Apps for Traveling Families with Pets

Before the kids go back to school and summer vacation ends, there’s still a lot of exploring left for the family to do. Bring the kids, pets included, along for the cross-country road trip or weekend city-stay, as many hotels open arms to furry family members.

When a quick daytrip, weekend away or extended vacation is on the horizon and you can’t bring the pets along, don’t worry, there’s an app for that.

Out for the Day

If your family is heading out for the day somewhere your pup can’t tag along, use Wag! The app allows users to tack on an extra walk during the day, easy drop in and playtime for your pet while you’re out. The Wag! professionals walk your dogs around the pet’s neighborhood, so they’re not thrown off their routine and you can rest easy knowing they are close to home. Wag also offers pet-sitting at the pet’s home, and boarding at the pet professional’s home, for one or multiple nights.

Professional Dog Walker at Work. Photo: Igor Mojzes | Dreamstime.com

Gone for a Day or Two

Fetch! Pet Care services pair pet families and nearby professionals with pet-sitting services, hired walks and drop-ins. The professionals visit your pets at home while your family is out for a day or two — think cats that may not necessarily need an overnight companion, but do need some healthy attention.

These temporary caretakers will tend to your pets, spend some time playing with them and specialty services depending on your pet’s needs. While they offer an “almost overnight” option for extended visits, this national brand is better suited for a day or two away, not an extended vacation requiring housesitting or boarding.

Away on Vacation

Away for several nights? Check out Rover for dogs and cats. With options, including boarding, drop-in visits, housesitting, walking and doggy day care, you can mix and match with your pet’s needs. Depending on the extent of your trip, you may need someone to become more familiar with your pet and not just a drop-in here and there. Rover checks in with you, using the app, sending updates and photos throughout the day.

It’s important for your pet to know and trust the caretaker, but not always possible. Set up a meet-and-greet with any pet professional you hire, whether they are walking, dog-sitting or boarding your pet. It’s important to not only get a chance to meet with the person taking care of your furry family member, but also the person who will be in your home while your family is away.