have daily maid service and turndown service (I’m not joking). There are also dog “ranches” where dogs can run and romp on multiple acres! Prices can range just as much, from around $50/night for a nice facility all the way up to $120/night or more for the really fancy stuff. Sometimes the larger “suites” allow for multiple dogs in a household to board together, which helps reduce the cost.
If this option sounds like the right fit for your dog, google facilities in your area and make time in advance to tour them. Talk with the staff, check out the rooms, and consider the needs of your dog. Would they enjoy romping outside, or would they prefer snoozing on a comfy bed all day? Finally, remember to always book in advance, as many of these places can fill up quickly, especially around the holidays.
Sleepover at a Friend/Family Member’s House ($)
This is another one of my favorite options for pet care while you are on vacation! I like to think of this option like a slumber party, especially if you have friends or family who already have a dog that is friends with your dog. Moreover, this option is usually really easy and affordable, if not free– especially if your dog is well behaved. Just remember to choose someone you trust who will met your dog’s needs; every dog is different, and just because someone has a dog of their own does not mean they will make a good sitter for your dog!
One of the big reasons I like this option is your dog gets plenty of attention. They aren’t crated or left alone longer than normal, which is especially nice for those needy or higher energy dogs. It’s also nice for your own peace of mind. In my experience, dogs usually have the most fun staying at a familiar friend or family member’s house, which is why it is one of my favorite options!
Board-and-Train ($$$$$)
Last, but certainly not least, you could definitely sign your dog up for a board-and-train while you are on vacation. This is hands down the most expensive option for taking care of your dog while on vacation, but that is because you are paying for two services: boarding and training!
Many board-and-trains are around one or two weeks, sometimes longer. This makes it a great option if you are going to be out of town for a long time. A board-and-train can also be great for dogs with behavioral problems, as you can rest easy knowing a professional trainer will be handling and helping them along the way. Plus, training is such an important part of well being for your dog. Even well trained dogs can benefit from a board-and-train that will take their skills to the next level.
Keep in mind that dog training is completely unregulated. Choosing a trainer, like choosing a vet, should be done carefully. Research your options, meet with trainers, and make sure you find someone with valid credentials whom you trust. Moreover, many trainers (the good ones) will want to vet you and your dog as well to make sure it’s a good fit for their program.
Board and train facilities don’t always have a ton of space, so you won’t necessarily have the same level of flexibility as you might with other options. Planning in advance will help! That said, lots of places offer follow up sessions/boarding options for past clients. This might give you a little more wiggle room when it comes to planning your vacation without your dog.
Pet Care While on Vacation: My Quick Tips
No matter what you do with your dog when you travel, be sure to plan in advance. Boarding facilities can book up quickly, and you should never assume your friend or family member will be available. Have back up options in case something falls through, make sure you budget for pet care when planning your vacation.
Here are my top tips to keep in mind when it comes to caring for your dog while you are out of town:
- Keep your dog’s needs in mind above all else. What will they be the most comfortable with?
- Do your research. The dog industry is wildly unregulated, and anyone can open a kennel/boarding facility. Make sure you research your options thoroughly, including in-person visits and inquiring about staff credentials.
- Pick an option before you are even planning a trip. Find a boarding facility you like or a pet sitter or a board-and-train. Finding these options now ensures you are prepared for later. It’s like finding a vet– you don’t want to wait until there is a medical emergency to choose one!
- Plan ahead. Especially for holiday travel. If you are going out of town for Christmas, you need to book that as far in advance as possible!
- Always have a back up. What if your favorite dog hotel is booked? What if your friend is not available that weekend? Have a back up option in case your normal pet care plans don’t work out.
Have an option I missed? Drop your recommendations in the comment section! Safe travels!
2 Responses
You made an interesting point when you mentioned that it is important to keep your dog’s needs in mind when planning what to do with them during a vacation. I would think that some dogs would prefer to be with other animals if they aren’t going to be with their owners. Leaving a dog at a pet daycare center could be a good way to make sure they get the social interactions they need while you are away.
Totally! It definitely depends on the dog. Some thrive at daycare centers, but for other’s it can be really stressful.