Going on vacation when you have a dog is often complicated. A whole bunch of questions arise about the organization: do I take him with me, in which case I need a place that accepts him? Do I leave him with his favorite aunt, who may not have time for him? Do I put him in a kennel, but I don’t know how it will go?
It is therefore important, when adopting a dog, to consider all these dog care solutions. That’s why, before the start of summer, we’re giving you a helping hand so that vacations are no longer a headache to organize!
Why prepare for your dog’s care? #
Starting six to eight weeks before departure allows time to reserve a spot, update vaccines and antiparasitics, and make sure your dog has an ID tag. Licensed kennels only accept vaccinated and sociable dogs to avoid any health risks.
Anticipating avoids unpleasant surprises when the high season melts availability like snow in the sun!
Dog care solutions #
When it comes to caring for your dog during your vacation, there are plenty of choices. You just need to make the right one by meeting both your expectations and your dog’s specific needs.
1. Licensed dog kennel #
Imagine a “vacation club” for dogs: individual boxes, play parks, dog trainers organizing agility sessions or scent games. The dog kennel is a good option if you have a sociable dog who enjoys the company of others.
👉 Budget: $18 – $31 per day.
👉 For whom? Sociable and energetic dogs.
👉 To check: cleanliness of boxes, frequency of outings, staff’s certificates.
2. Family boarding (home stay) #
The dog lives with a pet-sitter as if at home, often with two or three boarders maximum to keep things calm.
👉 Advantages: cozy atmosphere, daily photos.
👉 Rates: $150 – $270 for a week.
👉 Tip: plan a test night to assess your companion’s adaptation.
3. At-home pet-sitting (visits) #
A pet-sitter spends 30 or 60 minutes taking care of your furry friend left alone at home: walk, meal, cuddles… even watering plants, they take care of feeding and stimulating your dog in your absence.
👉 Rates: $25 , but can evolve depending on services performed.
👉 Perfect for: homebody or elderly dogs.
4. At-home care (house-sitting) #
A sitter stays at your home, feeds Fido, collects the mail, and mows the lawn. At TrustedHousesitters, the annual membership (≈ 119 € – 139 €) then covers all free stays.
👉 Ideal if: you go away for a long time or several times a year and want a dog in its environment.
👉 Key to success: a video or in-person interview, a clear contract, and a detailed welcome manual.
5. Exchange between individuals (pet-sharing) #
Apps like Happy Puppy connect volunteer neighbors and owners, all without any payment.
👉 Why we love it? Zero cost, new playmate for the dog, neighborhood social connection.
👉 To monitor: liability insurance and prior meeting.
6. High-end dog hotel #
Individual suites, HD webcams, massages… pure luxury! Some parents spare no expense for their dog to have as good a vacation as theirs, if not better. Count $85 – $110 per night for a five-star stay.
👉 Target audience: demanding owners, star dogs, animals requiring constant care.
7. Family and friends #
This is probably the easiest solution to implement and the easiest for your dog to adapt to. Friendly and reassuring if your loved ones are available, it is still important to formalize everything: schedules, rations, treatments…
8. The option “I go with my dog” #
More and more accommodations and beaches are dog-friendly, allowing you to go on vacation with your dog. A dream, right? Inquire when booking to avoid unpleasant surprises.
👉 For abroad: European passport, microchip, and rabies vaccine required.
How to choose the best care? #
No secret: the right formula is the one that fits your companion’s character and your lifestyle. Here’s a quick overview, criterion by criterion, to decide with peace of mind—with some useful links if you want to dig deeper.
1. Your dog’s profile #
A lively puppy will love the activity of a kennel; an arthritic senior will prefer the tranquility of a house-sitter. Observe his signals: repeated yawning, pinned ears, or lip licking often indicate stress. If he shows these signs in a test environment, look for a calmer option.
2. Health constraints #
French kennels require at least the CHPPi-L vaccination (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, leptospirosis); some also require rabies in high season.
Check the dates on the health record before booking: a late booster can cost you the spot!
3. The real budget #
Beyond the daily rate ( $18 - $31 for a standard kennel), add the extras: grain-free kibble supplement, round-trip transport, grooming session before return… You’ll leave with a clear total in mind.
4. Insurance and responsibilities #
A professional pet-sitter should have professional liability insurance covering damage caused to or by your animal: ask for proof of policy. On your side, check that your home insurance includes “damage caused by the animal kept outside the home”.
5. Duration and season #
A long spring weekend? A home visit may suffice. August? Anticipate: spots fill up from April and prices rise. For an extended stay, at-home care subscriptions can become very cost-effective.
6. Logistics #
Choose a solution within 45 minutes’ drive: no one wants to travel across the country the day before departure. And plan a test visit during which you drop off the dog for two hours, talk with the guardian, and see if the magic happens.
7. Emotional comfort #
Like us, our dogs get homesick! Bring his favorite blanket, a toy with your scent, and plan a “white” day after your return to find him in peace. Experts also recommend avoiding overly theatrical goodbyes to not amplify his anxiety.
8. Remote monitoring #
Daily photos, webcam, or… Biotracker Minitailz. Thanks to GPS tracking and health indicators, you check that Fido sleeps well and runs enough, even when you’re on the other side of the world.
9. Always a plan B #
Leave the guardian the contact details of an emergency vet within 10 miles. Better to prepare for this unlikely scenario than to have to improvise 1,200 miles away!
By checking these nine points, you’ll find the ideal care and leave with a truly free mind. Happy holidays!
The “ready to go” checklist for your dog’s care #
- Health record + passport if applicable
- Vaccines and antiparasitics up to date
- Food + treats for the entire duration
- Prescriptions and pillbox (if treatment)
- Identified collar, engraved phone number
- Toy or blanket with your scent
- Written contract with emergency contacts and vet budget
Stay connected with Invoxia’s Biotracker Minitailz #
Attached to the collar, the Biotracker GPS Minitailz measures heart and respiratory rates, records activity, geolocates your dog via 4G LTE-M, and sends anti-escape alerts in the Invoxia Petcare app, with up to fifteen days of autonomy.
My main reason for buying the product was to monitor my dog when he’s in a kennel. It indicates his activity level and tracks his health. Plus, it reassures me: I can locate him by GPS because my garden is not fenced. My dog has been wearing it for two weeks, and the accuracy of activity tracking and GPS is impeccable.
Winston’s Mom - Biotracker GPS User 🐾
Whether you opt for a kennel, house-sitting, or family care, the Biotracker Minitailz offers you peace of mind: you know exactly where your dog is and how he feels!
There is no universal dog care solution; the right choice depends on your companion’s character, the duration of your absence, and your budget. Visit, compare, book early… and for flawless monitoring, equip your loyal companion with a health/GPS tracker. You can then pack your bags with peace of mind, knowing he too is enjoying perfectly tailored vacations. Safe travels!