If you’ve got pets, your primary responsibility is to make sure they’re happy and healthy at all times, even when you’re on vacation. After all, their needs don’t stop just because you’re away. You also might find yourself worrying about your pets while you’re away, making it impossible to relax and enjoy yourself.
So, whether you’ve got a new dog or you’ve had one for a while, here are a few ways that you can make sure that your dog is looked after when you’re on vacation.
Take Your Dog With You
Depending on your pet and the kind of vacation you want, you always have the option to take your dog with you on a pet-friendly vacation. Camping is inherently dog-friendly, as most RV and campsites allow controlled, well-behaved dogs on the site. This is great if you like more rough-and-tumble breaks, with plenty of hikes for you and your dogs to enjoy.
Another option is home swapping, which essentially allows you to pick from a huge number of potential accommodation options in a certain area. You can add a search filter to make sure its pet friendly and take your furry friends along for the ride.
If you take your dog on vacation, a lot of places have a few rules. Generally, it’s best not to leave them alone in the accommodation, especially if they’re unsecured. Make sure to clean up after yourself and your dog.
Dog Boarding for Longer Breaks
Unfortunately, you can’t always take your dog with you. You might be going abroad, or the vacation you have planned might not be pet-friendly by design. If you’re going with a group of people, you might have had to sacrifice a pet-friendly accommodation and go with the majority.
Thankfully, there are still options to make sure that your dog is cared for and comfortable. Dog boarding is a great way to essentially send your dog on their own little vacation. Make sure to check out different boarders and what facilities they have for your furry friend.
If your dog needs medication or isn’t great with other dogs, make sure to let them know about specific needs for your dog, so they can get the best care.
Dog and House Sitters
Another option, which is great if you’re only away for short times or if you’re at work for long hours, is to use dog and house sitters.
This is perfect for people who have busy schedules and aren’t always able to give their dog the care they want to. A dog sitter can stay over or even just pop in throughout the day. They can walk your dog, feed them, and give them a bit of love and companionship throughout the day.
Always use a reputable dog sitting site and make sure that your sitter knows exactly what your dog needs and what they prefer. You can get on with your life without worrying about Fido getting anxious or bored at home.

