Many dog owners feel guilty leaving a dog behind and equally worried about dragging one along. The choice usually comes down to a few plain questions about the trip.
A quick test
- Will your dog be with you, in a safe place, for nearly all of the trip?
- Will every stop allow dogs, including meals and activities?
- Will the weather be safe for your dog, including parked time?
- Will the travel itself be calm, by car with breaks rather than a long flight?
The car and the heat
California law prohibits leaving an animal in an unattended vehicle under conditions that endanger it from heat, cold or poor ventilation (Penal Code 597.7). On a Dixon summer afternoon a parked car gets dangerously hot quickly, so a trip with lots of stops where your dog must wait in the car is better suited to boarding. See how hot is too hot for dogs.
What boarding costs
Stays of 14 nights or more and military stays take the reduced rate of $47, $53 or $65. Food, medications and walks are included. Compare that to the hotel pet fees, kennel carriers and time you would spend on the road.
| Run | One dog, per night (2026 rates) | Seven nights |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Class | $52 | $364 |
| Business Class | $59 | $413 |
| First Class | $72 | $504 |
Good reasons to bring your dog
- A road trip with a dog-friendly destination and plenty of outdoor time
- A dog who gets anxious when you leave and travels well
- A short weekend where you control the schedule
Good reasons to board
- Flights, cruises or long overseas trips
- Weddings, hospital visits or events that cannot include a dog
- Summer travel with hot driving days
- A dog who is happier at home base than in strange hotels
More help
If you are planning a drive, read road trips with a dog. If you are flying, see flying with a dog versus boarding. For a first stay, the first-stay planner walks through it.