Planning a trip always comes with a checklist of things to figure out before you leave. But for dog owners, one of the biggest questions isn’t about what to pack or where to stay. It’s about what to do with your four-legged companion while you’re away.
Whether you’re heading out for a long weekend or a multi-week adventure, deciding how to care for your dog can feel overwhelming. The good news is that there are more options than ever before, and understanding each one can help you make the best choice for your dog’s personality, your budget, and your peace of mind.
Understanding Your Dog Care Options
When it comes to leaving your dog behind during travel, you have several main choices to consider. Each option offers different benefits and drawbacks, and the right one depends on your dog’s temperament, your budget, and the length of your trip.
The average cost of dog boarding is around $40 per night, though prices vary significantly by location and facility type. Before diving into costs, it’s worth understanding what each option actually involves.
Traditional kennel boarding remains one of the most common solutions.
These facilities are designed specifically for housing multiple dogs, with each dog typically getting their own sleeping space and an enclosed outdoor area they can access during the day. Staff members handle feeding, cleaning, and basic exercise routines.
In-home pet sitting offers a different approach. Instead of taking your dog somewhere else, a professional sitter comes to your home either for scheduled visits throughout the day or stays overnight for the duration of your trip.
Pet sitting usually means your dog stays at your home or in a sitter’s private home, often just with one person.
There’s also the option of boarding your dog at a sitter’s home, which provides a middle ground between kennels and in-home care. This gives your dog a more personal environment than a traditional kennel, usually with fewer dogs around and more individualized attention.
Traditional Boarding Facilities: What to Expect
If you’re considering a traditional boarding facility, knowing what to look for can make all the difference.
There are more than 20,000 pet care facilities across the United States, so you’ll have plenty of options depending on where you live.
The facilities themselves vary widely in amenities and quality. Basic kennels provide the essentials like meals, water, cleaning, and scheduled outdoor time.
Beyond basic care like mealtimes and cleaning, kennels can include daily walks and playtime in their services, and many offer grooming for an extra fee.
Before you book, always visit the facility in person. Look for spacious kennels that are climate-controlled and appropriately sized for your dog. Cleanliness is non-negotiable, and while no boarding facility will smell like roses, you should expect a baseline level of sanitation and organization.
One consideration many owners overlook is digestive concerns. Changes in environment and routine can sometimes affect a dog’s stomach, so it’s worth asking the facility about their protocols if your dog experiences any issues during their stay.
Doggy daycare costs an average of $35 per day, while overnight boarding tends to run slightly higher. Holiday periods command premium pricing, with
Surcharges of 50-100%, meaning a $50 per night kennel may charge $75-$100 per night during Thanksgiving or Christmas week.
The biggest advantages of boarding facilities include trained staff, consistent schedules, and the security of state licensing requirements.
States have specific licenses for businesses that house and care for animals, including kennels, and many of these licenses require an annual inspection to ensure the space is safe for pets and humans.
In-Home Pet Sitting and Private Care
For many dogs, staying in their own environment reduces stress significantly.
In-home pet sitting is an excellent choice for dogs who thrive on routine and feel most comfortable in familiar spaces, and because pet sitters provide one-on-one care, your dog is more likely to receive personalized attention and stick to their normal schedule.
Pet sitters can be found through various channels.
You can find pet sitters anywhere near you through pet-sitting agencies or associations like the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, apps like Yourgi, or referrals from family, friends, and your veterinarian.
Pet-sitting prices generally range from $20-$30 per visit for 30 to 60 minute drop-in visits, while overnight house-sitting or in-home boarding is usually $45-$75 per night. While this can be comparable to boarding facilities, you’re paying for individualized attention and the benefit of keeping your dog at home.
The screening process for private sitters is crucial. Schedule interviews with potential candidates and ask about their experience, rates, licensing, and ability to handle any special needs your pet may have.
Schedule a meet-and-greet with your top choices so they can meet your pet and you can observe how they interact, and every pet sitter should have references and be willing to complete a background check.
According to research from veterinary behavioral medicine, dogs with separation-related behavior problems engage in unwanted behavior such as destruction of property and excessive vocalization when left alone, causing distress for both the dog and the owner. For these dogs especially, the familiar environment of home with a trusted sitter can make a significant difference.
Preparing Your Dog for Your Trip
No matter which care option you choose, preparation is key to ensuring your dog stays safe and comfortable while you’re away. Basic travel preparation involves more than just booking accommodation for yourself.
Start by making sure your dog’s vaccinations are current.
Check your pet’s vaccinations to make sure they are up to date, and for any travel-related care, get a health certificate from your veterinarian dated within 10 days of your departure. Most boarding facilities require proof of rabies, distemper, and bordetella (kennel cough) vaccinations.
Microchipping provides an extra layer of security. The CDC recommends that you microchip your pet and make sure your contact information is updated, and having your pet microchipped for identification with current contact and pet information is essential in case you get separated.
If you’re boarding your dog at a facility or with a sitter, prepare a detailed information sheet. Include feeding schedules, medication instructions, emergency contact numbers, your veterinarian’s information, and any behavioral quirks or triggers your dog has. The more information you provide, the better equipped your dog’s caregiver will be to handle any situation that arises.
Pack familiar items to help your dog feel more comfortable.
If your pet stays with a caretaker or at a boarding facility, ask if you can bring things that will remind them of home like their bed, favorite toys, and calming treats, and if a sitter cares for your pet in your home, ask them to maintain your pet’s typical routine as much as possible.
Consider doing a trial run before your actual trip. Many facilities and sitters offer shorter visits or test stays that let you see how your dog adjusts before committing to a longer period.
Making the Final Decision
Choosing between boarding, pet sitting, and other care options comes down to several factors. Your dog’s personality should be the primary consideration.
If you have an active, social dog, a boarding facility that offers playtime with other dogs might be a great option, but if you have an anxious or reactive dog, you may want to look for a place with private kennels away from other dogs so they can relax.
Cost is obviously important, but it shouldn’t be the only deciding factor.
In 2026, the national average ranges from $35-$85 per day, with basic kennels starting at $30 while luxury resorts can exceed $100 per night. Remember that cheaper isn’t always better when it comes to your dog’s wellbeing and safety.
Your trip length matters too. For a quick weekend getaway, a trusted friend or neighbor might work perfectly well. For longer trips, professional care through a facility or experienced sitter provides more reliability and structure.
Finally, start planning early.
When the time comes to plan your much-needed vacation, start preparing for a boarding stay or sitter well in advance, as many services book up weeks if not months ahead of time. Holiday periods especially require advance booking.
The bottom line is that you have options, and with proper planning, you can find a solution that keeps your dog safe, comfortable, and well-cared-for while you enjoy your travels. Do your research, visit facilities in person, interview sitters, and trust your instincts about what feels right for your dog. Your peace of mind during your trip depends on knowing your furry friend is in good hands.
