Should You Travel with Your Dog or Board Them?

A Pet Parent’s Guide to Pawsitively Stress-Free Trips

Planning a vacation is exciting, but if you’re a dog parent, it comes with one major question: Should you bring your furry friend along or book them a stay at a trusted boarding facility? Both options have their perks (and a few ruff spots), so let’s dig into the pros and cons of traveling with your dog versus boarding them—and how to make the best decision for you and your pup.

Traveling with Your Dog: The Ups and Downs

Bringing your dog along for an adventure can sound like a dream come true. You get to make memories together, avoid separation anxiety, and skip the guilt of leaving them behind. But pet travel comes with a few less-than-glamorous realities, too.

Pros of Traveling with Your Dog

1. You stay together

Dogs are family—and keeping them by your side means you both avoid the heartache of separation. For dogs that get anxious when left behind, this can be a comfort.

2. Built-in adventure buddy

Exploring new parks, beaches, and trails with your dog adds fun to any trip. Whether it’s a mountain hike or a beach stroll, your pup is the perfect travel companion.

3. Full control over care

When you travel with your dog, you’re in charge of their food, walks, rest breaks, and environment. You know their needs best.

4. Shared experiences

Traveling together deepens your bond—and gives you adorable photo ops (and Instagram bragging rights).

Cons of Traveling with Your Dog

1. Hidden costs add up fast

Between airline pet fees, hotel pet surcharges, health certificates, and travel gear, costs can climb quickly. Estimates often put a typical trip in the $850–$1,500+ range once you add transport fees, pet-friendly hotel charges, and required gear/documentation.

2. Limited accommodations

Even if a hotel or rental claims to be pet-friendly, that often comes with size restrictions, cleaning fees, or limited access to certain areas.

3. Travel stress (for both of you)

Planes, long car rides, and unfamiliar environments can be unsettling for dogs. Motion sickness, irregular potty breaks, and new noises can lead to anxiety—and accidents.

4. Health and safety concerns

From unpredictable weather to exposure to new pests or pathogens, travel can introduce health risks for your pet.

5. Complicated logistics

Coordinating travel documents, carriers, airline rules, and pet-friendly stops can turn vacation planning into a full-time job.

Pro Tip: If your dog doesn’t handle new environments well, traveling might do more harm than good. Sometimes, giving them a calm, consistent environment back home is the kindest choice.

Boarding Your Dog: A Home Away from Home

For many pet parents, boarding offers the best of both worlds: professional care, safety, and peace of mind while you’re away. Modern pet boarding facilities aren’t just kennels, they’re social, comfortable, and designed to keep tails wagging.

Pros of Boarding Your Dog

1. Professional care and supervision

Trained staff are experienced in handling dogs of all temperaments and needs. From giving medications to soothing nervous pups, their expertise ensures your pet is in good hands.

2. Structured routines

Boarding facilities maintain regular feeding, playtime, and rest schedules, which helps reduce anxiety and keeps your dog’s routine on track.

3. Safe, secure environment

Reputable boarding businesses are designed with safety in mind: secure fencing, cleanliness standards, and vaccination requirements to protect every guest.

4. Socialization and enrichment

If your dog enjoys playing with others, boarding can be a social playground full of stimulating enrichment options. Many facilities offer group play sessions, walks, and one-on-one time with caregivers.

5. Peace of mind for pet parents

Knowing your dog is being cared for by professionals lets you truly relax and enjoy your trip—without worrying about sitters canceling or accidents at home.

6. Predictable costs

Unlike travel expenses that fluctuate, boarding fees are typically flat and easy to budget. You’ll know exactly what to expect before you go.

Cons of Boarding Your Dog

1. Separation anxiety

Some dogs may initially struggle with being away from their owner. Thankfully, most adjust quickly once they feel safe and secure.

2. Less control over routine

You’re trusting others to manage your pet’s care, so it’s important to find a facility that shares your values and prioritizes individual attention.

3. Cost variation

High-end boarding facilities with luxury suites, webcams, or spa services can cost more—but for many pet parents, the peace of mind is worth every penny.

Pro Tip: Schedule a short trial stay or meet-and-greet before your big trip. This gives your dog a chance to get comfortable in a new environment and helps staff learn their personality.

Traveling vs. Boarding: The Side-by-Side Comparison

When it comes down to it, boarding often wins for stability, safety, and peace of mind, especially for longer trips or anxious pets.

Hidden Costs of Traveling with a Dog

Many pet parents assume that bringing their dog along is the cheaper option, but that’s rarely true. Here are a few expenses that catch travelers off guard:

• Airline pet fees: Often $125+ each way for in-cabin travel
• Pet deposits and hotel fees: $25–$100 per night, plus cleaning charges
• Travel crates and carriers: Up to $200
• Health certificates: Required for flights; commonly $50–$150
• Emergency vet visits: Always a possibility in unfamiliar areas
• Pet-friendly transportation or attractions: Limited availability, extra cost

Compare that to a trusted boarding facility, where the cost is typically straightforward and includes feeding, playtime, and supervision—without hidden add-ons.

How to Choose the Right Boarding Facility

Not all boarding experiences are created equal. Here’s what to look for when choosing your dog’s temporary home:

1. Transparency and communication
   

   Look for facilities that send updates, photos, or daily reports so you can see how your dog is doing.
   
   

2. Cleanliness and safety standards
   

   Inspect the facility or ask for a virtual tour. Clean, odor-free spaces and clear vaccination policies are must-haves.
   
   

3. Trained, caring staff
   

   Ask about staff-to-dog ratios, experience levels, and training in animal first aid or behavior.
   
   

4. Structured enrichment programs
   

   The best facilities go beyond basic care—they offer play sessions, training refreshers, or even spa treatments.
   
   

5. Comfort and familiarity
   

   Ask if you can bring your dog’s bed or favorite toy. A familiar scent can make the stay feel more like home.

Reducing Stress No Matter Which Option You Choose

Whether you decide to travel with your dog or board them, preparation is key.

If You’re Traveling Together:

• Schedule a vet visit before you go for vaccines and travel clearance.
• Pack familiar items: toys, bedding, food, and treats.
• Research dog-friendly hotels, parks, and emergency vets along your route.
• Plan rest stops every 2–3 hours for potty breaks and exercise.

If You’re Boarding Your Dog:

• Book early—especially around holidays.
• Provide clear instructions about diet, medication, and behavior quirks.
• Do a short test stay.
• Stay calm during drop-off—your dog takes emotional cues from you.

The Gingr Take: Boarding Is About Comfort, Not Guilt

Let’s face it: Leaving your pup behind isn’t easy. But today’s pet boarding facilities are far from the traditional kennels of the past. They’re clean, caring, and equipped with modern tools (like Gingr’s pet-care business software) that help staff provide personalized, reliable care every single day.

So while taking your dog along might sound adventurous, boarding can be the truly pawsitive choice for both of you. It keeps your pup safe, comfortable, and cared for, so you can focus on enjoying your travels without worry.

How Gingr Keeps Pet Parents Connected While They’re Away

Every dog is unique, and so is every holiday or trip away. The right decision depends on your destination, your dog’s temperament, and your comfort level. If your dog thrives on adventure and adapts easily, traveling together could be a rewarding experience. But if your pup prefers routine and calm, boarding offers a safe, structured environment where they can relax and play while you’re away.

Dog boarding businesses that use Gingr make it easy for pet parents to stay informed and connected throughout their pet’s stay. With detailed pet report cards, daily SMS updates, and access to all care details through the Customer Portal and Pet Parent App, owners never have to wonder how their pup is doing. Many facilities even integrate webcams, allowing you to check in on your furry friend while you’re away—a comforting reminder that your pet is happy, healthy, and having a tail-wagging good time.

Are you a boarding facility looking for kennel software that gives pet parents peace of mind? Book a demo with Gingr today!