10 Tips for Getting Your Dog Ready for Your Vacation

Preparing for vacation can be as stressful as it is exciting, especially if you have dogs in the mix. But don’t worry! We’ll help you get your pets ready to stay behind during extended trips, and fill you in on the secrets of the trade. Here’s some ideas to get you started: 

1. Make a to-do list, and stick to it. 

It can sometimes be helpful to make multiple lists, one to get everything ready for your trip and another to remember last-minute tasks that need done on the day you leave. 

2. Handle your pet care in advance. 

If you’ll be leaving your pet at home during vacation, your first choice is between boarding or having an in-home pet sitter. Whatever you choose, reach out to them well in advance to handle your booking, especially if you’re traveling around a holiday. 

3. Collect emergency info for your pet care. 

No matter what kind of pet care you’re using, they’ll need to have your vet’s name and contact info in the case of an emergency. Make sure to also have the pet’s medical history on hand, a record of any allergies or sensitivities, vaccination records, and their microchip registry or other identification.  

4. Reinforce their training. 

It’s easy to let training regimens slip during the busy preparations for a vacation, but this is actually when you need to be spending more time reinforcing their training. This will help keep those desired behaviors at the front of their mind during this stressful time. Make sure to also let your sitter or boarder know what the expectations, boundaries, and training methods are for your dog. 

5. Stock up on the essentials. 

Make sure you’ve provided everything that your dog will need while you’re away. That includes food, medications, waste bags, and any treats. Don’t forget any food additives that you may use occasionally for digestive trouble, too, like canned pumpkin or enzymes. If your dog is the type to go through chew toys regularly, you’ll probably want to have a stock of new ones as well. 

6. Document your dog’s routine. 

Experts agree that keeping your dog's routine consistent is a good way to reduce stress. Make a record of the routine that your dog is used to so that your pet sitter can stick closely to it. Our sitters walk clients through a detailed questionnaire to make sure that we’re taking care of your pets the same way that you would. 

7. Make sure the house is dog-safe. 

When you’re getting ready to leave, don’t forget to do one last check to put away anything that’s dangerous for the dog. Making sure that doors and windows get locked, trash is stored, and any last-minute security measures are great points for your day-of checklist. It never hurts to relocate houseplants or other breakable items to get them out of reach for bored dogs, too. 

8. Get them extra enrichment or exercise time. 

One of the easiest ways to reduce stress in dogs is exercise, so take the time to get a long walk or fetch session in the morning of your departure. That way, if your dog becomes stressed from transitions, they’re more likely to take a long nap than pace while you’re away. If you’re using a pet sitter, it can be helpful to take the dog for a short walk with them when they arrive as well. 

9. Book a later flight. 

Let’s face it, we’re all far less likely to want to go for a long walk at 2am before your 6am flight. (Your dog included!) It’s much easier to hit every item on your checklist if you give yourself more time to get it done. So, when you can, choose afternoon flights that leave time to have a nice, slow morning with your pets. 

10. Breathe. 

You leave the house all the time and get it ready to be pet-safe while you’re gone. This isn’t much different; you’ll need to prepare all the same things. If you treat this like it’s no big deal, they will too. Just stay calm and give them some extra snuggles before you leave. 

How should you say goodbye to a dog before vacation?

We recommend keeping things calm and simple. Follow your usual morning routines, with some extra time set aside for showing your pet love and attention. There’s no need for an extravagant goodbye; this can confuse your dog and make the transition for both of you harder. Instead, taking the time to care for their safety while you’re gone is a much better way to show you care.