What to do with your dog when you go on vacation?

The May holiday reminded us that we are gradually entering the vacation period. The long weekend behind us (and for some, an entire week) has kicked off the vacation season. We have the extended weekend after Corpus Christi ahead of us, and soon we'll be heading out for summer vacations. Whether we’re going abroad for an extended holiday or just a short trip out of town, we need to consider all family members—including our four-legged ones. How should we plan vacations with and without our dog? How can we ensure the best care for our pet during our absence?

How to plan a vacation with your dog

If we’re heading to a pet-friendly destination, we need to carefully plan our activities there. It’s not ideal for the dog to spend all day in a kennel. Remember, we may not always be able to take our friend on a mountain hike or to the forest—before departure, make sure to check if there are any restrictions on bringing dogs to the places you plan to visit.

Choosing a destination where we can bring our dog and spend time together will be a good solution if our dog struggles with separation anxiety. Be sure to bring all necessary items—bowls, medication (if the dog takes any), leash, muzzle, crate, toys, and food. This means you’ll need extra space in your luggage for your furry friend’s belongings.

What to do with your dog during your trip

Often, we can’t take our dog with us. A thoughtful decision about such vacations must consider care for our pet. We usually ask close friends or family—ideally someone who walks dogs with us or who, although not currently caring for dogs, knows our four-legged friend well.

What if we don’t have anyone to ask for help? We can consider a boarding kennel—just make sure it’s the right place for our family member. Help can also be found in social media groups—often, you can find someone willing to care for your pet in exchange for a similar favor during their vacation.

Another good option is to use our services—paid pet care provided by qualified petsitters is an excellent way to ensure good care for your four-legged friend. Remember that good care for a dog (or a cat or any other pet) is only possible when the caregiver understands the needs of the species and follows the owner’s instructions. Our petsitters are professionals—animal lovers who are aware of their needs. We warmly invite you to use our services.

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