Traveling Without Your Dog? How to Pick a Pet Resort That’s a Good Fit
How to choose a pet resort that keeps your furry family member happy, healthy and engaged while you travel.
The kids and I love to travel. My son constantly says, "Mom. Wanna go bye bye on an airplane? Fly first class." Hey, the kid's got taste. Plus, the flight attendants constantly fawning on him helps with that more than a little.
However, there is this slight problem when we travel. What do we do with Bear?
Obviously, we cannot leave him at home for such a long time all alone. And if we go for more than a night, is that really fair to the neighbor or friend who would be watching him? And airlines are not great with transporting pets over 20 pounds. So unless you want a $10,000 price tag for private flights, you will have to figure out something else.
The best option, though yes, there is a cost, is a pet resort.
Not just a kennel where there is a slab of cement with a fenced enclosure and that is it. But somewhere that treats your furry friend with the kind of care and consideration that makes you feel like they are part of an extended family. While you are away from home.
There are a number of things to look for and consider when leaving a part of your family with someone. Here is a list of things to consider.
Where Can You Find These Kinds of Trips?
Some destinations just do it better, whether it’s thanks to built-in cultural engagement, thoughtful resort programming, or slower, more grounded pacing
I’ve shared a few of my favorite places that strike the perfect balance in a previous post:
Where Can You Travel as a Single Parent And Still Feel Like A Local?
So next time you’re planning a trip, ask yourself:
Are you picking somewhere that’s just family friendly, or truly kid inclusive?
Look for activities that match your dog’s personality
For my Border Collie, I look for pet resorts that offer options for both physical activity and mental stimulation. Some of my favorite offerings to seek out include:
Livestock interaction, where available. This is especially great for herding breeds, who need an outlet for their natural instincts.
Swimming or water play
Hiking options or large outdoor play spaces
Structured ball or Frisbee fetch sessions
If your dog has a different temperament or energy level, adjust your list accordingly. A shy or older dog may prefer a quieter environment with more personal attention and less group stimulation.
Ask about enrichment and mental stimulation
Do they provide:
Puzzle feeders
Training games
One-on-one time with staff
I want to know that my dog’s brain will stay engaged, not just his legs.
Owner involvement options
I like resorts that allow owners to stay somewhat involved, even while away. I look for places that provide:
Live CCTV access or scheduled photo updates
The option to bring in custom treats or enrichment toys
Openness to pre-visit check-ins so I can see the facility in person
Knowing I can get a quick visual update during my trip gives me peace of mind, especially with a high-energy Border Collie who can get himself into all kinds of creative situations.
Fun treat options
Some resorts go the extra mile by offering special treats during your dog’s stay. I always look for places that think about enrichment through food, not just entertainment. Some of the best options I have seen include:
Whipped cream cups with blueberries
Frozen peanut butter treats
Pumpkin-based treats. Dogs love them, they are great for digestion, and they offer many other health benefits. I talk more about the benefits of pumpkin for dogs in my previous post on the topic. Benefits of Pumpkin
Grain free options. This is very important for us, as Border Collies tend to get extremely itchy with foods that contain grains.
Perks and value-add options
Another thing I look for are the little extras that can elevate a stay from basic boarding to a true resort experience. These not only make life easier for the owner but also leave the dog feeling great when they head home. Some of my favorites include:
Going home freshly groomed or with an undercoat blown out
Add-on hikes or nature walks
Swimming sessions (super for energy dogs like mine)
Controlled livestock interaction where appropriate
Structured fetch sessions (ball or Frisbee)
Custom treat options, as mentioned above
If your pet resort offers these kinds of add-ons, it shows they are thinking about both the dog’s experience and the owner’s peace of mind.
Gut check and transparency
Finally, trust your gut. How does the staff interact with your dog at intake? Are they happy to answer questions about handling style and supervision? Is the space clean, secure, and set up to reduce stress?
Closing
Choosing the right pet resort is about more than basic care. It is about creating a positive experience for your dog so you can travel without worry and return to a happy, relaxed pup.
For my Border Collie, that means finding places that offer stimulation, enrichment, and a true sense of family care. And yes, he is a fan of whipped cream cups with blueberries.
If you are a fellow pet parent, I would love to hear. What are the things you look for when choosing a pet resort for your furry family member?
And if you run a pet spa or boarding facility and would like help creating client-focused content that speaks to pet parents like me, feel free to reach out.
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