Different options for your dog when you go on holiday

With family or friends

If you have a trusted family member or friend, a very good solution for going on holiday without your dog is to leave it in their care. Ideally, they should be people that your dog already knows, which will make it much easier for it to adapt to the situation, despite having to change environment. Bear in mind that, however willing a person may be, it is best for your dog to be left in the care of someone who has some experience in caring for these animals. During your absence, especially if you are away for many days, all kinds of incidents could arise related to your pet's behaviour and health, and it is preferable that the dog caretaker has some knowledge of these issues in order to manage them correctly.

On the other hand, it is important that you explain to your friend or relative everything they need to know about caring for your dog. Don't be afraid to be exhaustive and tell him/her what your dog's needs in terms of walks, food, how to deal with certain behaviours, and so on. If you don't do this, it wouldn't be unusual for your dog to pick up bad habits such as, for example, begging at the table if, on those days when you haven't been there, it has been given human food during the meal. Also talk to him/her about your dog's character and how to react to its demands and different attitudes. As you can see, this is a big responsibility involving many tasks that you will be delegating to this person, so make sure he/she is reliable, experienced and will give your dog the love and attention it needs in your absence.

 

Home dog sitter

This option is very similar to the previous one, but with an added advantage: your dog won't have to move from one place to another, which is especially positive if the animal finds it difficult to adapt to new environments. In this case, your friend or family member would stay at your home for the days you are away, so obviously, it must be someone you trust a lot. Don't forget to show the dog caretaker where you keep toys, food, leashes and everything else it will be needed to look after your dog. Explain where you usually go for walks, what your dog's daily routines are, its brushing and, in short, everything you need to be sure that your dog will be fine even if you aren't by its side.

Temporary dog sitter

If you don't have a family member or person you trust to keep your dog, this is the best option for your dog, as a dog sitter will provide much more personalized attention than in a boarding kennel. Dog sitters should usually have experience with dogs and in this way, your furry friend will enjoy a very familiar and loving treatment.
The first thing you need to do is to check the dog sitter's references. Nowadays there are many platforms that offer this service and allow users to leave reviews. Once you have chosen the right person, visit he/she to get to know personally and check if your dog reacts well to his/her presence.

Some people do this work altruistically, but if you opt for a paid platform, find out if they have a dog liability insurance, as this is compulsory. When you talk to the dog sitter, explain everything you need to know about caring for your dog. It is important that you anticipate situations that, although unlikely to occur, could be more problematic than they already are if you don't have a plan of action, such as an accident or health problem with your dog. Besides, an added bonus is that you can ask he/she to send you photos and videos of your pet while you are away so you can see how well cared for and happy it is.

Dog boarding kennels

Leaving your dog in a boarding kennel may be an option, but take into account its age, breed, temperament and how socialized it is, as it is very important to know how it gets on with other dogs and how it behaves in different environments.
If you are wondering how to choose a good boarding kennel, the most important thing is to visit the place to see the facilities. Some boarding kennels use small rooms with bars, a bit like a cage but more spacious, to keep the dogs apart and avoid problems. Others, on the other hand, opt for communal outdoor spaces, but this option is only viable if your dog is well socialized, trained and used to living with other dogs and sharing resources. In any case, make sure that the place has good natural light, sufficient space, cleanliness and ask any questions you may have about what your dog's routine will be during its stay (if there is the possibility of giving it its own food, how often it will go for walks, how many dogs its caretaker will be in charge of or what hygiene and grooming routines will be followed).
It is a good idea to take your dog with you on your visit so that it may get to know the place and see if it is relaxed and happy there. Also, don't lose sight of aspects such as health (we don't recommend leaving your dog in a boarding kennel if it is older or suffers from any pathology, as it will need much more attention).