Your bags are packed, but what about your dog? The last thing you want is to spend your vacation worrying about your dog. Here’s are some guilt-free solutions to ensure they’re well looked after when you’re away from home.
Ask family and friends to look after your dog
The main advantage of asking a friend, neighbour, or family member to look after your dog is that it’s less disruptive to your dog’s normal routine. They’re with someone they know, potentially in a familiar environment, going on walks and being fed at the same time as usual.
Alternatively, your dog can go and stay at their caretaker’s house. Before you drop them off for their stay, take a tour of the house to check that it’s secure and any pets they have get along with yours.
Make sure you’re confident that your friend or relative is reliable, too. If you aren’t certain they’ll provide enough exercise or remember to feed your dog or administer medication, you may be better off paying for a professional dog care service.
Hire a professional pet sitter to care for your dog
A pet sitter looks after your pet in your own home. Depending on the level of service you require, they may either stay in your home for the duration of your holiday or drop in regularly to feed, walk and play with your dog.
Pet sitters can be a great option for senior dogs or dogs with special needs, as these canines tend to cope better in their own environment than in an unfamiliar boarding kennel.
Ask friends, fellow dog owners or even your local Greencross Vets for recommendations. Your chosen pet sitter should be able to provide references, proof of public liability insurance (to cover accidents and negligence) and specific information about how much time they will spend with your four-legged friend.
Book your dog into a boarding kennel
A boarding kennel, also known as a pet hotel or pet resort, is a facility that houses and cares for dogs while their owners are away or unable to look after them. Their services range from basic care packages that cover essential care to luxuries a human would envy. It’s almost like they get their own holiday, watched over by experienced pet hotel staff.
Boarding facilities book up well in advance, especially during peak holiday periods like school holidays, Easter, and Christmas. Make sure you reserve your pet’s spot well in advance.
Petbarn Hotel offers professional boarding services across Australia. Pet parents in Sydney and Melbourne also have the option of free pet collection from select locations.
Bring your dog with you on holiday
Why leave your dog at home when it’s just as easy to bring them on holiday, too? Especially if they travel well in the car.
From caravans and campsites to self-catering holiday homes and even five-star hotels, there’s a pet-friendly accommodation option for every dog owner these days. Travel websites like Stayz and Airbnb offer pet-friendly search filters.
Before you leave, it’s worth having a chat with your vet about your plans, especially if you’re going interstate. Different regions of Australia have different disease and parasite threats. You might need to give your dog a different parasite preventative medication before you leave to keep them safe.
Dog holiday packing checklist
Make sure you pack all the accessories you need for your dog before going away.
- Dog food
- Food and water bowls
- Medications and parasite prevention (if needed)
- Harness
- Collar and/or harness with an up to date ID tag
- Lead
- Car restraints (car harness, seat belt attachment, or carrier)
- Exercise pen (optional)
- Grooming tools (brush, shampoo, etc.)
- Bedding
- Treats
- Poo bags
- Toys