Every dog owner knows how hard it can be to leave your pup just to go to work for the day, let alone for days at a time when you’re travelling. Fortunately, there are many options available now for dog-friendly travel, from airlines to hotels to pet concierges for the fanciest of furry friends, so you don’t necessarily have to leave them behind. 

But just because you’re going on vacation with your dog doesn’t mean you can shirk your responsibility to keep them safe and happy while travelling. One of the best ways to do that is to find ways to give them the right amount of exercise — the same amount they would be receiving at home — while you’re away. Just like at home, a bored and restless dog is more likely to feel anxiety and get into mischief.

When you’re in an unfamiliar city, probably pressed for time in between activities, keeping them active can be a challenge, especially when considering the size or temperament of your dog and the type of travel. 

Here are some tips for keeping your dog healthy and happy with regular exercise while you’re on the road:

Prepare ahead of time 

Some travellers are bigger planners than others but most people have a general idea of the things they want to see and do while in a different city. If you’re typically a go-with-the-flow traveller, you’ll want to do yourself and your pup the favour of scoping out dog-friendly places and activities ahead of time. 

Look out for nearby dog-friendly bars and restaurants, dog parks, dog beaches and other dog-friendly outdoor areas, even pet services at your hotel. 

If you’re an agenda-maker, get some of those opportunities on your itinerary every day so they can enjoy the vacation as much as you do. 

Let them explore with you

Many of us use walking time with our dogs as an excuse to get some exercise ourselves, and the same can be true while travelling. Your dog can be a great motivator to get you moving while on vacation and they can also be a great reason to explore things off the beaten path. The excitement they feel experiencing new sights and smells can be contagious, and it can get you walking around and really taking in a place you might have just driven through or overlooked otherwise. 

Call for backup

Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, unfortunately there will be times when you just can’t be with your dog. So instead of leaving them watching Good Morning America in your hotel room while you head off to the conference or go exploring for the day, bring in another human to keep them company and take over exercise duties. 

Many hotels now offer dog walking and pet sitting services, anywhere from in-room private care to onsite doggy daycares for really convenient options for their guests. You can also do a quick search for local professionals through sites like Rover.com, DogVacay.com and Care.com. 

While we know it can be hard to leave your pup with a stranger, these sites vet their providers and enable customer reviews, so you can feel confident and give them a better alternative to spending the day alone in an unfamiliar place.

Get creative 

Depending on the size and normal activity level of your dog, there are some products for indoor games that can help you exercise them in smaller spaces. Fetch toys and others that keep your dog busy, like Kongs for example, can keep them moving and mentally stimulated.

Provide comfort

Taking the time to account for your dogs needs while travelling is important, but often times, no matter what you do, they might still be thrown off by the change in surroundings and routine. 

As most dog owners know, a tired dog is a happy dog, so the tips above for exercising them can help mitigate any temperamental or behavioral problems they might have while travelling. 

However, it’s also important to give them other comforts to keep them at ease. 

A blanket from their bed or kennel at home that smells like them, a sweatshirt that smells like you, a favourite toy or treat — these can all go a long way toward helping your dog feel settled in an unfamiliar place. 

Your dog can make an ideal travel companion — just think of all the Instagram opportunities alone — as long as you take the appropriate steps ahead. 

No matter the adventures you’re on when you travel, at the end of the day it’s nice to come back to the comforts of home, and your adventuring companion deserves the same.