5 Expert Tips for Pet Parents Who Travel Frequently

Whether you're constantly away on business or you love jet-setting around the world, being a pet parent and a frequent flyer can cause a few headaches. Often when traveling, you won't be able to take your fur-baby with you, so what do you do with your dog when you're away? And how do you keep Tucker's tail wagging when their best bud isn't around?

Keeping your dog in a cargo hold, taking them through airport security, and potentially quarantining upon arrival are just a few reasons why it's usually better to leave your canine at home. Here are 5 tips for pet parents who travel frequently to ensure your pup is a comfy as can be while you're away.

The number-one issue pet parents have when traveling is choosing the right overnight pet care option. Many pet parents will book their fur-baby in at a local kennel. However, kennels are likely to cause your doggo additional stress. A cramped space, lots of noise, and strange smells are just a few factors that may increase your pup's stress and anxiety.

Hiring an in-home dog sitter is one of the best ways to keep your canine compadre content. An in-home dog sitter will cause the least disruption to your dog's schedule, while also helping reduce separation anxiety. Many dog sitters also tend to be more affordable than standard kennels, meaning you'll have a little extra money to spoil your woofer when you return. Plus, you'll sleep soundly knowing your hound and home are being well taken care of!

If you'd rather not have a stranger in your home, book a dog boarder instead. A dog boarder will invite Fido over for a sleepover at their house, so your pup feels comfortable staying in a home setting. Dog boarders are also less likely to stress out your mutt, keep your dog in a routine, and are generally more affordable than kennels.

As well as providing your pup with the best possible accommodation, you'll also want to help keep them active while you're away. Booking a dog walker will not only keep your pup active while you're away, but it will also help take their mind off missing their favorite human. 

Most pet caregivers, both sitters and boarders, also provide dog walking services, so check with your chosen caregiver. With your permission, your caregiver can take your pup for an on-leash stroll to help keep them happy and healthy. 

Providing regular walks for your dog will also help them keep in their routine, which will help them adjust. When you book a walk with Wag!, you can follow along their walk via GPS so you know exactly where your fur-baby is!

Picking any old caregiver won't do! Ensure you get the best possible care for Fido. Wag! makes it super simple to choose the "pawfect" pet caregiver. The Wag! app will show you a list of the top sitters and boarders in your area. Every Pet Caregiver has a star rating, so you can quickly see who's the best in your area.

Each Pet Caregiver also has a detailed profile showing their experience and skills. Some specialize in caring for specific age groups and specific breeds, which will help you pick the best match for your fur-baby.

Once you've picked a caregiver, you'll want to go over every detail to ensure your pup gets the best care. Let your caregiver know if your dog has any special dietary and medical requirements. You'll want to tell them when to feed and walk your dog so there's minimal disruption to their routine. You should also provide information about your local vet just in case. 

Pet caregivers on the Wag! platform are contactable 24/7 and will wait on your doggo tail and paw. You can contact your chosen caregiver via Wag! Chat and let them know everything about your pooch, from their favorite toys to their favorite treats. 

If you're hiring a dog sitter, you'll also want to let them know about your home, including plants that need watering or any alarm systems you may have.

You can make your next trip a little easier for you, your dog, and your caregiver with a bit of extra training. Teaching your dog not to bark, to follow some basic commands, and to accept strangers can go a long way to a successful sitting or boarding session. You might want to consider crate training your dog, too, as this will help them get used to being on their own. 

Let your caregiver know what commands your dog knows, so they can use them while you're away. If you're having any trouble teaching your dog a particular command or trick, consider hiring an in-home or digital dog trainer to help your pup pick up new skills quicker.