As any pet owner knows, the hardest part about a summer vacation is that your furry friend isn’t always welcome to go along with you. Let’s face it, sometimes you just want to get away from it all without having to settle for one of a select few pet-friendly travel spots.

DogVacay is perhaps one of the best kennel alternatives on the market. It gives pet owners the peace of mind to enjoy their vacation without worrying about their doggies. The site works by letting pet owners find hosts in the neighborhood who can doggy-sit in their own home while also giving the pet all the food, exercise and TLC needed. In addition to this doggy-sitting service, DogVacay provides doggy daycare, dog walking and training services.

The experience is designed to be as stress-free for both the parents and the furry child. So you can relax. It’s not just anyone who’ll be looking after your pet. All hosts are thoroughly vetted and the site even encourages people to meet with potential hosts beforehand. Think of it as a play date.

There are also other perks to sweeten the deal including daily photo updates of your pet — just so you can see how much fun he’s having. And for those who are particularly worried about leaving their doggy behind, every pet hosted is covered by the DogVacay pet insurance. There is also 24/7 emergency support should you need it.

When it comes to your pet, you’re probably not looking to save a few bucks. But it might make you feel good to know that for considerably less than what you’d pay for a kennel, your pet will have a tail-waggingly good time and a shot at a real summer vacation while you’re away on one of your own.

Would you use DogVacay? What do you do with your furry friends when you travel? Share your tips in the comments below.

(h/t Cnet)