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Dash would happily come on every trip if we let him. But some trips do not work for a ten-year-old dog, and figuring out who looks after him while we are gone has become a real decision. Here is how we compare the main options.
Boarding kennels
Pros: trained staff, a secure setting and often on-site or on-call vet access. Cons: new smells, noise and other dogs can be stressful, especially for older dogs who like routine. Many kennels require specific vaccinations, and a senior dog may come home tired or with an upset stomach after the change.
If you choose a kennel, visit first, ask how they handle older dogs and medications, and bring familiar bedding.
A friend or family member
Pros: someone your dog knows and you trust, and often free. Cons: it depends on their schedule, and your dog may have to stay in an unfamiliar house. Long trips can be a big ask.
A house sitter
Pros: your dog stays home with his own bed, his own smells and his normal routine — which matters a lot for a senior dog. Your house is also looked after while you are away. Cons: you need to find someone you trust, and it takes some planning.
For Dash, staying home is by far the least stressful option. House-sitting platforms connect pet owners with verified sitters, and many sitters stay in exchange for the accommodation. Read reviews, do a video call, and if you can, have the sitter meet your dog before the trip.
Our checklist before any trip
- A written routine: meal times and amounts, walk times, where he sleeps and his quirks (yes, including the mailman).
- Medications labeled with clear doses and times.
- The vet's phone number and the nearest emergency clinic.
- Enough food for the whole trip plus a few extra days.
- Updated ID tag and microchip details.
- A way to check in — a pet camera or regular photo updates.
The bottom line
There is no single right answer, but for an older dog who loves routine, keeping him at home with a trusted sitter usually means a calmer dog and a more relaxed trip for you. Whatever you choose, plan early and leave clear notes — your dog will not care about the details, but his sitter will thank you.
Watch Dash
🐾 Dash's Favorite Things
The feeder, treats, calming help and sitter service we actually use.
See the house-sitting service we use →
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