What to Do With Your Dog When You Go on Holiday

Going on holiday when you have a dog means making a plan — whether that’s taking your dog with you, leaving them with someone you trust, or booking professional care. Getting this right means you can enjoy your trip without worrying, and your dog stays safe, comfortable, and well looked after while you’re away.

This guide covers all your options as an Irish dog owner — from pet-friendly holidays within Ireland and EU travel rules, to choosing boarding kennels, hiring pet sitters, and setting up your home so a friend or family member can care for your dog in familiar surroundings.

What Are Your Options When You Go on Holiday?

You have five main options for your dog when you go on holiday: taking them with you, leaving them with family or friends, hiring a professional pet sitter, booking a boarding kennel, or using a doggy daycare facility. The right choice depends on your destination, your dog’s temperament, and how long you’ll be away.

Whichever option you choose, plan well ahead — especially during summer and Christmas when demand for boarding and pet sitting peaks across Ireland.

Option 1: Take Your Dog on Holiday With You

Taking your dog on holiday is the simplest option if you’re staying in Ireland, and increasingly possible for EU travel with the right paperwork.

Holidays Within Ireland

Ireland has a growing number of dog-friendly hotels, B&Bs, self-catering cottages, and caravan parks. Many coastal and rural destinations actively welcome dogs. When booking, check:

• Does the accommodation explicitly allow dogs? (Don’t assume — always confirm)
• Are there any breed, size, or number restrictions?
• Is there a pet fee or deposit?
• Are dogs allowed in all areas or restricted to certain rooms?
• Are there nearby walks, beaches, or parks for exercise?

Popular dog-friendly areas in Ireland include West Cork, Kerry, Connemara, Donegal, and the Wicklow Mountains — all with excellent walking and beaches that allow dogs year-round or outside of summer restrictions.

Travelling to the EU With Your Dog

To travel from Ireland to another EU country with your dog, you need:

• EU Pet Passport — issued by your vet, this records your dog’s microchip number, rabies vaccination, and other relevant health information
• Microchip — your dog must be microchipped before the rabies vaccination is given
• Rabies vaccination — must be administered at least 21 days before travel. Ireland is rabies-free, so this is purely a travel requirement
• Tapeworm treatment — required for re-entry to Ireland. Must be administered by a vet 1–5 days before you return

Contact your vet at least 4–6 weeks before travel to ensure everything is in order. Rules can change, so always check the latest requirements on the Department of Agriculture website before booking.

Ferry vs Air Travel With Dogs

Ferry travel is generally less stressful for dogs than flying. Your dog stays in your car or a designated pet area, and you can check on them during the crossing. Irish Ferries and Stena Line both allow dogs on their Ireland–UK and Ireland–France routes. Some ferries offer pet-friendly cabins.

Air travel is more restrictive. Ryanair does not carry pets (except assistance dogs on certain routes). Aer Lingus carries pets in the cargo hold on long-haul flights only. Some European airlines (KLM, Lufthansa) allow small dogs in the cabin in an approved carrier. Always check airline pet policies before booking flights — rules vary significantly.

Option 2: Leave Your Dog With Family or Friends

Leaving your dog with someone they already know and trust is often the least stressful option — for both the dog and the owner. However, this only works well if the person is genuinely able and willing to provide proper care.

Before asking someone to look after your dog, honestly assess:

• Are they experienced with dogs and comfortable handling your breed?
• Do they have the time for walks, feeding, and attention your dog needs?
• Is their home safe and secure? (Fenced garden, no hazards, no other animals that could cause conflict)
• Will your dog be left alone for long periods during the day?
• Do they have young children? (Some dogs find small children stressful)

If the person is coming to your home to care for your dog (rather than the dog going to them), make sure you leave:

• Clear feeding instructions (times, quantities, brand of food)
• Your vet’s contact details and your dog’s medical history
• Walking routine and any areas to avoid
• Information about any medications or supplements your dog takes
• Emergency contact numbers

If your dog spends time in a kennel or run at home, make sure the carer knows how to use it. A properly set up kennel gives your dog a safe, familiar space while the carer is out. Our complete dog run systems include insulated kennel houses that keep your dog comfortable and secure — giving your carer peace of mind.

Option 3: Hire a Professional Pet Sitter

A professional pet sitter comes to your home (or has your dog stay in theirs), keeping your dog in a familiar environment with their normal routine. This is often the best option for anxious dogs, elderly dogs, or dogs with medical needs that require specific care.

• In-home sitting — the sitter stays at your house. Your dog keeps their normal routine, bed, food, and walk schedule. Most expensive option but least disruption for the dog
• Host-home sitting — your dog stays at the sitter’s home. Often cheaper than in-home sitting, and your dog gets company throughout the day
• Drop-in visits — the sitter visits your home several times a day for feeding, walks, and companionship. Your dog stays in their own home but is alone between visits

When choosing a pet sitter, check references, confirm insurance, arrange a meet-and-greet with your dog before the holiday, and ask about their experience with your breed. Websites like PetSitters Ireland and local Facebook groups can help you find reputable sitters in your area.

Option 4: Book a Boarding Kennel

Boarding kennels are the most common professional care option in Ireland, especially for longer holidays and multi-dog households. Standards vary widely, so visiting before you book is essential.

When inspecting a boarding kennel, check:

• Cleanliness — runs and sleeping areas should be clean, dry, and free from strong odours. Ask what disinfectant they use — professional kennels should use veterinary-grade products
• Construction quality — look for galvanised steel runs (not rusting painted metal), insulated kennel houses, and secure gate panels. The kennel infrastructure tells you a lot about how seriously the operator takes animal welfare
• Space — each dog should have adequate room to move, plus a separate sleeping area with comfortable bedding
• Exercise — ask how often dogs are exercised and whether they have access to secure outdoor areas
• Staff ratios — how many dogs per staff member? Dogs need attention and monitoring, not just feeding
• Vaccination requirements — reputable kennels require proof of up-to-date vaccinations including kennel cough
• Emergency vet arrangements — ask what happens if your dog becomes ill while you’re away

Book early for summer and Christmas periods — popular kennels fill up months in advance. A trial overnight stay before your holiday helps both you and your dog gauge whether the kennel is the right fit.

Preparing Your Dog for Your Holiday

Regardless of which option you choose, a little preparation makes the separation easier for your dog.

• Update vaccinations — boarding kennels require up-to-date vaccinations. Even if using a sitter, ensure your dog’s vaccines are current
• Check microchip details — make sure your contact information on the microchip database is current. If your dog escapes, this is how they’ll be returned to you
• Leave familiar items — a worn t-shirt with your scent, their favourite toy, and their usual bedding all help reduce anxiety in unfamiliar environments
• Provide enough supplies — leave more food and medication than you think you’ll need, in case of travel delays. Include written instructions for feeding, medication, and any quirks your carer should know about
• Do a trial run — if using a boarding kennel or pet sitter for the first time, arrange a short overnight stay before the actual holiday

For more on kennel setup, bedding, and accessories that keep your dog comfortable whether at home or in boarding, see our guide to the best dog kennels in Ireland.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do with my dog when I go on holiday?

You have five main options: take your dog with you (easiest for Irish staycations), leave them with trusted family or friends, hire a professional pet sitter, book a boarding kennel, or use a doggy daycare service. The best choice depends on your dog’s temperament, how long you’ll be away, and your destination. Anxious or elderly dogs usually do best staying in their own home with a sitter, while social dogs may enjoy a boarding kennel or host-home stay.

Can I take my dog on holiday abroad from Ireland?

Yes, but you’ll need an EU Pet Passport (issued by your vet), a microchip, a rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel, and a tapeworm treatment before returning to Ireland. Contact your vet 4–6 weeks before travelling to ensure everything is in order. Ferry travel is generally less stressful for dogs than flying, and most Ireland–UK and Ireland–France ferry services allow dogs.

Where can I leave my dog when I go on holiday?

The most common options in Ireland are boarding kennels, professional pet sitters, and trusted family or friends. Boarding kennels are widely available and suit most dogs, but visit before booking to check standards. Pet sitters keep your dog in familiar surroundings, which suits anxious or elderly dogs. Ask your vet, local dog club, or neighbours for recommendations — personal referrals are the most reliable way to find good care.

How do I choose a good boarding kennel in Ireland?

Visit the kennel in person before booking. Check for clean, well-maintained runs with galvanised steel construction, insulated sleeping areas with comfortable bedding, secure gate panels, adequate exercise areas, and professional staff. Ask about their cleaning routine, staff-to-dog ratios, exercise schedule, and emergency vet arrangements. Require up-to-date vaccinations and kennel cough vaccine before accepting bookings.

Can I take my dog on a Ryanair flight?

No. Ryanair does not carry pets on flights, except for certified assistance dogs on certain routes. Aer Lingus carries pets in the cargo hold on long-haul flights only. If you need to fly with your dog within Europe, airlines like KLM and Lufthansa allow small dogs in the cabin in an approved carrier. Always check the airline’s pet policy before booking, as rules differ between carriers.

How far in advance should I book boarding for my dog?

Book as early as possible — popular boarding kennels in Ireland fill up months ahead for summer holidays and the Christmas period. For peak season (June–August and mid-December), booking 2–3 months in advance is advisable. For off-peak periods, 2–4 weeks notice is usually sufficient. A trial overnight stay before your actual holiday is recommended.