Things to consider when leaving your dog while you’re on holiday

Going on holiday is an exciting time, especially after the couple of years we’ve all had! Now that travel has opened up again, more of us are choosing to go abroad for our holidays, meaning that our dogs go on a mini break to a family member, dog sitter or boarding kennel. This article discusses things you may wish to consider when planning your dog’s stay.

Keeping things familiar

Being separated from their owners can be stressful for a dog, even those who are left regularly. Keeping things familiar for them can ease anxiety and provide some comfort. You may want to consider taking their bed, blankets and some of their favourite toys to wherever they are staying. If your dog has specific meal times and walks, it might be worth mentioning them to your dog’s carer and they may try to stick to your routine wherever possible.

Important information/documentation

Whether staying with a family member, dog sitter or boarding kennel, it's a really good idea that the guardian of your dog is fully aware of any important information relating to your pet. This includes (but is not limited to): insurance information, vet’s contact details, medical information, allergies and vaccination record. This ensures that the person looking after your dog has all of the necessary information, should an emergency arise. 

It’s always a good idea to have this information together in a folder to prevent it getting lost, and is quick and easy for the person caring for your dog to access.

Medication

If your dog is on medication, it’s vital that you ensure that there is enough for your length of holiday (and maybe a couple of days in case you are delayed), the person caring for your dog knows how to administer it, the times it needs to be given and the dosage required. Again, it’s always helpful to have this information written down for the person looking after your dog, so they have it as a point of reference.

We’d recommend that your dog is up to date with flea and worming treatment before you leave for your holiday. You wouldn’t want your pup to be bringing little ‘friends’ home after their time away! 

Food

Some boarding kennels include food in their fees. It is important to check this out beforehand, and if your dog suffers from allergies, or has dietary restrictions, this information needs to be shared with them to ensure they are not given anything which may cause illness.

Contact Information

It is normal practice for pet sitters and boarding kennels to have your contact details if they need to get in touch with you. However, it’s a good idea to leave an emergency contact with them should they not be able to get in touch with you. If you are travelling abroad, your signal may be patchy or the time difference may make it harder to catch you at an appropriate time. Having an additional contact at home means that your dog’s guardian has the ability to reach someone you trust. 

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