Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
A Practical Guide for UK Dog Owners
Going away should feel relaxing.
But if you have a dog, there is usually one question quietly sitting in the background as you plan the trip.
What do I do with the dog?
I hear this a lot from owners in Finchley, East Finchley and Muswell Hill. The holiday is booked. Flights are sorted. Accommodation is confirmed. Then reality sets in: the dog needs a proper plan, too.
Leaving your dog behind is never easy. Most owners worry about whether their dog will settle, whether they will miss them, or whether the person looking after them will understand their needs.
The good news is that with a bit of planning, most dogs cope very well. The key is choosing the right type of care for your individual dog.
In this guide, I will walk through the options, the questions worth asking, and how to prepare your dog so everyone feels comfortable while you are away.
When Should You Arrange Dog Care for a Holiday?
The earlier the better.
Good pet sitters, house sitters and dog walkers often book up months in advance, especially for:
• summer holidays
• Christmas and New Year
• school holiday periods
If you leave it until the last minute, you may find your preferred option is already full.
Early planning allows time for:
• meet and greet visits
• trial walks
• routine discussions
• making sure your dog is comfortable with the person
This is particularly important if your dog is nervous, reactive, elderly or newly adopted.
Rushing the decision rarely works well.
The Main Dog Care Options When You Travel
There are several ways to arrange care for your dog. Each has advantages and drawbacks depending on the dog’s personality and needs.
Family or Friends
Many people first consider asking friends or relatives to help.
This can work well when:
• the person already knows the dog
• they understand the dog’s routine
• they are comfortable walking and handling them
However, it is important to be realistic.
Some dogs require more time, exercise or management than people expect. A young, energetic dog can be very different from a calm older dog.
Make sure the person helping understands what is involved.
Boarding Kennels
Kennels have been used for decades, and many are professionally run with experienced staff.
Typical features include:
• individual sleeping areas
• scheduled feeding times
• regular exercise periods
• staff supervision
Some dogs adapt very well to kennel life. Confident dogs that enjoy stimulation and activity often cope better than sensitive dogs.
However, kennels can be noisy environments with many dogs in close proximity. For nervous or reactive dogs, this can be stressful.
Older dogs sometimes struggle with the change in routine as well.
Home Boarding
Home boarding places your dog in a carer’s house rather than a kennel facility.
This means your dog stays in a household environment with people around.
Some advantages include:
• a quieter environment than kennels
• more personal attention
• normal household routines
However, your dog is still adjusting to a new place and unfamiliar smells.
Some dogs settle quickly. Others take longer.
Pet Sitting in Your Own Home
Pet sitting in your home has become increasingly popular with dog owners.
In this situation, a sitter stays in your house while you are away and cares for your dog there.
The main benefit is that your dog stays in familiar surroundings.
They keep:
• their usual bed
• their normal routine
• their regular walking routes
For many dogs, this removes a lot of stress.
This option is often particularly suitable for:
• rescue dogs
• nervous dogs
• older dogs
• dogs with medical needs
• multi-pet households
Why Routine Matters So Much to Dogs
Dogs rely heavily on routine.
They learn the patterns of daily life very quickly. Feeding times, walking times, and where they sleep all become part of what makes them feel safe.
When everything changes at once, it can feel overwhelming.
New environment. New people. New smells. Different sleeping arrangements.
Staying in their own home removes many of those changes.
For example, many of the dogs I walk regularly relax when they follow familiar routes. A quiet walk through Coldfall Woods or along Parkland Walk is something they recognise.
Keeping those familiar walks while their owner is away can help them stay settled.
How To Choose a Trustworthy Pet Sitter
The pet care industry in the UK is not tightly regulated. That means owners should always carry out a few basic checks before choosing a house sitter
Insurance
A professional pet sitter should have public liability insurance.
This normally covers situations such as:
• accidents involving the dog
• damage to property
• emergencies during walks
A sitter should be happy to show proof of insurance if asked.
DBS Check
If someone will be staying in your home, it is reasonable to ask about a DBS check.
This background check highlights criminal convictions and helps provide reassurance when allowing someone access to your property.
As a Group Lead Volunteer with 224 North London Scouts, I have an Enhanced DBS carried out by the Scout Association
Reviews and References
Look for genuine feedback from other clients.
Places to check include:
• Google reviews
• Facebook
• local community groups
• neighbourhood recommendations
Long-term repeat clients are often a good sign that the sitter is reliable.
Experience With Different Dogs
Not every sitter is comfortable with every type of dog.
Ask about their experience with:
• rescue dogs
• reactive dogs
• large breeds
• elderly dogs
• medication needs
A good sitter will be honest about what they are comfortable handling.
Questions Worth Asking a Pet Sitter
Before you travel, arrange a meet-and-greet. This allows you to talk through the routine and see how your dog reacts to the sitter.
Questions you might ask include:
How long will the dog be left alone during the day?
Will you stay overnight in the house?
Are you comfortable administering medication?
What would you do if my dog became ill?
Which vet would you contact in an emergency?
Have you looked after dogs with similar needs before?
These conversations help build trust and clarify expectations.
Preparing Your Dog Before You Go Away
Preparation makes a huge difference.
A dog that understands what is happening will settle much faster.
Arrange a Meet and Greet
Your dog should meet the sitter at least once before the trip.
For some dogs, two meetings can help build confidence.
Leave a Clear Routine
Dogs thrive on consistency.
Write down details such as:
• feeding times
• walking schedule
• sleeping arrangements
• medication instructions
This helps the sitter keep the routine familiar.
Leave Familiar Items
Comfort objects can help dogs relax when their owner is away.
These might include:
• favourite toys
• blankets
• bedding
The scent of home helps dogs feel secure.
Provide Vet Information
Leave clear details for your veterinary practice, including:
• address and phone number
• vaccination records
• insurance details if relevant
Also, leave an emergency contact in case the sitter cannot reach you.
What About Identification and Microchips?
It is always worth checking your dog’s identification before travelling.
In the UK, dogs must wear an ID tag in public that includes:
• your surname
• postcode
• contact phone number
Some owners temporarily add the sitter’s number to the tag while they are away.
Your dog’s microchip details should also be kept up to date.
Dogs That Need Extra Support
Some dogs need a little more planning.
Rescue dogs, reactive dogs or dogs that have experienced abandonment in the past may find owner absences difficult.
Keeping as much of their routine as possible usually helps.
That might mean:
• familiar walking routes
• a sitter they have met several times
• one-to-one care rather than busy environments
In many cases, dogs that already know their walker or sitter settle much more quickly.
Signs Your Dog Is Comfortable With a Sitter
During the meet-and-greet, observe your dog’s behaviour.
Positive signs include:
• relaxed body posture
• curiosity about the person
• willingness to engage
Some dogs take a little longer to warm up. That is normal.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it is worth arranging another meeting or considering a different option.
The Cheapest Option Is Not Always the Best
Cost is always part of the decision.
But when choosing someone to care for your dog and stay in your home, trust and experience matter far more than saving a small amount of money.
You are trusting someone with:
• your dog
• your home
• your routine
Choosing carefully provides peace of mind while you travel.
Final Thoughts
Once you find someone reliable, travelling becomes much easier.
Your dog knows the sitter. The routine stays familiar. You can relax knowing your dog is safe and comfortable.
Many dogs end up enjoying their own quiet staycation while their owners travel.
And that peace of mind makes your holiday far more enjoyable.
Updated March 2026
FAQ
What should I do with my dog when I go on holiday?
Options include asking family or friends, using boarding kennels, arranging home boarding, or hiring a pet sitter to stay in your home. The best choice depends on your dog’s temperament and routine.
Is a pet sitter better than kennels?
For many dogs, staying at home with a sitter can be less stressful. However, confident dogs often cope well in kennels.
How early should I book dog care before travelling?
Ideally, two to three months in advance. During busy holiday periods, booking even earlier is wise.
Should my dog meet the sitter before I go away?
Yes. A meet-and-greet helps your dog become familiar with the sitter and allows you to discuss routines and expectations.
Can dogs get stressed when owners go on holiday?
Some dogs notice the change in routine, but most settle quickly when their normal environment and daily routine remain consistent.
Every dog is different, and I’m always interested to hear what works for people.
If you are interested in one-to-one dog walking, house sitting or other services, then please get in touch
External link RSPCA – Pet sitting
