Dog Holiday Dilemmas: Travel or Stay-Home Solutions

Last updated on October 20th, 2026 at 09:44 pm

While the holidays are filled with cheer, gatherings, memories, and lots of good food, you can be faced with a dog holiday issue. Sometimes it’s a bit of elf magic, and you’re lucky enough to travel with your dog, but sometimes your buddy has to stay home. 

Either way, discovering the best way to travel with your dog is essential for you, your pup, and those around you. Also, if you must leave your buddy at home, then you need to know how to best do it for your furry buddy, your wallet, and your stress level.

I always like taking my rescue dog, Henry, with me. But I’ve had to leave him behind a few times. I’ve learned ways to make both as easy as possible for your dog and you. It can also save you money when done correctly. With this in mind, let’s dig in and learn how to travel with your dog during the holidays and how to safely leave your dog at home during the festive season.

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Budget tip:

Traveling with your dog means not paying for a pet sitter, dog walker, or kennel. But if you need to leave your dog at home, doing it in a safe manner, means no unexpected pricey vet bills. That can be a big holiday win-win-win for you, your dog, and your wallet!

Traveling With Your Dog During the Holidays

I always think safety first. Taking your dog with you can add to the fun, memories, and help reduce your stress. Dogs are great for reducing stress, which can be a very appreciated asset during the holidays. Also, when you travel with your dog, you don’t have to pay for a dog walker, pet sitter, or kennel. 

Here’s how to safely travel with your dog during the holiday season.

Car travel – Make sure your pup is safely contained in your vehicle with a safety belt, harness, or use a secured crate. Don’t forget to stop for potty, walk, and water breaks. When you walk your dog, make sure there are no unleashed dogs. Henry always reminds me when it’s time for a break. Also, don’t leave your dog unattended in a car. It can cause anxiety in your dog or encourage someone to steal your pup.

Flying with dogs – Check with your airline to ensure that your dog is allowed in the cabin, or what you need to do to make sure your dog is safe. If your pup isn’t allowed in the cabin, then you may want to consider a pet sitter, dog walker, or kennel boarding so your buddy doesn’t go through any unnecessary stress amongst all the baggage and noises in the belly of the plane. 

Dog holiday bag – Don’t forget to pack your dog’s food, meds, toys, bedding, ID tags, and vet records.

Pet-friendly places are the best – Book pet-friendly hotels, activities, adventures, and look at a nearby dog park before you finalize your vacation. If you’re staying in someone’s home or an Airbnb, you’ll want to make sure it’s dog-friendly, and your furry friend will be welcome. Also, being respectful of the home you visit makes the stay easier for your dog, you, and your host.

Dog Holiday Hack: Before leaving, check out the local vets just in case, and look for dog-friendly activities to do on your festive pet holiday, like a dog park or walking tours. Don’t forget your dog will need a bedtime potty break. So, staying where you can easily take your dog out to pee is essential. 

Dog Holiday Care When You Can’t Bring Your Pup

Even though we’d always like to take our pups with us, sometimes it’s simply not possible. In these cases, make it as stress-free as possible for you and your buddy. 

Boarding –  Ask your vet, groomer, dog walker, and friends for great kennel options, and then research those facilities. Visit the site in person. When you find a site you like, book early since holidays can mean facilities fill up quickly.

Pet sitters – Again, ask for a referral and interview the pet sitter. The benefit of a pet sitter is that they provide care for your buddy at home, which can mean less stress for your pup.

Friends or family – If you are able to leave your pup with a family member or friend, make sure your buddy is comfortable with them and their home. Or if your pup is staying in your home, then make sure your family or friends know their way around your home.

Here are more ways to keep a calm dog-friendly home for your pup.

Book Sooner Than You Think You Need To

You’ll want to book Thanksgiving about five weeks out. But, Christmas and New Year’s you’ll need to book about nine ahead.

The better kennels and trusted sitters fill their holiday calendars well before the holiday itself. The spots that disappear first are the ones most people want, which are drop-off the day before and pickup the day after.

A rough timeline to keep in mind:

• Thanksgiving: book 4 to 6 weeks ahead
• Christmas and New Year’s: book 6 to 9 weeks ahead
• A new-to-you kennel or sitter: add two weeks so you have time to visit, ask questions, and do a short trial stay

If your dates are not locked in yet, call anyway. Most places will hold a spot with a deposit and let you adjust the dates later.

Waiting until the week before usually means choosing from whoever still has room. That is a different decision than choosing from the best, which we all want for our pups.

Pro Dog Tip - Create a dog care binder with your vet contact info, any health issues, feeding schedule, medications, your contact and itinerary, and a list of emergency contacts. This type of binder is useful regardless of who is caring for your buddy. 

How Does Taking My Dog With Me or Leaving My Pup at Home Save Me Money?

You may not think about your stress level being down when your dog travels with you. My stress level is certainly lower when Henry travels with me. For a moment, consider the following possible expenses.

Issue	Estimated Cost
Taking your dog with you (family or hotel)	$0 – $175 (5 days at $0 – $35/day pet fee)
Pet sitter 5 days with a daily walk	$200
Dog walker 5 days with 2x/day 30 minute walk	$300
Dog boarding 5 days	$150 – $250
Knowing your dog is lovingly cared for by you or someone at home	PRICELESS!!!

Want more ways to avoid sneaky dog expenses? This article shares the hidden costs of being a dog parent and how to prevent them.

Related articles:

• How to Find a Great Dog Walker
• Make Overnight Dog Vacations Easy
• From an Anxious Dog Car to a Calm Car Ride
• Benefits of a Dog Harness
• Dog Car Seat Belt Essential
• Why Dog Crates Are a Must
• Never Forget Anything on Your Dog Vacation
• New CDC Rules for Dog Travel
• Holiday Dog Hazards to Avoid
• Hidden Dog Expenses: Why Good Dog Parents Spend More Than They Expect

FAQs About Dog Holiday Care

Is boarding or a pet sitter better for my dog?

Neither is better or worse. A sitter keeps your dog in a familiar home with a familiar routine, which suits dogs who find new places stressful.

Boarding suits social dogs who enjoy other dogs and do well with structure and supervision.

Start with how your dog handles change, then pick the option that best suits your dog.

What if my dog has never been boarded before?

Do a trial run before the holidays. Many kennels offer a daycare day or a single overnight stay. Henry absolutely loves daycare, which also provides boarding. I’m always happy he wants to come home with me.

With daycare, you’ll learn how your dog settles in, and your dog learns the place is temporary. Both of you go into the holiday stay knowing what to expect.

How do I know if my dog will be comfortable staying with family or friends?

Watch how your dog acts in that person’s home before you commit, not on the drop-off day.

Ask for one visit with you there and one short stay without you. A dog who settles, eats, and sleeps normally is telling you the arrangement works. Here is what makes an overnight stay easier on everyone.

Is it safe to fly with my dog during the holidays?

In the cabin, flying is generally manageable for dogs small enough to fit under the seat. Holiday airports are louder and more crowded, so build in extra time.

If your dog tends to have anxiety, talk with your vet about how to minimize it.

Cargo travel is a different question, and holiday volume makes it harder. Honestly, I’d never recommend cargo travel for a dog or a human. But if you do choose to put your dog in cargo, check your airline’s current rules first, since policies change. The CDC rules for dog travel are worth reading before you book.

What should I leave with whoever is caring for my dog?

Put everything your dog does and needs in a care binder. Also, consider these things most people forget.

• Your dog’s regular food, measured out, so nobody guesses at portions
• Supplements and medicine measured and marked for each day
• Your contact information along with your vet’s phone number (and your emergency vet number)
• A worn t-shirt or blanket that smells like home

Also leave a backup contact who can make a decision if you cannot be reached.

I actually have this written out for Henry just in case anything should happen on any given day.

Final Thoughts On Dog Holiday Debate About Taking Or Leaving Your Pup Home

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While taking your buddy on a holiday dog-friendly vacation might be the preferred option, there are times when that’s simply not possible. That means finding someone to care for your dog until you return.

Either way, knowing your dog is safe and well-cared for is priceless! I love traveling with Henry. But I also know that when I must leave him behind, there are safe friends to care for him. That gives me peace of mind and makes my travel, including holiday travel, very merry. 

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