What We Actually Do With Our Dog When We Travel (4 Real Solutions, Honestly Costed)
Every travel blog tells you to “just bring your dog along.” Real life is messier. Some trips can’t include a dog, and the first question is always the same: who watches her?
We’ve tried four different answers on four different trips. Here’s what happened, what it cost, and the honest verdict on each.
Boarding at home (Paw Ranch, Casa Grande, AZ)
Gypsy at Paw Ranch
We flew to the Big Island and Gypsy stayed at Paw Ranch. Currently, it cost us $42.00 a day. You'd have to check with them, as prices are subject to chnage. This was our easiest, most stress-free option, because she was in a place built for dogs and we weren’t worrying from 3,000 miles away. And by the way she loves the people here and is so happy to run to them when we arrive.A friend’s lap (Arlington, WA)
Gypsy picked her favorite human
We left Gypsy with a friend during a Mariners game. It was free, and it was also the hardest one. She shook and wouldn’t eat until we got back. Friends are great, but a nervous dog in an unfamiliar place is still a nervous dog.Overnight boarding in Las Vegas (Hound House)
Gypsy had her own sleepover at Hound House LV in Las Vegas while we went to see The Wizard of Oz at the Sphere.
We boarded her overnight so we could see the Wizard of Oz at Sphere. Cost $65 for a Guest Bedroom but as of October 1, 2026 updated Rate is $70.00. Here’s the math most people miss: many hotels charge a pet fee, ours was $80 a night. If she’s boarding overnight, she isn’t in the room, so don’t pay both. Ask about the fee before you book.A 24-hour doggie daycare (San Diego)
Gypsy is spending a little time at 24-hour doggie daycare in San Diego, and she’d like everyone to know she is ready to go.
From an earlier trip. Cost, $57/day full day of Daycare (up to 12 hours) Great for a long day of sightseeing when you don’t need overnight care.
THE CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU GO
Vaccination records: Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella. Nearly every place will ask for all three. Book early, because good places fill up, especially around events and holidays. If your hotel allows pets, read the rules first. Ours required reserving a pet room in advance, keeping her leashed, and never leaving her unattended. Service animals only on the casino floor.
ONE RULE, NO EXCEPTIONS
Never leave your dog in the car. Not for five minutes, not with the windows cracked.
GEAR THAT HELPS
We use a waterproof dog car seat cover for road trips. Hard Bottom Car Seat Cover, for Back Seat. It keeps the car clean and Gypsy secure. (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend what we actually use.)
THE HONEST TAKEAWAY
There’s no perfect answer. A dog who’s comfortable somewhere familiar does best. For short trips, a trusted friend works. For longer ones, we’d pick a good boarding facility every time.
Where do you leave your dog when you travel? Tell us in the comments.
