Booking a holiday is exciting — the destination, the packing list, the countdown with the kids. But if you have pets at home, there’s one more thing to sort before you go: what’s going to happen to them while you’re away.
Leaving pets behind while the family heads off does take a bit of planning. If this is your first holiday since getting a pet, you might not have thought it through yet — will you ask a friend or family member to help, book them into a kennel or cattery, or have someone care for them at home? Here’s how to weigh up your options, plus our top tips for pet holiday care so nothing gets forgotten.
3 Pet Care Options for When You Travel Away
There are a few main routes when it comes to pet care while you travel. Here’s a quick look at each, with the pros and cons to help you decide what suits you and your pet best.
#1. Pet Sitter
A pet sitter is a great way to keep your pet in their usual routine. Much like kids, animals can get unsettled when too much changes at once.
With a pet sitter, you can arrange visits at the times your pet would normally be fed, walked and played with. They get to stay in their own home, surrounded by their usual comforts.
This option might not suit a pet who gets very anxious alone and becomes destructive without company. But for most pets, having a comfy sofa or garden to enjoy between sitter visits works well.
There’s also a nice side benefit: home security. A sitter calling in and out during your holiday means lights go on and off, curtains open and close, and bins go out — all giving your home that lived-in look while you’re away.
#2. Kennels/Cattery
A kennel or cattery is a facility you take your pet to, rather than having someone care for them at home. You drop them off on your way to the airport and collect them on your way back.
There are a couple of downsides: your pet is out of their usual routine, and your home sits empty for the whole trip.
That said, some pets actually do better in kennels — particularly if they can’t be left alone at all, or tend to be destructive at home.
#3. Friends/Family
Friends and family can be a lovely option, especially if your pet already knows and trusts them.
The main downside is availability — family members aren’t always free, or may not want to commit to the full length of your trip, especially for longer holidays.
You might also enjoy reading: What Are The Best Pets for Kids to Get First
7 Top Tips to Prepare for Your Pet’s Holiday Care
Whichever option you choose — in-home care or a boarding kennel — a bit of preparation makes all the difference. Here’s what to sort before you go.
#1. Preparing the Home
If your pet is staying home with a sitter, get things ready in advance:
- Move anything you don’t want your pet getting into out of reach.
- Set up a pet camera if you’re planning to use one, so you can check in while you’re away.
- Set the heating appropriately — you don’t want your pet left cold while you’re gone.
#2. Outline Your Pet’s Schedule
Whether you’ve booked a sitter or a kennel, write out your pet’s routine clearly for whoever is caring for them. Include:
- What time they’re fed, and how much.
- How often they’re walked, and where.
- When they get treats, and how many.
- How often litter is changed and how waste should be handled.
#3. Organise Food and Treats
Most pets stick to the same food and treats, so list out exactly what and how much your pet should be fed. If you use a specific measuring scoop or cup, leave that too, along with the exact amounts.
The more specific you can be, the better — it helps your pet avoid gaining or losing weight while you’re away.
You might also enjoy reading: 5 Tips to Help Avoid a Bored Cat or Dog
#4. Get Their Bed Ready
Set out your pet’s usual bed, bedding and any blankets they’re used to sleeping with.
If you think they might get anxious while you’re gone, leaving an item of your clothing with them can help — the familiar scent is often comforting.
#5. Organise Their Activities/Toys
Toys help keep pets occupied while you’re away. For dogs prone to boredom, interactive toys can make a real difference to how settled they stay.
It’s also handy for your pet sitter to have plenty to work with — cats often love feather wands or anything that moves, while dogs are usually happy with a simple game of fetch or catch.
#6. Get the Supplies Ready
Check you’ve got enough of the everyday essentials — poo bags, cat litter, cleaning supplies, any medication and so on.
These are the things you’d normally top up as you go, so before a holiday it’s worth stocking up properly to make sure nothing runs out while you’re away.
#7. List All Emergency Information
Put together a list of emergency contacts for whoever is caring for your pet. Include your vet’s details, an emergency contact person, and, if relevant, a plumber or electrician’s number in case anything goes wrong at home.
Being organised before you travel means your pet carer is far less likely to need to track you down mid-holiday — and your pet gets the best possible care while you’re gone.
For further reading on professional pet sitting and dog walking services, Pet Sitters Ireland publish a guide for pet owners that some families find useful when planning their first booking.
Over to you now — do you have other tips for pet holiday care? What’s worked for your pets when you’ve travelled? Share your tips in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best pet care options when I’m going on holiday?
The three main options are a pet sitter (who visits your home to feed, walk and keep your pet in their normal routine), a kennel or cattery (where your pet stays at a dedicated facility), or having a trusted friend or family member step in. Each has pros and cons depending on your pet’s personality and how long you’ll be away.
How do I prepare my pet for a sitter or kennel stay?
Write out a clear schedule covering feeding times and amounts, walk routines, treats, and any litter or cleaning routines. Pack enough food, treats and supplies to last the whole trip, and set out their usual bed and bedding so they have familiar comforts.
What should I include in a pet care instruction sheet?
Feeding times and quantities, walking routine, treat allowances, litter or cleaning instructions, and a full list of emergency contacts — your vet, an emergency contact person, and household contacts like a plumber or electrician if needed.
Should I leave my pet at home or take them to a kennel?
It depends on your pet. Pets who get anxious alone or are destructive without company may do better in a kennel, while pets who prefer familiar surroundings often settle best at home with a sitter visiting.
Related Articles
- What Are The Best Pets for Kids to Get First
- 5 Tips to Help Avoid a Bored Cat or Dog
- Family Adventure Ideas for Your Next Holiday
Before You Go
Planning pet care is just one part of getting holiday-ready. Browse more family travel and adventure ideas on MyKidsTime, or save this article so you have your pet holiday checklist handy next time you’re packing.
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