July 20, 2025
Boarding Your Dog While on Holiday
Boarding Your Dog While on Holiday: Advice From Pet Travel Experts
Have you been dreaming about that trip, but every time you start browsing international flights, you look over at your dog and feel that familiar guilt? You can’t help but wonder: Will my pup be happy and safe? Will he miss me too much?
I remember the first time I had to board my pets for a five-week international trip. My stomach was in knots thinking about them behind, even though I knew they’d be well cared for.
Almost every pet owner experiences this, and honestly, most of the time, our dogs handle it way better than we do. All you need is a solid plan and the right dog boarding facility. This way, your pup might actually have a blast while you’re sipping wine somewhere amazing.
So, how do you make this work without the guilt trip? Read on to find out!
Figure Out What Works for Your Dog
Your pup isn’t like every other dog. Some pups love the hustle and bustle of a busy dog boarding kennel. For example, most golden retrievers just want to make friends with everyone. Others? Not so much.
A friend of mine has a rescue dog who is shy and gets overwhelmed in noisy environments. Traditional dog kennels were just too much for her dog, but a pet sitter who took him into their quiet home made all the difference. Her dog was happy there!
So, don’t just book the first place you find. Visit a few spots first before deciding. Whether you’re looking for dog boarding in Sydney or elsewhere, you want to see clean spaces, secure yards, and staff who actually care enough to ask about your dog’s quirks and routine.
Turn Boarding Into Boot Camp, But the Fun Kind
Some pet care facilities will train your dog while you’re gone. Instead of just sitting around missing you, your pet gets to learn new things and burn off that excess energy.
We’re talking basic manners, leash walks without trying to chase every squirrel, or just figuring out how to chill around other dogs. It’s perfect for puppies who are still learning the ropes or that one dog who thinks every doorbell is an invitation to lose their mind.
Just make sure the dog boarding facility you choose uses treats and praise, not yelling. You don’t want your dog coming home more stressed than when they left.
I’ve heard great things about this approach. Places like Sydney Dog Training Centre offer combined boarding and training services. To quote the owner, “If you’re going to be away from your canine, what a great way to keep them engaged than with a tailored training program?” These programs keep dogs active and sharp throughout their stay. Your fur buddy will learn new tricks and even show better attention during walks.
The RSPCA recommends practical steps such as asking about daily routines, trial stays, enrichment, exercise, and cleaning standards when selecting a boarding facility:
“Ask about daily procedures and routines (e.g., food and water, exercise, one‑on‑one human interactions, group activities, play time, enrichment, cleaning). … Test run, if possible, by arranging a short trial stay to familiarise your animal with the place and see how they like it [1].
Know What You’re Paying For
Boarding costs vary, so it is best to do some research prior to booking. You could pay a lower fee for a basic kennel or serious money for the doggy equivalent of a five-star dog hotel with room service.
When I was hunting for a place for my pets, I learnt the hard way that boarding doesn’t always mean what you think. Some places charge extra for the size of the kennel or cattery, and then add ons for extra walks, one-on-one playtime with a favourite toy, or even feeding your pet its special dog food.
So, before you book, ask for the full breakdown. Otherwise, you might think you’re getting a great deal and end up with a huge bill because you didn’t check the hidden extras.
Get Your Dog Ready for Boarding
Most dogs don’t love surprises. So, a little preparation can help with separation anxiety and make the stay easier for your pup.
You can try a test run before the big day. Maybe a few short visits so your dog can sniff around, figure out who these new people are, and realise it’s not that scary. The staff will also get to know your dog’s routine and dietary needs, so they’ll provide better care for the entire stay.
You should also get that vaccination certificate sorted early. Every decent place will ask for them, and scrambling last-minute to get shots is unnecessary stress for everyone involved. Basically, the more you handle upfront, the easier the drop-off.
Don’t Expect Everything to Be Perfect Right Away
Coming home to your dog is the best part of any trip. Imagine all those tail wags and excited jumps! But don’t be surprised if things feel a little off for a few days.
My furfriends always give me the cold shoulder for a while after I get back. The fix? Just stick to your usual routine. Maintain consistent walks, the same dinner schedule, and the same everything.
Watch how your dog eats and sleeps those first few days, too. If something seems really weird, call the boarding place. They’ll know if he was acting the same way there or if this weirdness is brand new.
You’ve Got This!
Leaving your pet at a dog care facility will probably never feel 100% easy. That’s just what happens when we love them so much. But with the right plan, you can enjoy your vacation without constantly wondering if they’re okay.
So, do your homework, check out a few spots, and give your pup time to get used to the idea. It’s extra work, but it’s worth it when you’re sipping that cocktail on the beach instead of spiralling about whether your dog remembers you exist.
About the Author
Carla Francis is the author of Travelling with Pets on Australia’s East Coast and founder of Pet-Friendly Accommodation. With over a decade of experience in pet travel writing, Carla has explored the challenges and joys of journeying with animals across Australia and abroad.
