What do I do with my dog while I travel?: Why Your Dog Deserves a Happy “Vacation” — Even When You Travel

We all love traveling: exploring new places, meeting friends and family, or simply getting away from routine. But when you’ve got a furry companion at home — especially one with lots of energy (like your shedding yellow Labrador) — the question always pops up: “What do I do with my dog while I travel?” Trying to cram your dog into a hectic itinerary or leave them alone in a hotel room is rarely ideal — and often stressful for both of you.

Your dog isn’t just baggage. They’re family. And just like you deserve a relaxing, worry-free vacation, your dog deserves a caring, safe “staycation” — maybe not with you, but somewhere they feel comfortable, safe and loved.

That’s where dog-boarding platforms and vetted pet care services become lifesavers.

The Classic Options — And Their Pros & Cons

1. Bring your dog with you If your travel destination is pet-friendly — and travel time is manageable — taking your dog along can be great. They get to join you on new adventures, and you don’t have to feel guilty about leaving them behind. But – there are real caveats: long flights, trains or complicated travel, non-pet-friendly hotels, or busy itineraries with little time for your dog’s needs may make this impractical or even harmful for your pet.

2. Friends or family Leaving your dog with someone you trust — a friend, relative, or neighbor — can work well if they’re comfortable giving your dog the time, care, and attention he needs. For many dogs, familiar faces and surroundings help ease separation stress. But this option depends on having a supportive network — which isn’t always possible. Besides, it is a huge undertaking. Hence asking maybe every once in a while is a good idea, but asking may not be the best bet!

3. Pet sitters / house sitting A pet sitter can stay at your home (or visit regularly) while you’re away — feeding, walking, playing, and giving companionship. This works especially well for dogs who are sensitive, have health issues, or don’t adapt well to new environments.

4. Boarding / Pet-hotel / Dog boarding facility Boarding at a dedicated facility or pet-hotel can offer many benefits: professional care, regular walks and playtime, socialization (if dogs are grouped well), and basically someone always on duty. For many pet-parents, it’s the easiest way to ensure their dog is safe, active, and cared for while they’re away. Still — not all boarding facilities are equal. Some might be overcrowded, overly noisy, or not give enough attention. That’s why vetting the facility carefully is crucial before booking.

How to Make the Right Choice — For You AND Your Dog

When deciding what’s best for your dog, consider:

• Your dog’s personality: Is your dog social and adaptable? Or anxious, shy, or easily stressed? A social dog may do well with other dogs at a boarding facility; a more sensitive one might prefer a sitter or staying at home.

• Your travel plans & logistics: Long flights, tight itineraries, unpredictable accommodations — all these affect whether taking your dog along is feasible or comfortable.

• Consistency & routine: Dogs thrive on familiarity. If you choose boarding or a sitter, try to replicate as much of their normal routine as possible (food schedule, walk times, favorite toys).

• Pre-trip trial: If possible, introduce your dog to the sitter or boarding facility a few days before the trip. A “trial stay” helps your dog get comfortable with the new environment and reduces anxiety when you depart.

• Transparency & communication: Leave clear instructions about feeding, medications, exercise, behavior quirks — and make sure the caretaker or facility sends regular updates (photos/videos) so you know your dog is doing fine.

Enter Purfurry — Pet Boarding Re-imagined

This is the exciting part. As someone building Purfurry — a platform aiming to become the “Airbnb for dog-boarding” — I see a huge opportunity to give pet-parents and pets a much better experience when you can’t travel together.

What Purfurry aims to offer:

1. A curated network of vetted local home boarding & daycare providers — so you don’t have to stress over finding a reliable place or worry about your dog’s safety and comfort.

2. Transparent reviews and detailed profiles for each provider — walk areas, cleanliness, dog-to-caretaker ratio, playtime frequency, and any special services.

3. Flexible bookings — from a few hours or a day to long vacations, with options for home-boarding depending on what your dog needs.

4. Peace of mind for pet-parents — regular updates (photos/videos), clear care-instructions, and emergency contacts, so you can enjoy your vacation without worrying.

Why this matters especially in India (or any growing pet market)

In India (and many parts of the world), pet-boarding infrastructure is often fragmented. Many facilities are unlicensed or lack transparency. That makes trusting them hard. A structured platform like Purfurry can bridge that gap — offering reliability, standardization, and accountability.

For dog-parents like you (with a shedding Labrador, needing SUV-friendly transport, pet comfort — especially pet hair & third-row seating concerns), this becomes even more relevant.

Quick “Pre-Vacation Checklist” (For Pet-Parents)

Purfurry makes pet boarding simplified.

Quick “Pre-Vacation Checklist” (For Pet-Parents)

Before you leave: • Decide whether to take your dog or leave them behind — considering travel logistics, accommodations, and your dog’s temperament.

• If leaving: choose between trusted friends/family, professional pet-sitter, or a boarder.

• If using a facility or sitter: do a trial day to help your dog get comfortable.

• Pack a “dog travel bag”: food, medications (if any), favorite toys, bedding, and a care sheet with feeding & walking schedule + emergency contacts.

• Leave clear instructions and contact information with the caretaker — for your vet, yourself, and an emergency contact.

A Vacation You — And Your Dog — Can Both Enjoy

Travel doesn’t have to mean guilt or worry when you have a pet. With thoughtful planning, the right caretakers, and services like Purfurry that bring transparency and care to pet-boarding — your pup can have their own little “holiday” while you’re away.

So next time you’re packing your bags... don’t stress about your dog — plan their stay like you’d plan your own. That way, everyone returns happier (and with fewer hairballs in your car).

At Purfurry we believe that a home boarding is your best option. This ensures dedicated time for your pet, personal care and peace of mind for you. Try one of our qualified boarders and if you are a boarder, become a Purf Boarder today!