Your dog is a very important part of your household but to many of us it’s more than this, they are part of our family and having to leave them, even if it’s to go on the most fabulous of holidays, is bound to cause some worry.

Most owners will worry most about the wellbeing of their dog coupled with the very natural anxiety of “I’m going to miss my dog”.

You can try to address these issues in a number of different ways but the key thing, is be prepared, don’t, if you can help It, leave it to the last minute or you will be lying on a beach worrying about all the things you might have perhaps forgotten.

It’s important that you know your dog will be safe and comfortable. Very few people have family, or friends, who live nearby, who can look after their dog while their away, let’s face it, everybody is away on their holidays when the schools break up. For most people a good kennel or home boarder is the best option and why not? If you pick wisely your dog will be with lots of other dogs, make lots of new friends and have a great time.

Choosing a good kennel is, therefore, a key start point, it’s important that it is licensed, this means it has complied with local authority requirements and standards. (The Good Kennel Guide only lists licensed kennels).

If possible, visit the Kennel or, if this is not possible, prior to drop off make sure you’ve spoken to them and covered off any concerns and issues you may be worrying about. Many Kennels have agreed drop off times but, if you are anxious, don’t be afraid to ask if you can come a little earlier to make sure your dog is settled.

Prior to dropping off your dog make a list of the things your dog will need whilst your away. This might include their bed, medication, favourite toys, a piece of your clothing, lead & collar and perhaps food if your dog has a specific dietary requirement (you should check with the kennels in advance that they can accommodate any special dietary requirements that your dog may have). Your chosen Kennel will also want you to bring an up to date vaccination certificate along with your contact details in case of an emergency whilst your away.

So, by now, you’ve done everything humanly possible to make sure your dog is in a safe and happy place, so how do you overcome missing your dog. No matter what you do, you will always miss your dog a little, after all, you have gone to so much trouble to make sure they are happy at your chosen kennel.

Here are a few tips that might help you get through and hopefully enjoy your well-earned break.

Take some photos of your dog with you, with modern technology you can carry an entire album on your phone. Some kennels now offer to send photos to put your mind at rest whilst you are away. Others even have webcams that you can log into to check up on your dog (you should check this with your chosen kennel).

Call the Kennel while you are away. A good kennel won’t mind you ringing them to make sure everything is fine occasionally but, remember, they won’t appreciate you ringing them ten times a day as they are busy looking after lots of dogs (including your beloved pooch).

Share your experience and send your dog a postcard, dogs have great smell and they may even recognise who sent it.

Most of all enjoy the break and remember, it’s a true saying “absence does make the heart grow fonder”. Your dog won’t forget you and when you get back, the licks and the cuddles will be all the more enjoyable.