Linda the dachshund takes a snooze during her in- home boarding experience. Courtesy The Mainely Dog.

There are some trips, vacations and special events in life where, unfortunately, your pup has to stay behind. As their trusted guardian, there’s a lot to consider for their safety and comfort whether you hire a trusted friend, family member or a professional boarding facility.

But don’t stress. We’ve got all the tips to ensure your dog is well-cared for, happy and safe while you’re off enjoying your adventure. Top tip of all: Always be sure your sitter or caregiver has all the important details in writing. Regular and emergency veterinarian numbers, your dog’s regular schedule, feeding instructions, medications, allergies and secondary emergency contact info if you can’t be reached should all be quickly accessible to your dog’s sitter.

HAVING AN IN-HOME SITTER

A good sitter is familiar with your dog, knows the importance of routine and exercise and will be communicative about your dog’s status. Whether it’s a friend or a professional caregiver, they will be committed to daily feeding, play or exercise and first thing-last thing potty breaks.

Even if your dog is comfortable with you, we recommend avoiding off leash play or dog park visits without professional caretakers. You as the owner have the best recall and familiarity of your dog’s mood that day, and you’ll reduce the possibility of something unlucky happening while you’re gone.

If you’re leaving your dog at home, it can give you peace of mind to set up a remote camera. You can keep an eye on your pup when you’re not around, especially if your sitter has a regular workday punctuated with walks or is out running errands. There is even a brand designed for dogs called Furbo, which you can dispense treats from, though warning: some dogs might be a little freaked by the sudden action and could benefit from a practice run (and extra treat).

Remember, never leave a dog unattended with chews like bully sticks, rawhides or certain toys. They can choke or hurt themselves. A safer alternative is an antler or sturdy wood that’s unlikely to splinter.

If your dog isn’t used to being home alone, or doesn’t have other dog companions, it might be best to crate them for their safety and comfort. However, during the day, it’s not recommended to crate a puppy or senior dog for more than three hours, and an adult dog no more than four hours. Crating overnight is more than okay, as long as they’re accustomed to it and have enough space to relax comfortably. To keep things calm, you can turn on a white noise machine or play soothing music at a medium volume. This helps mask outside noises and creates a comforting atmosphere. Just like it can for humans, using a nightlight can also help ease anxiety in the dark.

But if your dog has behavior-altering anxiety or separation issues, you might need to take medical steps to help them feel at ease while you’re gone. Talk to your veterinarian about what kind of treatments, like CBD, or prescription medications, like trazodone, could help. It’s not ideal, but even pet parents deserve a vacation.

BOARDING AT A FACILITY

Caretaker Edie spends one-on one-time with Reny. Courtesy The Mainely Dog.

Boarding can be a fantastic option for your dog, especially if they’re social and love human interaction and playtime with other dogs. Always ask if the facility provides photos or videos of your dog’s stay. It’s com-forting to be able to check in on your dog’s adventures during the day.

If your dog isn’t used to or has never been to daycare or boarding, it’s a good idea to bring them in for a few trial visits beforehand. This helps them get used to the routine and space. If the facility offers shorter play sessions—at The Mainely Dog Falmouth, we call it Express Play for two hours—that might be a good way to ease them in too. Many facilities also offer solo and specialty boarding for dogs that need alone time and/or extra attention.

When packing for your pup, don’t forget a few familiar comforts. A shirt with your scent, their favorite stuffy or blanket, some high-value treats and their bed will help in easing their anxiety and making them feel loved while you’re away. For longer term stays, you might worry about your dog missing some of your regular adventures, or they might need some brush ups on their grooming and behavior. Ask to see the full list of services and add-ons that different boarding facilities provide. Your dog will appreciate the extra care, and it’ll make your absence a little less noticeable for them. In addition to training and grooming, we at the Mainely Dog like to go on adventure hikes, neighborhood walks and offer stimulating puzzle toys and special treats.

Whether your dog is staying with a sitter at home or boarding at a facility, preparing them, and yourself, will ensure a smooth transition and a stress-free time for both of you. Routine is key, and a little extra preparation can make all the difference in making sure your dog is comfortable and happy until you’re reunited.

Kayla Cavallaro and Alexis Ott are co-owners of The Mainely Dog in Falmouth and Portland. They offer personalized daycare, boarding, grooming and enrichment options. For more information about programming visit themainelydog.com.