Holiday care for dogs: How to prepare your dog optimally

Starting your own holiday with a good feeling — that works best with a little preparation. This checklist helps ensure your dog is well cared for while you’re away.

Plan ahead

Especially during peak travel season, spots for holiday care are in high demand. A personal introductory meeting and a trial day beforehand ensure that your dog doesn’t have to get used to a new environment for the first time on the day of departure.

Documents you should have ready

• Current vaccination record (combination vaccination, ideally also kennel cough and rabies)
• Contact details of the treating veterinarian
• Signed Care Agreement including details on character, feeding and special needs
• Proof of dog liability insurance

Share familiar routines

Let the caregiver know how often and what your dog normally eats, what sleeping habits they have, and whether they prefer to be alone or with company. The more precise this information, the smoother everyday life will run during your holiday.

What should be packed

• Enough familiar food for the entire stay
• A familiar cuddly toy, a blanket or a chew item
• Current medications including dosage instructions, if needed
• Leash, collar or harness with a name tag

Preventing separation stress

A calm, matter-of-fact goodbye without a big emotional scene helps your dog settle into the new environment more quickly. A short walk right before the handover can also help calm things down.

Being reachable during the holiday

Even though your dog is in trusted hands: a brief message to the caregiver confirming that you can be reached in a serious emergency (or who is authorised to decide as a substitute) gives both sides peace of mind.

Day of arrival and departure

Please note that the day of arrival and the day of departure are each charged as a full day — details can be found in our price list.

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Planning a holiday soon and looking for family-run care for your dog? Learn more about our holiday care or get in touch directly.