The holidays often revolve around family gatherings, cozy traditions, and plenty of travel. For dog owners, one big question often arises: Should I bring my dog with me or make other arrangements while I’m away? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and dependent on your lifestyle, where you are traveling to, and how your pup does with changes in their routine. Some dogs thrive on the adventure of new places, while others are more comfortable sticking to familiarity at home. To help you decide, we’ve put together some pros and cons of traveling with your dog during the holidays.
Pros of Bringing Your Dog
They’re Part of the Family
For many of us, our dogs aren’t just pets, they’re family. Having them along means you won’t miss them during holiday celebrations, and they won’t miss you. It can make the season feel more complete. If your dog lends emotional support, traveling with you at the holidays may make your experience less stressful. You can spend extra time together with your pet, whether you’re walking in the snow, curling up by the fire, or visiting relatives.
Avoiding Kennel Anxiety
Some dogs struggle with separation anxiety or don’t adjust well to boarding facilities. For these pets, being with you, even in an unfamiliar place, may be less stressful than staying behind. This is something to consider if you work from home or spend a lot of time with your dog daily.
Built-in Exercise Buddy
Holidays tend to be full of indulgent meals and long hours indoors. Having your dog with you means built-in motivation to get outside for walks, hikes, or play sessions. It can keep you on track for your health goals and give them the physical enrichment they need to stay happy and healthy.
Cons of Bringing Your Dog
Travel Stress
Car rides, airports, or long hours on the road can be stressful for dogs. Not all pets are used to traveling, and some may experience motion sickness, anxiety, or restlessness. Flying with pets can be a huge hassle unless your furry companion is small enough to ride with you, and in some cases, it can be dangerous for them. Dogs thrive on routine. Traveling during the holidays means new schedules, different feeding times, and less predictable potty breaks. Some dogs adjust easily, but others may feel unsettled.
Limited Pet-Friendly Options
Not every hotel, rental, or relative’s home is dog-friendly. Even if pets are technically allowed, rules or restrictions (like size limits or additional fees) can make things complicated. Your great aunt Sally may not be thrilled about your dog coming to stay, especially as meals are being prepared or if there are other pets in the home.
Social Overload
Holiday gatherings often involve large groups of people, new environments, and lots of noise. While some dogs enjoy the excitement, others may become overstimulated, anxious, or reactive. Your dog cannot verbally communicate with you, so this may exacerbate unwanted behaviors, causing more stress to everyone involved.
Questions to Ask Before You Decide
If you’re torn about whether to bring your dog along, consider how your dog handles travel. Are they calm in the car? Have they flown before? When you arrive at your desired destination, will there be safe places for your dog to rest, play, and relieve themselves? Will they spend a large portion of their time with you, kenneled or left alone? Are there health concerns? Older dogs or those with medical conditions may not tolerate the stress of travel as well as younger, healthy pets.
Alternatives to Traveling with Your Dog
If bringing your dog doesn’t seem like the best choice, there are excellent alternatives to ensure they’re safe and happy while you’re away, All Kreatures Pet Care being one of them! Boarding facilities offer structure and supervision, and they are equipped with designated spaces and experienced staff who treat your pets like their own.
If your dog prefers the familiarity of home, a trusted pet sitter, friends, or family can provide care in your home (or theirs)! It may be beneficial, based on the temperament of your pet, to leave them with someone they already know.
Tips for Traveling with Your Dog
If you do decide to bring your pup along, a little preparation goes a long way. Have their essentials on hand and ready to go, including food, bowls, medications, their leash, waste bags, and their favorite toys and treats. Make sure your dog has proper identification, including ID tags with your phone number at a minimum, and ensure their microchip is up to date. Make sure to plan for breaks during travel to allow for bathroom breaks, stretching, and water. Ensure you have a plan to keep their feeding and walking times as close to their normal schedule as possible. And last but not least, give them their own safe space. Whether it’s a crate, bed, or designated room, your dog needs a quiet area to retreat from the holiday festivities.
Final Thoughts
Bringing your dog along for the holidays can be rewarding, but it’s not always the best fit for every pet or situation. Think about your dog’s personality, the logistics of your travel plans, and how well they’ll be included in the festivities. If traveling with your dog feels stressful or impractical, leaving them in a safe, caring environment may be the kinder choice. At All Kreatures Pet Care, we provide a home away from home for your pets, so you can travel with peace of mind, knowing they’re happy, healthy, and cared for during the holiday season.