June 25, 2025
Leaving for vacation should be exciting — not stressful. But for pet parents, making sure your furry friend is well cared for is a top priority. Here are some key considerations to ensure your pet stays happy and safe while you’re away:
- Choose the Right Pet Sitting Option
- In-Home Pet Sitter: Best for pets who thrive in their own environment. Great for dogs and cats who dislike boarding.
- Drop-In Visits: Ideal if your pet is independent but needs feeding, bathroom breaks, or playtime and you have a trusted pet sitter
- Boarding Facility: Good for pets who enjoy socialization or need medical supervision.
- Family/Friends: A trusted and familiar option — just make sure they’re comfortable with pet responsibilities.
- Prep Your Home & Pet for the Sitter
- With any in-home options, making sure your home is set up for safety and security, and that you are using a verified and trusted sitter is important.
- Leave detailed instructions: feeding schedule, medications, routines, emergency contacts, vet info.
- Stock up on supplies: food, treats, litter, poop bags, cleaning items, toys.
- Pet-proof the area your sitter will be using, especially if you have a curious cat or a mischievous pup.
- Do a Meet & Greet
- Schedule a visit with the sitter ahead of time so your pet can get familiar with them.
- Watch how the sitter interacts with your pet — comfort and trust are key!
- Set Up Communication Expectations
- Ask for daily updates with photos or videos.
- Make sure the sitter knows how to reach you (and a backup contact) in case of emergency.
- Consider Your Pet’s Personality
- Anxious pets may do better with in-home care vs. boarding.
- High-energy pets might benefit from a sitter who can take them for long walks or play frequently.
- Medical needs? Ensure your sitter is comfortable administering meds or handling special conditions.
- Plan Ahead — Especially During Peak Seasons
- Pet sitters and boarding facilities book up fast during holidays and summer. Reserve early!
A little planning goes a long way to make sure your pet is happy, safe, and well cared for while you are away from home enjoying your trip.
Sources: PetHealthNetwork, bechewy.com, Trusted Housesitters, Val Talks Pets, Daily Paws