Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

Why you should consider boarding your dog when you travel

Gabrielle LaFrank
By

Bringing your fur baby along on vacation sounds like a great idea (and an adorable one), but how well would it really go? In some instances, your pup might be the perfect travel companion, but there’s a lot to think about before deciding whether this is the way to go. When planning a long trip, you should carefully consider whether to board or travel with your dog — but what should you think about before making this choice?

In this article, we’ll cover some important details about boarding your dog and whether it’s the right move for you. Some pet parents believe that the longer you’ll be traveling, the more beneficial it can be for your dog to be boarded, while others think the opposite — but you get the final call! Here’s what you should know.

a small black and white dog sits patiently on top of a vintage suitcase
11959053/Pixabay

What to consider when deciding whether to board or travel with dogs

Whether your trip is for a weekend or a month, don’t make this decision on the spur of the moment. Your dog’s mental wellbeing is at stake! That’s not to say don’t go with your gut, but maybe sleep on it or take your dog out for a day trip to get an idea of how she feels in new spaces. These are some other things to think about:

Recommended Videos

Your trip itinerary, length, and accommodations

Make sure to consider why you’re traveling and if your dog will fit well into that situation. If you’re traveling for work, for example, bringing your dog might not be the best idea. She most likely won’t be happy spending all day in an office waiting for you to clock out. If you’re taking a detour for a hiking adventure, on the other hand, your furry friend could be the best companion — just check park rules first!

When thinking about trip length, prioritize what’s most important for you and what’s most beneficial for your pet. Some pet parents are more willing to bring their dog on a short trip, while others think the dog won’t mind being cared for over a short time. Other dog owners think longer trips are more pup-friendly, as the dog gets time to get used to a new place and you won’t have to miss each other the entire time.

If you decide to bring her, don’t forget to double-check your hotel or lodging details to make sure your pup is allowed. Check the places you know you’ll be visiting as well. What would you do if you get there and realize it’s not pet-friendly? It’s never a bad idea to have a backup plan!

Your pet’s temperament

Whether you’re traveling for work or play, every pet will handle it differently. Although national parks may seem like dog-friendly destinations, for example, you still won’t have fun if your pup hates hiking and needs to be carried the whole way. Alternatively, some dogs may love napping in an office while you work, while others become so understimulated that they feel compelled to cause trouble.

This is where your best judgment will come in handy, pet parents. No one knows your fur baby better than you do, after all. As mentioned above, it may help to take a short experimental trip with your pup that mimics the environment of your long vacation so you can get a good idea of what to expect if you decide to bring her.

a white maltese sits in a packed suitcase
Monika Wisniewska / Shutterstock

Why boarding your dog can be beneficial

A lot of the time, boarding your dog while you travel will end up being beneficial — and less stressful — for you both. Traveling, especially by plane, can be extremely dangerous for dogs, so you really need to ask yourself if it’s worth the risk. Boarding, on the other hand, ensures that your pet has around-the-clock care and a consistent routine.

One major benefit to boarding your dog while you’re traveling is that your pet will be taken care of no matter what. Traveling entails many risks, including the inability to meet your pup’s needs on time. While it’s nothing any pet parent wants to experience, it’s sometimes out of your control, especially in an unfamiliar location. Paying for overnight boarding (which, honestly, can get expensive) means you’re also paying for her wellbeing and your peace of mind. You may miss your fur baby while you’re away, but many boarding facilities are more than willing to help you check in on your pooch through photos or over the phone.

Long trips can be stressful and exhausting — not what you want for your pet! Although some trips can certainly be great bonding experiences, it’s totally okay if this trip isn’t the one. When you are unsure whether it’ll help or hinder you to have your dog tagging along, you may want to consider boarding her instead. Odds are, she’ll be comfier this way, and you’ll be able to enjoy your trip to the fullest. You’ll have the rest of your lives to spend together when you’re back home.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank
Contributor
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
5 surefire ways to keep your dog off your bed and get a good night’s sleep
Dog sleeping in the bed? Here are some ways to avoid that behavior
Big dog lying on bed

One of the most lovable things about dogs is their attachment to you, their pet parent. They want to be wherever you are — no ifs, ands, or buts. Although you, of course, adore spending time with your four-legged friend, there are times when you might want your space — for instance, when it's time to go to sleep.

Dogs don't always understand these boundaries at first, but it is possible to train them to sleep in their crate, a dog bed, or anywhere else you prefer that's not your sleeping spot. With these five tips and tricks, you can learn how to keep your dog off your bed and in their own in no time.

Read more
Are ‘dog years’ really 7 human years? How to calculate your dog’s age
Time to bust the myth: A dog year may not equal 7 human years
A dog licks a person's finger with yogurt on their nose

There are many ways to identify a dog's age and translate dog years to human years — other than knowing their birthday, of course — from the formation of their teeth to the development of their body. Then there’s the classic rule of 7: 1 year in "human time" equals 7  "dog years". However, research shows that figuring out exactly how to translate dog years to human years may not be as simple as multiplying a number by 7. So how can you calculate your dog’s age?
Let’s dive into the latest and most accurate techniques for canine age calculation. Once you know how to apply this knowledge, you'll be able to figure out what stage of life your dog is in.  This calculation is yet another way to ensure you’re taking the best possible care of your best buddy — and it’s fascinating to know either way.

Is 1 dog year 7 human years?
Despite the popularity of this trope — that 1 year for a dog is equal to 7 human years — it’s not quite that simple. In fact, the dog-to-human age equivalent can change from year to year depending on the age and size of your pet. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), all pups will gain about 15 human years within their first actual year of life, while the second year of life equals another nine years.
Past year two, however, the numbers tend to differ. Larger breeds will “age faster” on paper, meaning their human age equivalent will be higher than that of a smaller dog who was born at the same time. This may sound a bit sad, or even worrisome, so it’s important to remember that age isn’t an indicator of health or life expectancy. As we tell humans, age is just one number.

Read more
How to stop a dog from peeing in their crate for good in 5 easy-to-follow steps
These tricks will keep your house — and his — pee free
A brown puppy lies in their crate on a blanket with their head resting on their crossed paws

As pet parents, we’d like to think that we have every solution for behavior issues, like how to stop a dog from peeing in his crate. Your buddy can’t exactly tell you why he pees in the crate when you’re not home, though, and you can't always catch him in the act — so it can be tricky.
Luckily, with a keen eye and a few trial runs, you’ll figure out the problem in no time. You can always enlist your family, vet, or local doggie daycare to keep an eye out, too, but it’s up to you to make the necessary changes to change the behavior. Anything from a more consistent routine to a new treat-dispensing toy could be the difference between cleaning up a puddle or coming home to a happy pup.
Here’s how to stop your dog from peeing in his crate.

First, rule out medical issues as a cause for crate incontinence
Before anything else, it’s important to make sure your fur baby is in good health, so you should book a visit to your vet. Many medical issues could cause a dog to lose control of their bladder, not all of which are obvious or even noticeable. Dogs are notorious for hiding their discomfort, after all.
A few reasons your dog might not be able to hold it include:

Read more