Blog · 13. Juli 2026 · 6 Min. Lesezeit
Dog Care During the Holidays: Options, Checklist & Costs
Dog care during the holidays: boarding kennel, private sitter or take your dog along? Options compared, a handover checklist and costs in Switzerland.
The flights are booked, the hotel is sorted – and then comes the question that so many dog owners face year after year: where does the dog go? Finding good dog care during the holidays is the part of trip planning that brings the most peace of mind when it is settled early.
In this guide we compare the four most common approaches, look at the costs in Switzerland and walk through a handover checklist, so that your dog feels safe and secure even without you. If you would rather take your dog along, you will also find tips on how to make the journey relaxed.
What options are there for dog care during the holidays?
In principle you have four options – each with its own strengths. Which one fits depends on your dog's temperament, the length of the trip and your budget.
| Option | Advantages | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding kennel | Professionally supervised, fixed structure, available year-round | Unfamiliar surroundings, often in a pack, booked up early |
| Private care / foster family | Family setting, individual attention | A good match is needed, check availability |
| Sitter in your own home | Familiar surroundings, little stress for the dog | A stranger in the house, usually more expensive |
| Take your dog along | You stay together | Journey and accommodation need to be dog-friendly |
A young, sociable dog often copes well in a lively boarding kennel. An older or insecure animal, on the other hand, feels much more comfortable in its familiar surroundings or with a trusted person. There is no «right» choice here – only what suits your dog.
What does dog care during the holidays cost in Switzerland?
Prices vary considerably depending on the canton, the season and the scope of services. As a rough guide for Switzerland:
| Option | Typical range | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding kennel | CHF 35–70 per day/night | Holiday periods are in demand – book early |
| Private care | CHF 20–50 per day | Price is agreed directly, often negotiable |
| Sitter in your own home | from CHF 40 per day | Includes house, plants, post – an all-round package |
| Help from neighbours | free to a small token amount | Reciprocal, ideal for short holidays |
In Switzerland people like to pay simply by TWINT or in cash. It is best to put the terms in writing before you leave – the daily rate, extra costs for food or vet trips – so there are no misunderstandings.
How do I find trusted care nearby?
A dog feels most at ease with someone it already knows. This is exactly where the idea of the neighbourhood comes in: if you find a carer in your own neighbourhood, you can go for walks together beforehand, so that dog and sitter can get to know each other in peace.
On DOGSY you can find dog lovers near you who offer holiday care – free between neighbours or for a fair payment that you arrange directly among yourselves. That way the care ideally becomes a lasting connection you can rely on again and again.
If you would rather take your dog along, you should prepare for the car journey: a dog that has practised relaxed car travel arrives at the holiday destination more calmly – and the journey becomes more pleasant for everyone.
Handover checklist: what the carer needs to know
So the carer can find their way around easily, it is best to hand over everything important in writing. These points should not be missing:
- Food and feeding: the usual food, quantities and times – best given pre-portioned so nothing has to be changed.
- Vaccination card and health: vaccination card, known allergies, ongoing medication with clear dosage.
- Emergency contact: how to reach you abroad plus the address of the usual vet's practice and an emergency practice.
- Habits and quirks: favourite spots, commands, fears (such as of thunderstorms) and how long your dog can stay alone.
- Equipment: lead, harness, blanket or a worn piece of your clothing – a familiar smell is reassuring.
A short trial day or an overnight stay before the holidays quickly shows whether the chemistry is right and whether your dog feels comfortable.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How early should I organise dog care for the holidays?
As early as possible. Good boarding kennels and popular carers get booked up fast during the Swiss holiday periods – two to three months' lead time is no exaggeration.
Boarding kennel or private care – which is better?
That depends on the dog. A sociable, robust animal often gets on well in a kennel with pack activity. A sensitive, older or anxious dog usually feels more comfortable in a quiet, family home.
What does dog care during the holidays cost in Switzerland?
Depending on the option and canton, around CHF 20–70 per day. Reciprocal help between neighbours can even be free – on DOGSY those involved agree the price directly and without commission.
Can I simply take my dog on holiday?
Often yes, if the journey and accommodation are dog-friendly. Check entry rules, plan breaks and practise the car journey beforehand so your dog stays relaxed.
Conclusion
The right dog care during the holidays is not a matter of luck but of timely planning. Think about what your dog needs, compare the options in your region and prepare the handover carefully. If you are looking for trusted care nearby, on DOGSY you will find people in your own neighbourhood who can get to know your dog before the trip begins.