What to do with your Chihuahua while Traveling

Updated June 2026

Planning a trip is exciting. Figuring out what to do with your Chihuahua while you’re away? Not so exciting.

Many of us worry more about our dogs than ourselves when we’re traveling. Will they miss us? Will they be happy? Will they be safe? And if your Chihuahua is anything like mine, they probably think being separated from you is the greatest tragedy ever invented.

The good news is that there are more options available today than ever before. Whether you’re going away for a weekend, taking a long vacation, or traveling for an emergency, you can find a solution that works for both you and your Chihuahua.

Let’s look at the most common options and the pros and cons of each.

Can You Take Your Chihuahua With You?

Before making arrangements for someone else to care for your dog, consider whether your Chihuahua can travel with you.

One of the advantages of having a Chihuahua is that they are small enough to travel more easily than larger breeds. Many hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds now welcome dogs.

Traveling together may be a great option if your Chihuahua:

• Enjoys car rides
• Is comfortable around new people
• Doesn’t get overly anxious in unfamiliar places
• Is healthy enough for travel

If you decide to bring your Chihuahua along, don’t forget:

• Food and treats
• Medications
• Leash and harness
• Travel carrier
• Favorite blanket or bed
• Waste bags
• Vaccination records
• ID tags and microchip information

For some Chihuahuas, staying with their favorite person is less stressful than being left behind.

Option 1: Leave Your Chihuahua With Family or Friends

Many people first think about asking a friend or family member to care for their dog.

This can be a wonderful solution if the person already knows your Chihuahua and understands their needs.

However, not everyone is comfortable handling a Chihuahua. Some Chihuahuas can be nervous around strangers, and others have very specific routines.

Before asking someone to help, make sure they understand:

• Feeding schedules
• Medication requirements
• Potty routines
• Exercise needs
• Any behavior quirks
• Emergency contact information

The biggest advantage is that your Chihuahua may already know and trust the person caring for them.

The downside is that even well-meaning friends sometimes forget instructions or underestimate the responsibility.

Option 2: Hire a Pet Sitter

For many Chihuahuas, this is one of the best options available.

A pet sitter comes to your home to care for your dog while you’re away. Depending on the arrangement, they may visit several times a day or stay overnight.

Because your Chihuahua remains in their familiar environment, they often experience less stress.

Benefits include:

• Familiar surroundings
• Consistent routine
• Less exposure to illness
• Reduced anxiety
• Someone is checking on your home

When interviewing a pet sitter, ask:

• Are you insured and bonded?
• Do you have experience with Chihuahuas?
• Are you trained in pet first aid or CPR?
• How many visits are included each day?
• Will you send updates and photos?
• What happens if my dog becomes ill?

Many pet owners find that a good pet sitter becomes an invaluable resource.

Option 3: In-Home Boarding

In-home boarding has become much more popular in recent years.

Instead of leaving your Chihuahua at a traditional kennel, your dog stays in someone else’s home.

This option can provide a more relaxed environment with fewer dogs and more individual attention.

It’s often a good middle ground between pet sitting and kennel boarding.

There are several sites where you can check this out and book a sitter. DogVacay.com is one, and Rover.com is another.

Before choosing an in-home boarding provider:

• Visit the home first
• Meet any resident pets
• Ask about supervision
• Discuss feeding routines
• Verify vaccination requirements

Every Chihuahua is different. Some thrive in this environment, while others prefer to stay at home.

Option 4: Traditional Boarding Kennels

Boarding kennels have come a long way over the years.

Many modern facilities offer:

• Individual playtime
• Comfortable sleeping areas
• Grooming services
• Cameras for owners
• Specialized care plans

For social dogs, boarding can even feel like a vacation of their own.

However, not every Chihuahua enjoys a kennel environment.

Some Chihuahuas find the barking, activity, and unfamiliar surroundings overwhelming. Senior dogs and dogs with anxiety may struggle more than confident, outgoing dogs.

If you are considering boarding:

• Tour the facility beforehand
• Ask about staff supervision
• Review vaccination requirements
• Discuss medications and special needs
• Observe cleanliness and safety

Never wait until the day before your trip to investigate a boarding facility.

Option 5: A House Sitter

A house sitter stays in your home while you’re away.

This option offers the greatest level of consistency for many dogs because:

• Your Chihuahua stays in their own home
• Their routine remains mostly unchanged
• Your home is occupied
• Mail and packages can be monitored

While this is often one of the more expensive options, it can be ideal for:

• Dogs with medical needs
• Multiple pets
• Senior Chihuahuas
• Dogs with separation anxiety
• Dogs with medical needs

Which Option Is Best?

There isn’t one right answer for every Chihuahua.

Over the years, I’ve learned that dogs have very different personalities. Some would happily make new friends at a boarding facility, while others would spend the entire time wondering where their family went.

The best choice depends on:

• Your dog’s personality
• Age
• Health
• Anxiety level
• Budget
• Length of your trip

Here’s a quick comparison:

Chihuahuas Have Special Needs

Because Chihuahuas form such strong bonds with their people, they can sometimes have a harder time when separated.

Some may:

• Refuse food initially
• Become withdrawn
• Act clingy when you return
• Show signs of stress

This doesn’t mean they’ll be traumatized.

Most dogs adjust quickly when their caregivers maintain familiar routines.

To help your Chihuahua feel secure:

• Leave their favorite blanket
• Leave familiar toys
• Keep feeding times consistent
• Provide written instructions
• Avoid making a dramatic departure

Dogs often take emotional cues from us. The calmer you are, the calmer they’re likely to be.

Leave These Items With Your Caregiver

Whether you’re using a pet sitter, family member, or boarding facility, provide:

• Your veterinarian’s contact information
• Emergency veterinary hospital information
• Feeding instructions
• Medication instructions
• Vaccination records
• Emergency contacts
• Microchip information
• Your travel itinerary

Having everything written down can save valuable time in an emergency.

Chihuahua Vacation Checklist

Before you leave, make sure you have:

✓ Enough food

✓ Medications

✓ Favorite toys

✓ Favorite blanket or bed

✓ Leash and harness

✓ Updated ID tags

✓ Vaccination records

✓ Emergency contacts

✓ Vet information

✓ Written care instructions

✓ Treats

✓ Waste bags

Final Thoughts

Leaving your Chihuahua behind doesn’t have to ruin your vacation.

With a little planning, you can find a safe and comfortable solution that gives you peace of mind and keeps your dog happy.

Whether you choose a pet sitter, a boarding facility, a trusted friend, or decide to bring your Chihuahua along for the adventure, the goal is the same: making sure your little companion is safe, loved, and well cared for until you’re back together again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my Chihuahua miss me while I’m away?

Yes, most dogs notice when their owners are gone. However, the vast majority adjust well when their routines remain consistent, and they’re cared for by someone they trust.

Is boarding stressful for Chihuahuas?

Some Chihuahuas do very well in boarding facilities, while others find the environment overwhelming. It depends on the individual dog’s personality.

Is a pet sitter better than boarding?

For many Chihuahuas, staying in their own home with a pet sitter is often the least stressful option.

How long can a Chihuahua stay with a pet sitter?

A Chihuahua can stay with a pet sitter for as long as necessary, provided their physical and emotional needs are being met.

Should I leave my Chihuahua with family or friends?

If your Chihuahua already knows and trusts them, this can be an excellent option. Just be sure they understand your dog’s routine and needs.

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Pet Blogger

I have had dogs all my life. I have been a pet groomer, worked in a pet hotel, and a kennel, and have bred and showed dogs.

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