Kennels a No-No? No Problem! Holiday Options for New Zealand Dog Owners

Your dog deserves better than a being left alone at a kennel while you’re off living the high life in the Coromandel, am I right?  The holiday is booked, but you have one last stop to make and it tears at your heart strings every time!  You don’t want to go on holiday with that guilty feeling.

Well, we’re here to remind you that the kennels aren’t the only option!  In fact, there are many options for your dog while you’re away!  One’s that will make them feel safe and cared for while you put your feet up – stress free!  They might even get treated better while you are away!

1. Dog-Friendly Accommodation — Bring Them Along!

First prize would be to bring them with on the holiday! Here in New Zealand we have a growing number of dog-friendly holiday options covering everyone’s needs, from boutique lodges and self-contained baches to campgrounds and motor parks.

Websites you can go to, to find suitable accommodation include: BringFido, and Airbnb (simply filter by "pets allowed") These websites provide you with a list of properties happy to welcome your furry travel buddy. Another option to look into is the DOC campsites.  They allow dogs on leads, making New Zealand's stunning Great Walks and coastal tracks accessible for the whole family.

Before you book, make sure to check the property's specific rules around dog sizes and breeds, and check whether there are secure fenced areas. Good to know your dog can join in on the fun, isn’t it!

2. In-Home Dog Sitting

Such a wonderful alternative to using a kennel! Having an in-home dog sitter come to your house to look after your dog in their own environment is such a relief all round. It means no upheaval, strange smells, or separation from their environment.  You and your dog can enjoy the time away stress free.

Take a look at Pawshake NZ and Kiwi House Sitters.  They connect you with vetted, reviewed sitters who will stay in your home (or visit multiple times daily) while you're away. You can read reviews, check experience levels, and even do a meet-and-greet beforehand to make sure the vibe is right.

You can go on holiday knowing your dog is sleeping in their own bed, sticking to their regular routine, and getting one-on-one attention every day. This is a perfect choice for dog owners with older, anxious dogs.

3. Dog Boarding in a Private Home

Flip the script and go for a home-based dog boarding where your dog goes and stays with a sitter in their home, living as part of the family rather than in a kennel.

Pawshake NZ and Kiwi House Sitters, again, are excellent resources for this kind of care. Home boarders in New Zealand will generally only take on one or two dogs at a time, which means your dog gets more focused care than you would get at a kennel. Whether it’s walks, cuddles or couch time, you can rest assured your dog will get the attention they need, in the comfort of a family environment.

 4. Ask a Trusted Friend or Family Member

Need to call in a favour?  Why not reach out to a friend or family member, or even a dog-loving neighbour?  Someone your dog already knows, loves and trusts!  This option means not only is your dog in a familiar environment, but you have complete peace of mind knowing the anxiety aspect has been taken out of the equation.

5. Doggy Day Care with Evening Stays

Some doggie day care’s in New Zealand offer overnight boarding options alongside their daytime services. This option means your dog gets to socialise, gets the stimulation they need during the day, and then a quiet nights sleep in a smaller, more personalised space at night.

This option works very well for social, high-energy dogs.  Dogs who prefer being around other dogs than sitting at home waiting for you at the window. Try searching for these options in your area.

6. Dog-Friendly House Swaps

A great, growing niche in New Zealand travel is the house swap.  Platforms such as HomeExchange sometimes allow pets. The idea is that you swap homes with another family, and there are times when that includes your pets!  So, you look after their pets and they look after yours! This is a lovely solution for pet lovers.  Your pet stays in the comfort of their home and they get to enjoy the company of another furry friend while you’re on holiday.

Tips Before You Go

Before you choose which option suits you, make sure you are well prepared and have done all your necessary homework first.  Some important things to consider are:

• -          Leave clear written instructions about feeding schedules,
•             Make sure any medical needs are noted and Vet contact details are provided,
•             Keep your dogs favourite toys close by,
•        Ensure your dog sitter is made aware of any quirks or concerns regarding your dog

Leaving your dog in a kennel is always an option but isn’t it amazing to know there are so many other, really great options!  The next time you travel, try one of these options instead, they give you flexibility AND peace of mind!

Happy travels!