What to Do When You Need to Leave Your Dog on Vacation

dog owner hug dog tongue out

A vacation with your dog may be the dream (she’s your bestie, after all!), but even the best of friends need a little space. Not all destinations are dog-friendly, or maybe pupper isn’t ready for his public debut yet. Read on about what to do when you need to leave your dog on vacation.

Entertainment and Enrichment

Just because you’re out having fun or getting dinner doesn’t mean that Fido can’t enjoy some, too! If your dog has to be in your rental digs alone, absolve yourself of the guilt by bringing the party to him! We’ve talked about enrichment in the car before, so there’s plenty of things you can do with what you may have on hand or in your accommodations. Enrichment toys, slow feeders, or tasty KONGs will keep him so busy he won’t even realize you’re gone.

Bring The Crate

New Dog 101 always includes crate training and for good reason—it’s a great skill for puppers to have! There are plenty of crates on the market that are great for traveling, like collapsible or soft sided crates that are easy to pack for a road trip. If your dog isn’t used to being crated, conditioning prior to your vacation is a great idea so the crate will be seen more of a place of zen and relaxation instead of puppy jail. 

Designate Space

If your dog is non-destructive but you don’t want her free roaming in a totally new space, designate some space for her and close it off. Depending on your accommodations, some potential spots might be a bathroom, an extra bedroom, or a basement. Fill the space with things that bring her comfort to help her transition into the space, like her dog bed or blanket. 

Watch Your Dog

So your dog is secured, but you’re still feeling a bit like an Anxious Akita about him being alone while you’re out and about? Watch your dog like the obsessed pawrent you are. While your dog may have heard too much about Big Brother, he’s cool with it—after all he loves his littermates. Use a treat-dispensing dog camera to keep tabs while you’re out and about.

Send Your Pup to Daycare

Planned an all day hike and have a pup who is *not* ok with breaking a nail? Want to see the wonders of a National Park that is not dog friendly? If your bestie is a social pupperfly, look into a local dog daycare for your all-day adventures. This is something you probably want to plan ahead for; call ahead to see if they have availability for new clients and make sure you have your dog’s vaccine records and other necessary paperwork to get her in.

Find a Dog Walker

If you’ve got a big day ahead of you and a dog who’s dream day does not include other dogs, see if you can find a trusted, local dog walker to give him a potty break. There are apps like Rover and Wag for local walkers on demand, but also a quick Google search can help locate plenty of small businesses in your area. Don’t forget to read the reviews and get references to make sure you’re leaving your buddy with someone you can trust! 

Featured photo: Cecilia Medina

  1. I am unable to go without my dog Milky. My vacation become boring, Because every time I miss her. I am aware that she cannot survive in the house without me. That’s why I try to keep her close to me at all times. However, I choose to leave her home when it’s a dangerous location or not safe for her health. I only do it when it is for a short period of time, like a few days. How long will it be safe to leave her in a daycare?

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