Tips for Leaving your Dog when you’re Away on Vacation  

It’s that time of the year when most people are planning their vacation and if you have pets we know you’re worried about their well being. So, if you’ve decided not to take your dog with you, we know you’ll enjoy reading this article. We have great tips for leaving your dog when you’re away on vacation.

How can you prepare your dog before you leave?

This is a common question asked by many pet owners. And we know that you want the best for your pet. So, if you can’t take your pet with you or don’t want to, here are some great suggestions:

1. Leave your dog at home with a trusted carer

This option is recommended when dogs are very sensitive or fearful of change. It is vital to choose a trustworthy individual that can care of your pet. A person who is a family member, a friend, or a neighbor might be the ideal choice. Their tasks should be simple enough like giving your pet something to eat, taking them out for a walk, and giving them clean water to drink. It is also important to spend some time with the pet either playing games or cuddling to help them pass the time. Then they will not feel depressed or lonely (something that happens often with sensitive pets).

1. Leave someone in charge of your home

If you don’t have a close friend or family member, then you should hire a dog sitter. This should be a sitter who knows your pet. You should also trust this person enough to allow him/her to have the keys to your home.  Or you might decide to have someone stay in the house. In this case, that person can care for your pet, water the plants, and clean up a little. (An additional benefit is having someone in the house until you return).

1. Leave your dog with a friend

You might be planning a long trip (for example a month or more) and your loved ones may be unable to care for your pet. In this case, we recommend leaving your pet at a friend’s house. They may have other dogs that may be great companions for your pet. Of course, you should check to be sure that there are no problems or pet rivalry.

This option is a great choice for pets that are very close to their owners or people in general. It is also good for pets that suffer from separation anxiety. How can you help them? The best way is to help your pet to get used to your long absences little by little. Try this – one day, allow your pet to spend time at your friend’s house. Then another day leave your pet alone all day at your friend’s and visit only at night. On another occasion, leave your pet to sleep at your friend’s house without you, etc. This is a great way to reduce your pet’s anxieties.

1. Leave your dog at a pet daycare center

This option is ideal for active dogs (for example, puppies). This also includes pets that get along well with other dogs. The hotels or daycare centers for dogs provide all the necessary comforts that your pet needs. Some of them even offer additional services like a swimming pool and fitness training. But they are a bit expensive, so you might want to count the cost first!

No matter what you decide, make sure that your pet will be well cared for. Plan for the staff to send you pictures and daily texts to let you know how your pet is doing.  Also, take your pet one or two days before your vacation starts to get a feel for the place. Then you can make your final decision.

The best place to leave your dog when you go on vacation will depend on the personality of your pet.

Tips to improve your dog’s vacation time

Think about it like this. Our pet needs a vacation too! They can have it away from us (if staying at home), or away from their environment (in a dog daycare center). Here are some great tips that can make it easier for them to adapt.

Avoid isolation

Remember that our pet is sociable and needs to be in contact with other beings (humans or animals.) Choose your carer well. Remember more is needed than just feeding the animal and cleaning up the dog poop.

Leave a piece of your clothing behind

It could be any piece of clothing you regularly use. It will have your unique scent and your pet will feel less abandoned by you.

Don’t forget your pet’s things  

Things like a bed, toys, and an eating bowl forms an essential part of our dog’s everyday life and will help our pet to feel less lonely and sad.