What to Do With Your Dog When You Go on Vacation

Planning a vacation when you have a dog adds a layer of decision-making to the trip planning. Where will they stay? Who will care for them? How will they handle the disruption? The good news: there are several solid options, each with their own benefits and tradeoffs.

This guide helps you choose what fits your dog and your situation.

The main options

Boarding facility (kennel)

Traditional option. Dogs stay at a dedicated facility with professional staff, structured schedule, and other dogs around. Costs typically $30-60 per night.

Best for: Social dogs who don’t mind being around other animals. Independent dogs who handle changes well. Short trips where simplicity matters.

Not great for: Anxious or shy dogs. Dogs not vaccinated against kennel cough. Dogs with separation anxiety.

Pet hotel / luxury boarding

Higher-end version of boarding. Often includes private rooms, more play time, sometimes daycare-style activities. $50-100+ per night.

Best for: Dogs who need more attention than standard boarding offers. Owners with budget for premium care.

Not great for: Budget-conscious travelers. Dogs who actually do fine at standard facilities.

In-home pet sitter

A pet sitter comes to your home, either daily visits or overnight stays. Your dog stays in their familiar environment. $25-75 per visit depending on services and location.

Best for: Dogs who get stressed leaving home. Multi-pet households. Senior dogs. Dogs with medical conditions that need consistent management.

Not great for: Long trips where overnight stays add up cost-wise. Situations needing immediate emergency response.

Friend or family

Trusted person watches your dog at their home or yours. Often free or low-cost.

Best for: Established relationships with someone your dog knows. Short trips. Tight budgets.

Not great for: Long trips that strain the favor. Situations where your dog has specific needs the friend can’t handle. Risk of dependence on one person’s availability.

Pet sitting apps (Rover, Wag)

Connect with vetted sitters who watch your dog at their home or yours. Range of services and prices. $30-80 per night.

Best for: Travelers who want flexibility and reviews to inform their choice. Comparing options easily.

Not great for: Those who prefer dedicated business relationships. Last-minute bookings when good sitters are booked.

Taking the dog with you

Possible for some trips: driving vacations, dog-friendly destinations, certain hotels and rentals.

Best for: Travel-comfortable dogs. Trips where dog activities are part of the plan. Dogs with severe separation anxiety.

Not great for: Air travel for sensitive dogs. International trips with complex requirements. Trips with lots of restaurant/sightseeing time.

How to choose

Consider your dog’s personality

Social dogs handle boarding well. Anxious or attached dogs do better at home with a sitter. Confident dogs adapt to most situations.

Consider trip length

For 2-3 days, in-home visits or short boarding work well. For 1+ weeks, more comprehensive care or stays with extended family may be better.

Consider medical needs

Dogs with chronic conditions need someone who knows the routine and can handle medications. Boarding facilities can manage simple meds; complex situations need experienced sitters or veterinary boarding.

Consider budget

Calculate the daily cost across the full trip. A daily premium service for 14 days may not be worth it compared to a different option for the same animal.

Preparing your dog (regardless of option)

Health checkup before trip

Make sure vaccinations are current. Some boarding facilities require specific shots like Bordetella (kennel cough). Get any prescriptions filled in advance.

Familiar items

Send their bed, favorite toys, and food. Familiar smells reduce stress significantly.

Detailed instructions

Provide written information: feeding schedule, medications with timing, exercise routine, behavioral quirks, emergency contact (your number plus a local emergency contact).

Trial run for longer trips

Before a 2-week trip, do a 1-2 night trial with the chosen option. Reveals any issues before they become bigger problems.

Don’t make a big deal of leaving

Long emotional goodbyes can stress dogs. Calm departure is better. They pick up on your emotional state.

Quick answers

Should I get pet insurance before traveling?

If you don’t have it yet, traveling is a reasonable time to consider it. Emergencies can happen while you’re away, and the financial buffer is valuable.

What if my dog has separation anxiety?

In-home sitter is usually the best option. The familiar environment reduces stress significantly. Boarding can make separation anxiety worse for already-anxious dogs.

Can I leave my dog alone for a weekend?

Generally no. Even with automatic feeders and water, leaving a dog alone for more than 8-10 hours creates welfare issues and behavioral problems. Always arrange care.

Red flags when choosing care

Avoid services that:

• Don’t ask about your dog’s history, personality, and needs
• Have no clear emergency protocol
• Provide no references or reviews
• Pressure you to commit without seeing the facility
• Have poor sanitation or visible neglect
• Won’t let you visit ahead of time

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, find another option.

Common mistakes

Booking last-minute and getting stuck with poor options.

Not visiting boarding facilities in advance.

Underestimating how much instruction the caregiver needs.

Conclusion

Finding the right care option for your dog during vacation requires honest assessment of their personality, your budget, and the trip details. There’s no universally best option — what works for one dog and one trip may not work for another. Take time to research, visit options when possible, and choose what fits your specific situation.

You might also like

• How to Help Your Dog Adjust to a New Apartment
• How to Manage Separation Anxiety in Dogs and Cats
• How to Build a Daily Routine That Works for You and Your Dog

FAQ

Are pet daycare facilities good options when I’m at work?

Yes, for many dogs. Doggy daycare provides social interaction and exercise during work hours. $20-40 per day typically. Good fit for dogs who handle social environments well. Not all dogs enjoy or benefit; some find it overstimulating.

How do I find a trustworthy pet sitter?

Ask for vet recommendations, dog park acquaintances, or check certified pet sitter associations. Read reviews thoroughly. Always do an in-person meeting before committing. References from previous clients are essential.