Only If You’re Truly Bringing Them.
When vacations are on the horizon, many dog owners ask themselves: should I bring my dog or leave them at home? Sometimes the destination makes the decision for us. But when we have the choice, it’s important to ask a better question: can I meet my dog’s needs while traveling?
The biggest mistake people make is not really including their dog in the vacation. They bring them along physically, but don’t consider how the trip impacts the dog’s comfort, routine, and safety. If you can’t meet your dog’s needs on the road, it’s kinder to leave them with someone you trust.
If your dog is coming, plan the trip with them in mind. Think through where they’ll be when you’re doing things they can’t join. If you’re visiting friends, are there other animals? Are the dogs truly friends, or new to each other? Don’t leave unfamiliar dogs alone together. It’s not worth the risk.
If you’re staying in a hotel, ask yourself: is my dog crate trained? Not just for short periods, but truly comfortable being crated for a few hours. Also, don’t downsize the crate to save space. Your dog should be able to stand, turn, and stretch in it.
Leaving your dog in the car is not a fallback. Even moderate temperatures can become dangerous quickly. A good rule: never leave your dog in the car above 60°F, or for long periods in temps below 40°F without warm gear.
Dogs need routine. While you may want to break free from your schedule on vacation, your dog shouldn’t. Keep feeding, walking, and downtime as consistent as possible. Change is fine, but structure should stay.
Not every dog wants to socialize with other dogs. If there will be new dogs on the trip, make sure yours has space, private mealtimes, and breaks. Don’t assume they’ll get along just because they’re dogs.
Be realistic about exercise. A dog that doesn’t normally hike shouldn’t be pushed to do 10 miles. One couple I met took their dog mountain biking—and laughed when he couldn’t move the next day. It’s not funny if your dog is in pain. Plan activities based on your dog’s fitness, age, and health.
Know the terrain. Is it too hot for paws? Too cold without protection? Avoid booties in heat—they prevent dogs from cooling themselves. And make sure your dog has solid recall before letting them off leash in unfamiliar areas.
When we travel with our dogs, we accept that the trip might look a little different. It might mean skipping a restaurant and ordering in, or ending an outing early to get back to them. We pack their beds, bring a blanket from home, and stick to their routine. It’s a choice we make, and one they can’t make for themselves.
In return, we get a vacation that includes our whole family. If done thoughtfully, those can be the best trips of all.