Preparing to Leave Your Dog with Friends or Family
Whether it's for a business trip, vacation, or an unexpected situation, there are times when you need to temporarily leave your dog in the care of friends or family. It's only natural to feel a little anxious — after all, your furry companion relies on you for everything.
To help your dog adjust quickly and to ensure your friends don't get overwhelmed, proper preparation is key. With some thoughtful planning, you can make the experience smoother for everyone involved.
Before You Leave
- Prepare detailed notes about feeding times, walking routines, and any medical needs.
- Pack favorite toys, bedding, and treats for comfort and familiarity.
- Share your vet's contact information and emergency numbers just in case.
A little effort before you go can make all the difference — both for your peace of mind and your dog's happiness.
Here's a checklist to prepare before leaving your dog in someone else's care — every pet owner should definitely save this!
1. Preparing a Basic Information Sheet for Your Dog
Before entrusting your dog to someone else's care, it's important to prepare a simple yet comprehensive information sheet. You can write it down on paper or keep it in your phone's notes app. This record ensures that anyone taking care of your dog can understand its needs and routine easily.
Basic Information
- Name, age, sex, and breed
- Frequently visited animal hospital and the veterinarian's name
- Vaccination records, including rabies shots
- Any chronic illnesses or history of allergies
Daily Life Details
These details are just as important as medical information. Record your dog's routine carefully:
- Feeding schedule and portion size
- Bathroom habits and frequency
- Favorite ways to play and level of activity
- Things your dog cannot eat or doesn't like to be touched
- Usual walking routes and noises that cause fear or anxiety
Anything you think might be useful—no matter how small—should be included. The more detailed your notes, the more comfortable and cared-for your dog will be when you're away.
2. Packing Essentials for Your Dog
Bringing along your dog's familiar items can help them feel more secure and comfortable during a trip. Here's a suggested packing list to ensure your furry friend feels right at home, wherever you go:
- Pre-portioned dog food and treats.
- Food bowl, water dish, and their usual bed or crate.
- Favorite toys and a towel or blanket that carries your scent.
- Leash and collar.
- Medical records from your veterinarian.
Having these essentials on hand can make travel smoother and give your dog a sense of familiarity and reassurance.
3. Prepping Your Dog for a Stay Away From Home
Rehearsing an "overnight stay" in advance helps reduce stress for both you and your dog. Don't assume that dropping your dog off on the day itself will go smoothly—dogs need time to get used to a new environment.
- Get Familiar Ahead of Time: Before the actual stay, take your dog to visit the temporary home. Let them explore, meet new friends, and get a sense of the surroundings. Meanwhile, observe whether the living space is suitable and safe for your dog's activities.
- Take It Step by Step: Start small—let your dog spend about half an hour to an hour there and watch how they react. Go for a walk together or feed the dog with the person who will care for them. This helps you determine if you can confidently entrust your dog to that person.
- Groom Before the Visit: Before the dog's stay, trim their nails and brush their fur. Sending your dog off clean and neat is a thoughtful gesture to the caregiver and ensures a pleasant experience for everyone involved.
Getting Familiar in Advance: Helping Your Dog Adjust to a Temporary Home
Before settling your dog into its temporary home, it's a great idea to visit the location ahead of time. Take your dog for a walk around the area so it can explore the surroundings, meet new people or other pets, and pick up on the familiar scents that will make the place feel safer when it's time to stay.
While you're there, pay attention to how suitable the space is for your dog's activities. Check whether there's enough room for movement, if the environment feels calm and secure, and whether there are any potential hazards. This early introduction not only helps reduce your dog's stress but also gives you peace of mind knowing the new environment supports your pet's comfort and wellbeing.
Gradual Trust-Building with Your Dog's Caregiver
When finding someone to look after your dog, it's essential to take things step by step. Start by allowing your dog to spend about thirty minutes to an hour with the potential caregiver. Observe how your dog reacts—does it seem calm, curious, or uneasy?
Next, try doing activities together such as walking the dog or feeding it alongside the caregiver. This shared experience helps your dog become familiar with the new person's presence, scent, and energy. Through these gradual interactions, you can determine whether you feel comfortable and confident entrusting your beloved companion to their care.
Preparing Your Dog for a Visit
Grooming: Before taking your dog to visit someone, trim their nails and brush their coat. Bringing your furry friend neat and clean shows thoughtfulness and respect for the host.
Visiting with a well-groomed dog not only leaves a good impression but also makes your pet more comfortable in a new environment. A tangle-free coat prevents discomfort, and clean paws mean fewer messes indoors.
Taking a few minutes to groom beforehand reflects good manners, showing you care about both your dog's well-being and the comfort of those around you.
4. Comprehensive Safety and Contact Measures for Your Dog
To ensure maximum safety in case of emergencies, always make sure your dog's microchip information is up to date. It's also a good idea to provide an additional emergency contact number. Having an extra point of contact can make a big difference if your pet ever gets lost or separated from you.
If your dog has undergone crate training, that's a great advantage. The crate can serve as a familiar and comforting space during stressful situations. Include a towel or blanket with a recognizable scent to help your dog feel calm and secure.
5. How to Stay Calm When Entrusting Your Dog
On the day you hand over your dog for care, it's important to keep a calm and natural mindset. This, however, is often the hardest thing for pet owners to do. Many people feel reluctant to part with their dogs and can't help expressing their emotions.
If you act overly attached or keep telling your dog things like "Be good" or "Daddy will be back soon," your pet will sense that something is wrong. This heavy emotional atmosphere can make your dog anxious and unsettled.
The best approach is to keep the process simple and natural. Hand your dog over gently, say a calm goodbye, and leave without hesitation. By maintaining your composure, you help your dog adjust faster and feel more at ease in the new environment.
The Core Principle of Entrusting Your Dog to Others
When leaving your beloved dog in someone else's care, the most important principle is empathy—putting yourself in others' shoes.
Imagine this: if you were the caretaker, how much detail would you want the owner to provide? And if you were your dog, what would you need to feel safe and unafraid?
If you worry that a new environment might be too stressful for your pet, there are now many professional in-home pet sitters available. Allowing your dog to stay in the comfort of their familiar home while being cared for by an expert is a wonderful and stress-free option for both of you.
