Stop boarding. Start bringing. Vacation together.

For many dogs, yes – being with their family in a new place tends to be less stressful than being apart from them in a familiar one, provided the trip is planned. It isn't right for every dog. Those who panic in cars, are very old or unwell, or are frightened by anything new often do better with a sitter in their own home. Your vet can help you judge which applies.

Slowly, and never by putting them in. Start at the edge, walk in yourself, and let them follow as far as they want – a few treats in very shallow water helps. Some dogs are swimming in minutes and some never take to it, and both are fine. A dog life jacket is sensible in deep or moving water. Rinse them off afterwards and dry their ears properly.

Check first whether your accommodation allows pets to be left, since many don't. If it does, set them up with familiar bedding, something to chew and a bit of background noise, and keep it short. If it doesn't, look for day care or a local sitter before you arrive rather than when you need one.

Their own bedding. It smells of home, and in a strange room that familiarity settles a dog faster than anything else you can bring. Put it down before you unpack anything of yours. Their usual food comes a close second – switching brands on holiday is a reliable way to spend day two dealing with an upset stomach.

Look up the nearest one before you go, so you're not searching when you need it. Mild unsettledness on the first day is normal. Refusing food for more than a day, repeated vomiting or diarrhoea, heavy panting when it isn't hot, lethargy, or any injury are reasons to ring them. Heat is a particular concern on summer trips – never leave a dog in a parked car.