Leaving Dogs Alone on Holiday

One of the challenges of dog holidays is managing times when you can't take your dog with you. Whether it's a restaurant meal, an indoor attraction, or simply wanting an hour at a museum, knowing the rules and realities of leaving your dog alone helps you plan appropriately.

Understanding the Issue

Why It Matters

The Dilemma: Dog holidays should include your dog, but some activities exclude them. Indoor attractions, certain restaurants, and some experiences don't allow dogs.

Options:

1. Only do dog-friendly activities
2. Take turns (if travelling with others)
3. Leave dog briefly in accommodation
4. Arrange alternative care

The Reality

Many dog owners do leave their dogs for short periods in accommodation. Others never do. This guide helps you understand the considerations and make informed choices.

Accommodation Rules

Know the Policy

Before Booking: Always clarify whether you can leave your dog alone. This should be part of your booking process.

Common Policies:

"Dogs must not be left unattended": Clear rule. You cannot leave your dog at all. Plan accordingly.

"Dogs may be left for short periods": Usually 1-2 hours maximum. Must be settled. Must not bark.

"No restrictions": Owner doesn't mind, but your dog's welfare still matters.

Why Policies Exist:

• Barking disturbs neighbours
• Distressed dogs may damage property
• Welfare concerns
• Noise complaints

Asking the Right Questions

Clarify:

• Can dogs be left alone at all?
• For how long?
• Any specific requirements?
• Consequences of complaints?

Booking tips cover asking the right questions before committing.

When Leaving Might Be Okay

Suitable Conditions

May Work If:

• Dog is genuinely settled when alone
• Short duration only (1-2 hours maximum)
• Dog is comfortable in space
• Accommodation rules allow
• No separation anxiety

How to Know If Your Dog Copes

Signs of a Dog Who Settles:

• Calm when you leave at home
• Sleeps when left
• No destructive behaviour
• No barking reported
• Relaxed on your return

Signs of a Dog Who Doesn't:

• Anxiety when you leave
• Barking or howling
• Destructive behaviour
• Toileting accidents
• Extreme excitement on return

New Environment Consideration

Important: Dogs who cope at home may struggle in new environments. The unfamiliarity can increase anxiety.

First Time:

• Leave very briefly initially
• Build up if okay
• Monitor for signs of stress
• Don't assume home behaviour transfers

See our guide on dog behaviour on holiday for more on adjustment.

When Not to Leave Dogs Alone

Clear No-Go Situations

Never Leave If:

• Dog has separation anxiety
• Accommodation rules prohibit
• Dog is unsettled in space
• Weather is very hot (car or accommodation)
• You don't know how they'll react

Separation Anxiety

If Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety: Don't leave them alone on holiday. Period. See our anxious dogs guide for management strategies.

Alternatives:

• Take turns with travel companions
• Only do dog-friendly activities
• Arrange sitting/walking services
• Choose different activities

Heat Concerns

Never Leave Dogs in:

• Cars in warm weather (death risk)
• Poorly ventilated accommodation in heat
• Anywhere without climate control in summer

See our summer guide for heat management.

If You Do Leave Your Dog

Preparation

Before Leaving:

• Good walk to tire them
• Toilet break
• Fresh water available
• Comfortable temperature
• Familiar blanket/bed
• Low-anxiety departure

Duration

Guidelines:

• Maximum 1-2 hours
• Shorter if new to the space
• Check earlier if unsure
• Don't push limits

What to Leave

Helpful:

• Stuffed Kong or chew
• Comfortable bed
• Water
• Background noise (radio)
• Familiar items

Reducing Anxiety

Techniques:

• Don't make departures dramatic
• Don't make returns dramatic
• Practice short absences first
• Leave familiar scents
• Stay calm

Checking In

Options:

• Return to check
• Pet camera if you have one
• Shorter outings if uncertain
• Have backup plan

Alternatives to Leaving Dogs

Take Your Dog

Choose Dog-Friendly: Focus on dog-friendly attractions, dog-friendly cafes and restaurants, and activities where your dog is included.

Plan Around Dogs: Structure days so you don't need to leave them.

Take Turns

If Travelling With Others: One person does non-dog activity while other stays with dog. Swap next time.

Dog Sitting Services

Local Options: Some areas have dog sitting or dog walking services. Research before travel.

Finding Help:

• Local dog walkers
• Pet sitting services
• Hotel/accommodation concierge (some offer)
• Holiday area services

Day Care

Holiday Dog Day Care: Some destinations have doggy day care options. Research availability.

Accommodation Type Considerations

Cottages and Self-Catering

See our Cottages guide.

Often More Flexible:

• Private space
• Fewer neighbours to disturb
• Owner sets rules
• Usually possible for short periods

Hotels

See our Hotels guide.

Usually Stricter:

• Often cannot leave dogs
• Noise affects other guests
• Smaller spaces
• Check specific policy

Holiday Parks

See our Holiday Parks guide.

Variable:

• Check site rules
• Close neighbours
• Noise concerns
• Varies by park

Camping and Glamping

See our Camping guide and Glamping guide.

Usually Possible:

• You're generally present
• But leaving tent/unit usually okay briefly
• Dog must be quiet
• Secure if outside

Specific Scenarios

Restaurant Meals

Options:

• Choose dog-friendly restaurants - see our dining guide
• Outdoor seating with dog
• Take turns
• Brief leave if rules allow
• Picnic instead

Indoor Attractions

Options:

• Skip indoor sections
• Take turns
• Research dog-friendly alternatives
• Brief leave if appropriate

See our attractions guide for outdoor options.

Evening Out

Options:

• Dog-friendly pubs (our Pub Walks guide covers these)
• Early dinner and return
• Take turns
• Brief leave if suitable

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave my dog alone in a holiday cottage?

Depends on cottage rules and your dog. Check policy first. Only short periods. Only if dog genuinely settles.

How long can I leave my dog alone on holiday?

Maximum 1-2 hours, if rules allow and dog copes. Shorter in new environments.

What if my dog barks when I leave?

Don't leave them. Find alternatives. Barking dogs get complaints and distress themselves.

Can I leave my dog in a hotel room?

Usually not allowed. Check specific hotel policy. Often prohibited.

What about separation anxiety?

Don't leave dogs with separation anxiety alone on holiday. It's not fair to them and won't work.

Should I get a pet camera?

Can be helpful to check remotely. But prevention and appropriate planning is better than monitoring distress.

Plan to Include Your Dog

The best dog holiday involves your dog in everything. When that's not possible, understand your dog's needs, know accommodation rules, and use alternatives where you can. Brief absences may be manageable; extended leaving is rarely appropriate.

The goal is holidays together, not holidays despite your dog.

Luke rarely leaves Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max, and Molly alone on holiday. With six dogs, someone is always with the pack. Most activities are planned around including everyone.