The Ultimate Guide to a Stress-Free Dog-Free Vacation

You’ve finally booked your flight, found the perfect hotel, and are looking forward to some lazy mornings, but what about your dog?

The excitement of planning your vacation can quickly turn into worry and guilt when you think about leaving your four-legged family member behind. However, before you get ahead of yourself and wonder if you should cancel, a little extra planning is all you need.

Choosing the Right Pet Care Option

Deciding who will look after your dog while you’re away is one of the toughest choices, whether you’re leaving for a week or booking a quick 3-day cruise.

The right choice will depend on your dog’s personality, your budget, and the level of peace of mind you want.

Dog boarding facilities can be a great option if you have a social pup. You’ll want to visit a few places first because quality varies widely. Look for a place that’s clean, secure, and well-staffed. Activities like playgroups and one-on-one walks can also make a big difference.

If your dog is happiest at home, though, a pet sitter might be a better fit. There are plenty of pet-sitting services that will arrange for someone to stay in your home while you’re away. This way, your dog is in familiar surroundings and can maintain their daily routine. This option often works best for older dogs or those with anxiety issues.

Preparing Your Dog

Even the best sitter or boarding facility will feel unfamiliar to your fur baby, so getting them ready ahead of time helps everyone adjust better.

Start by gradually introducing your dog to the person or place that will be caring for them, if possible. This allows your dog to build trust and feel more comfortable once it’s time for you to leave.

Next, pack the essentials that will make home feel a little less far away, such as their favorite toys, a blanket, and special treats. It also helps to keep things consistent by sticking to their usual feeding and walk times. 

Lastly, if your dog struggles with separation anxiety, start some training in advance. This could look like leaving them alone for short periods and gradually increasing the time. You could also pair your departures with something they love, like a treat-stuffed toy, to make being alone a positive experience.

Preparing Yourself

Knowing your pup is in good hands makes it much easier to relax and fully enjoy your vacation. 

Arrange regular check-ins with your sitter or boarding facility. A quick photo, text, or short video call can give you that added reassurance so that you don’t spend your time worrying. 

Putting a care binder together that contains everything your dog needs can also go a long way in ensuring they stick to their routine, eat the right food, and take their medication. You can even include some of your dog’s quirks they should be aware of.

You are naturally going to miss your dog, but this extra preparation will help you better manage your emotions.

Bonus Tips for Stressed Pet Parents

If you’re still feeling a bit anxious about leaving your dog, here are some extra tips: 

• Get a pet cam. Trusting your pet with someone you don’t know can be difficult, so if you feel you’re going to lose sleep, a pet cam can help ease your nerves.
• Add to your insurance. Many travel insurance providers offer cover for unexpected pet-related emergencies that you may want to look into.
• Schedule a reunion day. Instead of jumping straight back into work, give yourself half a day to just spend time with your dog again. 

Enjoying a Guilt-Free Vacation

Once you’ve done all the prep you can, all that’s left to do is trust the plan you’ve carefully set up and set boundaries with yourself. Checking in once or twice a day is more than enough. Your dog will be waiting to greet you with a wagging tail when you get home, and you’ll feel refreshed from a well-deserved break.

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