Leaving your dog alone in a vacation rental—even for a short time—can feel stressful. Every dog reacts differently to a new environment, and unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells can make some pets anxious. Taking a few simple steps before you head out can help your dog feel more comfortable while also protecting the property you’re staying in.
In this guide, we’ll share the routine we follow before leaving our Miniature Schnauzer alone in a vacation rental. From helping her settle in to using a pet camera for peace of mind, these habits have become part of every trip we take.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, complete a booking or rental, create a qualifying listing, subscribe to a service, or take another qualifying action through one of these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Advertising Disclosure: This website may display advertisements provided by third-party advertising partners, including Google AdSense. Advertising helps support Travelers and a Schnauzer and allows us to continue providing free travel resources, destination guides, and planning tips for our readers.
Why Preparation Matters
A vacation rental is a completely different environment from home. Even a calm, well-behaved dog may need time to adjust to unfamiliar rooms, different smells, strange noises, and new routines.
Preparing before you leave helps:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Prevent unwanted chewing or accidents
- Protect the vacation rental
- Give you peace of mind while you’re away
- Make returning to a relaxed dog much more likely
We also recommend reading our guide:
How We Help Our Schnauzer Adjust to New Places While Traveling
https://travelersandaschnauzer.com/how-we-help-our-schnauzer-adjust-to-new-places/
It shares additional ideas for helping your dog feel comfortable in unfamiliar surroundings before you ever leave the rental.
We Never Leave Immediately After Arriving
One mistake many travelers make is checking in, unpacking, and heading right back out.
Instead, we try to give our dog time to explore the rental first.
During this adjustment period, we let her:
- Walk through every room
- Sniff around at her own pace
- Find where her bed and water will be
- Relax with the family nearby
- Learn that the rental is a safe place
Giving your dog time to settle down often makes a noticeable difference before you ever consider leaving them alone.
Exercise Comes First
A dog with extra energy is usually more likely to become bored or anxious.
Before leaving, we try to spend some quality time outside together by:
- Taking a longer walk
- Playing fetch if there’s a safe area
- Allowing plenty of sniffing time
- Giving bathroom breaks immediately before leaving
A mentally and physically satisfied dog is often much more likely to rest while you’re gone.
Feed and Provide Fresh Water
Unless we’re leaving right after a meal would upset our dog’s stomach, we try to keep feeding as close to her normal schedule as possible.
Before leaving, we always make sure she has:
- Fresh water
- A comfortable place to rest
- Access to her favorite blanket or bed
- A familiar toy
- Familiar Crate
Keeping familiar routines helps reduce stress during travel.
If you’re still organizing your packing list, our article 10 Things We Always Pack for a VRBO Vacation With Our Schnauzer includes many of the travel essentials we bring for every stay.
Leave Familiar Comfort Items Nearby
One thing that seems to help many dogs is having familiar scents nearby.
Some comfort items include:
- Favorite blanket
- Regular dog bed
- Plush toy
- Favorite toys
Keeping familiar items nearby can make an unfamiliar rental feel a little more like home.
A comfortable travel bed can also help your dog settle more easily.
Dog Bed (paid link)
https://amzn.to/3QQ48pK
Use an Indoor Pet Camera for Peace of Mind
One of the most helpful additions to our travel routine is using an indoor pet camera whenever the rental allows it.
Rather than wondering how our dog is doing, a camera lets us quickly check in while we’re away.
An indoor pet camera may help you:
- See whether your dog is resting comfortably
- Check for signs of anxiety
- Listen for excessive barking
- Know if it’s time to return sooner than planned
Many cameras connect to your phone, making it easy to check on your pet without disturbing them.
Indoor Pet Camera (paid link)
https://amzn.to/4oD7OYp
In the event your rental is secluded and does not have access to Wi-Fi to connect an indoor pet camera, a trail camera is a great alternative that operates with cellular connectivity.
Trail Camera (paid link)
https://amzn.to/4gS8BTl
Remember to position the camera responsibly and avoid placing it where it could record private areas or neighboring properties. Always respect the rental property’s rules and the privacy of others.
Double-Check Doors and Escape Routes
Before heading out, we always spend a few minutes walking through the rental one last time.
We check that:
- Exterior doors latch securely
- Sliding doors are fully closed
- Gates are properly secured
- Windows are locked if appropriate
- Food is put away
- Anything tempting to chew is out of reach
A few extra minutes before leaving can prevent much bigger problems later.
ce the chance of your dog getting into something unsafe while you’re away.
Turn Off Anything That Could Become a Hazard
We also make a quick safety check before heading out.
Some items we look for include:
- Space heaters
- Candles
- Fireplaces
- Portable fans with exposed cords
If we’re staying in a cabin with a fireplace or wood stove, we make sure everything has completely cooled before leaving our dog alone.
Provide Safe Entertainment
Leaving a dog with nothing to do can sometimes lead to boredom.
Depending on your dog’s personality, you may want to leave a familiar item that helps keep them occupied.
Some options include:
- Favorite plush toy
- Durable rubber toy
- Long-lasting chew approved by your veterinarian
- Puzzle toy your dog already knows how to use
- Familiar Crate
We avoid introducing brand-new toys for the first time while we’re away, since we won’t be there to supervise.
We also have a larger familiar Crate that we use when we leave our Minitature Schnauzer alone. This ensures she has a familiar location as well as preventing her from getting into anything we may have missed in our walk through.
Crate (paid link)
https://amzn.to/4xznhNe
One toy we like bringing on trips is a durable rubber ball because it packs easily and doesn’t take up much space.
Durable Rubber Balls (paid link)
https://amzn.to/4euW5qo
A favorite plush toy can also provide comfort in a new environment. If your dog is an aggresive chewer, this may not be the best option. Our Miniature Schnauzer is not an aggresive chewer so her plush toys are not destroyed quickly; however, we still typically do not leave them with her when she is alone.
Dog Plush Toy Set (paid link)
https://amzn.to/4oCxUuH
Keep Goodbyes Calm and Routine
It can be tempting to give your dog a long goodbye before walking out the door, but many trainers recommend keeping departures low-key.
Instead of making leaving feel like a major event, we simply follow our normal routine.
That means:
- Staying calm
- Avoiding dramatic goodbyes
- Leaving confidently
- Returning calmly as well
Many dogs settle more quickly when departures don’t feel unusual.
Start With Short Trips
If your dog has never been left alone in a vacation rental before, consider easing into it.
Rather than disappearing for several hours, try leaving for:
- A quick coffee
- A short walk around town
- A nearby restaurant
- A brief trip to the grocery store
Use that first outing to see how your dog responds before planning longer excursions.
Your indoor pet camera can be especially helpful during these shorter practice trips because it allows you to monitor your dog’s behavior and determine whether they’re comfortable being left alone.
Know the Vacation Rental’s Pet Rules
Every property has its own policies.
Before leaving your dog unattended, check whether the owner allows pets to remain in the rental without their owners present.
Some vacation rentals may:
- Allow dogs to stay alone
- Require dogs to be crated
- Limit how long pets can be unattended
- Prohibit leaving pets alone entirely
Reviewing these policies before your trip helps prevent misunderstandings.
If you’re still choosing a rental, our guide Questions We Ask Before Booking a Vacation Rental With Our Dog may help you ask the right questions before making a reservation.
You may also find these related articles helpful:
What We Look for in a Pet-Friendly VRBO
https://travelersandaschnauzer.com/what-we-look-for-in-a-pet-friendly-vrbo/
How We Research a Vacation Rental Before Booking
https://travelersandaschnauzer.com/how-we-research-a-vacation-rental-before-booking/
If you’re still choosing where to stay, you can browse Vrbo vacation rentals and carefully review the individual property’s pet rules before booking. In addition to pet fees and general restrictions, check whether the property allows dogs to be left unattended and whether crating or other requirements apply.
Browse Vrbo vacation rentals (paid link)
Consider Using a Portable Dog Crate
Not every dog needs a crate, but for dogs that are already crate trained, bringing one along can provide a familiar and secure place to relax.
A portable travel crate may be especially helpful if your dog already sleeps comfortably in one at home.
Portable Dog Crate (paid link)
https://amzn.to/4xznhNe
Crating should never be introduced for the first time during a vacation. If your dog isn’t already comfortable using a crate, it’s usually better to focus on creating a safe room instead.
Leave Emergency Contact Information Behind
Before heading out, we also keep important information easy to find in case of an emergency.
This might include:
- Your cell phone number
- A second emergency contact
- Your veterinarian’s phone number
- The address of the nearest emergency veterinary hospital
- Your dog’s name and any important care instructions
Hopefully you’ll never need it, but having this information available can save valuable time if something unexpected happens.
What If Your Dog Doesn’t Do Well Alone?
Not every dog is comfortable staying alone in a vacation rental, and that’s okay.
If your dog shows signs of significant stress, it may be better to adjust your plans instead of expecting them to “get used to it.”
Some signs your dog may not be ready include:
- Constant barking or whining
- Scratching at doors or windows
- Pacing without settling down
- Destructive chewing
- Attempts to escape
- Excessive drooling or panting unrelated to temperature
If your indoor pet camera shows these behaviors, consider returning sooner than planned or choosing activities where your dog can come along next time.
Many destinations now offer pet-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating, walking trails, parks, and attractions, making it easier to include your dog instead of leaving them behind.
Respect Your Host’s Property
Being a responsible guest helps keep vacation rentals pet-friendly for everyone.
Before leaving your dog alone, we try to think about the property from the owner’s perspective.
A few simple habits include:
- Wiping muddy paws before coming inside
- Covering furniture if your dog is allowed on it
- Cleaning up accidents immediately
- Picking up waste outside
- Keeping barking to a minimum whenever possible
Leaving the rental in great condition helps build trust between guests and property owners.
Before You Walk Out the Door: A Quick Checklist
Before every outing, we like to do one final walkthrough.
✓ Dog has had exercise
✓ Fresh water is available
✓ Bathroom break completed
✓ Favorite bed is accessible
✓ Comfort toy is nearby
✓ Food is safely put away
✓ Trash is secured
✓ Doors and windows are locked
✓ Indoor pet camera is working
✓ Trail camera is positioned, if needed
✓ Temperature inside the rental is comfortable
✓ Emergency contact information is available
This routine only takes a few minutes but helps us leave knowing we’ve done everything we reasonably can to set our dog up for success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a dog be left alone in a vacation rental?
There isn’t one answer that fits every dog. Age, health, training, temperament, and the property’s pet policy all play a role. Some rentals also have specific rules about leaving pets unattended, so always review those policies before your trip.
Should I crate my dog while we’re away?
If your dog is already crate trained and comfortable in a crate, it may provide a familiar and secure place to rest. If your dog has never used a crate, vacation isn’t the best time to introduce one. We always crate our Minitature Schnauzer while we are away on a vacation.
Is an indoor pet camera worth bringing?
Many families find that an indoor pet camera provides peace of mind. It allows you to check on your dog remotely and helps you decide whether your pet is resting comfortably or if it’s time to return to the rental.
Why would I bring a trail camera on vacation?
In the event your rental or campsite is secluded and does not have access to Wi-Fi to connect an indoor pet camera, a trail camera is a great alternative that operates with cellular connectivity.
What if my dog barks when left alone?
Try shorter practice outings first and monitor your dog’s behavior with an indoor pet camera. If your dog continues to show signs of significant stress, you may need to adjust your plans and choose more dog-friendly activities instead of leaving them alone.
Every Dog Is Different
The routine we’ve shared in this article is simply what has worked well for our Miniature Schnauzer while staying in vacation rentals. Every dog has a unique personality, comfort level, training history, age, and health needs. Some dogs adjust quickly to new environments, while others may need more time, additional training, or may not be comfortable being left alone in an unfamiliar place.
If your dog shows signs of significant anxiety, destructive behavior, excessive barking, or other signs of distress when left alone, consider shortening the amount of time they’re by themselves, choosing dog-friendly activities where they can join you, or working with your veterinarian or a qualified professional dog trainer or behaviorist to develop a plan that’s appropriate for your dog’s individual needs.
Product Recommendation Notice: Products recommended throughout this article are selected because we believe they may be helpful for families traveling with their dogs. Recommendations are based on our experiences where applicable, general travel knowledge, product research, and suitability for the topic. Readers should evaluate products to determine what best meets their individual needs.
Final Thoughts
Leaving your dog alone in a vacation rental doesn’t have to be stressful when you take a little time to prepare.
Helping your dog settle in, providing exercise and familiar comforts, checking the rental for safety hazards, and using tools like an indoor pet camera can make a big difference for both your pet and your peace of mind.
Every dog is different, so pay attention to your dog’s comfort level and adjust your routine as needed. A few thoughtful preparations before you head out can help everyone enjoy a more relaxing vacation.
Before You Go
Property rules, pet policies, fees, and local regulations can change over time. Always review the vacation rental’s official listing or contact the owner directly to confirm current policies before leaving your dog unattended. Verify any local leash laws, wildlife advisories, and emergency veterinary resources before your trip.
Accommodation Notice: Property amenities, pet policies, fees, availability, and reservation requirements may change over time. Always review the property’s official listing or contact the owner directly before booking to confirm current details.
Accuracy Notice: We make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information. However, travel policies, operating hours, pet rules, reservation procedures, pricing, and other details may change without notice. Always verify important information directly with the official provider before making travel plans.
Pet Travel Disclaimer: Every pet has different needs, abilities, and comfort levels while traveling. Evaluate your dog’s health, temperament, and travel readiness before each trip, and verify current pet policies with transportation providers, accommodations, attractions, and campgrounds before departure.
Veterinary Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Every dog has unique health needs. Always consult your licensed veterinarian regarding questions about your pet’s health, medications, allergies, nutrition, or medical care before making changes to your pet’s routine or treatment plan.
Leave a Reply