Going away but leaving your dog behind? You’re not alone. Many pet owners are now choosing staycations not just for themselves, but for their dogs too.
Whether your dog is spending the night with a trusted house sitter or a home boarder, while you’re away, planning properly makes all the difference.
Forget just throwing a lead and a bowl in a bag. Dogs thrive on routine and familiar smells, so a well-packed kit can mean the difference between a happy, relaxed dog and one that’s confused or stressed.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to pack for your dog’s staycation — whether they’re staying with a trusted house sitter or going away to a licensed home boarder.
Why Staycations for Dogs Are on the Rise
Many dogs struggle to cope in kennels
They might:
- Struggle with noise or confinement
- React badly to other dogs
- Miss their home comforts
- Experience stress or digestive upset
That’s why more owners are choosing house sitting, or boarding
These options let your dog stay in familiar surroundings or be cared for by someone who knows their quirks, routines, and favourite sniffing spots.
Start with the Basics: Everyday Essentials
Here’s what every dog should have — no matter where they’re staying, at home or going to a licensed boarder
- Lead and harness or collar.
Make sure they’re in good condition and fit correctly. If your dog wears a GPS tag or ID, double-check the battery and details. - Name tag
Legally required in the UK. It should include your surname and postcode. A mobile number helps too. Your sitter may put their tag on after all if you are abroad and they call you, there is not much you can do - Food and treats
Label everything clearly and give exact feeding instructions. Include portion sizes, times, and any known allergies or dislikes. - Bedding or a familiar blanket. This is a big one when going to a border, as it means they still have all their family belongings and toys
- Bowls for food and water
Especially important if they use a slow feeder or raised bowl. - Poo bags
Always make sure you leave more than you think your sitter needs or your licensed boarder. - Toys
Bring a mix of comfort toys and interactive ones. But leave the squeakers at home if your sitter has other dogs nearby. - Grooming tools
If your dog needs daily brushing, ensure your sitter or boarder is aware and that the right brush, along with any necessary wipes or sprays, are available.
Include Their Routine in Writing
Dogs love structure. Changes in routine can cause stress, especially for rescues or sensitive dogs.
Write everything down. Include:
- Walk times and preferred routes
- Toilet schedule
- Usual bedtime and wake-up
- Any training cues or phrases
- Feeding routine and treats
- Where they sleep
- When and how they’re allowed off lead (if at all)
This helps your pet sitter keep things familiar, especially if your dog doesn’t cope well with change.
Health and Safety Information
Even if you trust your house sitter, it’s essential to provide emergency details just in case.
Pack or email the following:
- Your Vet’s name, address and phone number
- Your pet insurance provider and policy number
- Emergency contact (friend, family member)
- List of any medications, dosages, and when they’re given
- Details of health issues or past surgeries
- Behavioural red flags (e.g. food guarding, noise phobia, anxiety triggers)
If your dog is prone to illness or on medication, pack a few extra days’ worth just in case you’re delayed getting home.
Enrichment Items
You may be going away, but your dog still needs mental stimulation.
Think about:
- Snuffle mats
- Lickimats
- Kongs
- Scent games
- Puzzle feeders
- Chews (always pack safe, digestible options)
Enrichment helps calm dogs, especially when their usual environment is different. A good dog walker or sitter will build this into their care, but having the right tools helps them tailor it to your dog.
Special Notes for House Sitting or Home Visits
If your dog is staying in their own home and you’ve booked a house sitter or daily visits, there are a few extra things to consider:
- House access: Leave clear instructions on how to lock and unlock doors, where the key is kept, and any alarm systems.
- Cleaning supplies: Accidents happen. Leave pet-safe cleaning products and tell your sitter where to find them.
- Rubbish: Let them know where to put used poo bags or bin waste.
- Neighbour contact: Let a neighbour know who’s looking after your pet and how to reach them.
- Routine extras: When do bins need to be put out? And which ones? Do plants need watering? Your sitter will appreciate a heads-up.
Having a house and pet sitter stay with your dog also helps ensure your home doesn’t look empty, as someone living in with your dog means the house doesn’t look empty and so adds extra security and may
Boarding with a Sitter or Walker: What to Add
If your dog is going to someone else’s home, please ensure they are licensed; otherwise, they will not be insured if anything goes wrong. When preparing to send them to the board, ensure you pack as if they were going on a holiday.
Include:
- Crate or bed, they’re used to sleeping in
- Favourite chew or soft toy for comfort
- Spare towel for muddy paws
- Jumper or item with your scent if they struggle with separation
- Travel water bottle if they’re out walking
- Any gates, harnesses or boots they rely on for mobility or safety
Always label everything. If you’re sending anything valuable or personalised, make sure your sitter knows you’d like it back.
Don’t Forget Behaviour Notes
This part’s easy to overlook but hugely important.
Tell the person that is looking after your dog, either in your own home (sitter) or in their home (licensed boarder)
- Reactivity to dogs, people, or loud sounds
- Recall reliability
- Food or toy guarding
- Any ongoing training
- Separation issues
- Triggers or anxieties
You’re not being difficult — you’re helping someone keep your dog safe. The more honest you are, the better care they can give.
I always ask these questions before taking on any new dog or pet sitting client, and I’d rather have too much information than not enough.
What If You Have a Cat, Rabbit, or Guinea Pig?
Staycations aren’t just for dogs.
Cats usually do better at home than in batteries, and cat feeding is becoming very popular. Small animals like rabbits or guinea pigs are prone to stress from travel or unfamiliar handling.
If you’ve booked holiday care for a cat or small pet, here’s what they need to know
- Feeding and cleaning instructions
- Favourite hiding spots or access areas
- Litter tray cleaning gear or bin
- Toys and enrichment (tunnels, chew toys, cardboard hideouts)
- Treats (label quantities and when to give)
- Vet details and health history
- Clear list of what to do if your pet shows signs of illness (e.g. not eating, diarrhoea)
Don’t forget to let your sitter know if your cat has outdoor access and when they should be in or out.
Check in with Your Sitter or Walker
Before you hand over the lead or key, arrange a short meeting. It helps you both feel more confident.
Ask:
- How often do they update you
- Whether they’re walking alone or in a group
- If they contact you if anything changes
- What to do if your return is delayed
It’s also worth checking if they’re listed on a platform like Yappily, which vets and approves professionals based on animal welfare standards.
Quick Checklist: Dog Staycation Packing List
Here’s a printable list to tick off before you go:
✅ Lead, collar, harness
✅ ID tag with current contact info
✅ Dog food, treats, and feeding instructions
✅ Bowls
✅ Medications and instructions
✅ Vet and emergency contact details
✅ Written routine (walks, food, sleep)
✅ Bed, crate or blanket
✅ Enrichment toys
✅ Comfort items
✅ Grooming items
✅ Behaviour notes
✅ Cleaning supplies (if house sitting)
✅ House access info, alarms, bins
✅ Contact details for neighbours or backup
FAQ
What should I pack for my dog’s stay with a house boarder?
You’ll need to pack food, lead, ID tag, bed, bowls, toys, medication, written routine, and vet details. Include anything that helps your dog feel settled and safe.
Is it better to use a house sitter or board my dog?
Many dogs prefer to stay at home with a sitter, especially rescues or nervous dogs. A house sitter can stick to their usual routine, which helps reduce stress.
Should I tell my sitter about my dog’s bad habits?
Yes. Always share any behaviour issues honestly. It helps the sitter or walker keep your dog safe and provide the proper care.
This article on house sitting is also worth reading
Final Thoughts
Your dog’s staycation should feel calm, familiar, and secure, not like being sent away.
Packing well shows your dog’s walker or sitter that you’ve prepared. It helps them give your pet the care they deserve. It also means fewer messages to check, such as “where’s the slow feeder?” or “can they have this treat?”
And most importantly, it means your dog feels less stressed while you’re away.
If you need trusted dog walking, house sitting, or tailored holiday care for your dog, I offer one-to-one, enrichment-led support for dogs who don’t suit busy daycares or kennels.
Feel free to get in touch or check out my listing on Yappily – Finchley Dog Walker.
Resources
- Yappily Directory – ethical pet professionals
- RSPCA – Advice on pet sitting and holiday care
- Dogs Trust – Holiday planning for pets
- The Kennel Club – Pet travel and boarding advice
Other posts by Derek “Del” Chambers of Finchley Dog Walker
Find out what Bugzy Dogs has to say about pet-friendly Holidays