Vacationing with Pets: A Guide to Pet Sitting

Should I take my pet on vacation?

One of the first questions you may ask yourself when planning a vacation is: should I take my pet with me? In a perfect world, we’d always have our pets by our side, and vacations can be a great way to bond with your pet. But the truth is pets much prefer staying in their home environment, and not all pets will enjoy traveling or the unfamiliar surroundings of a new location.

Animals are highly attuned to their surroundings and their routines. Cats, for one, are particularly bonded to their homes, and while dogs do acclimatize better to being in a new location, even the most easy-going, inquisitive of pets thrive best in their own familiar home environments.

So, unless you’re confident your pet will be comfortable with a long journey or an unfamiliar destination, finding a pet sitting service may be the best option.

Pet Sitting Services vs Traditional Kennels and Catteries

As pet owners will know all too well, the unfamiliar environment of a kennel or cattery can be stressful for our pets. Not to mention, pets have grown much closer to their owners over the course of the pandemic, which is now causing concerns for some pet owners taking their first post-pandemic vacation.

That’s why more and more pet owners are opting for a pet sitting service instead.

Pet sitting services do vary, but one of the most common types are drop-in pet sitters. Drop-in pet sitters, as the name suggests, pop into your home and will usually offer their pet care at an hourly rate. Their duties may include dog walking, feeding and playing with your pet. While this keeps your pets in their own home, this kind of pet care is not recommended for overnight stays or for long vacations.

Another option is where pets are boarded in the sitter’s own home. These sitters usually offer their pet care for a fee, which can vary depending on the length of your vacation or the level of care provided. While this is a much less stressful option than traditional kennels and catteries, nothing compares to keeping a pet in their own home.

That’s where in-home pet sitters come in.

In-Home Pet Sitting: The Pet Care Solution Recommended by Vets

Vets around the world agree that in-home pet sitters are the preferred pet care option for pets while their owners are away on vacation.

Choosing an in-home pet sitter means you can travel knowing your beloved pets are safe and happy in their very own home, with real care and attention (as opposed to someone just popping in).

Unlike other pet sitting services, in-home sitters stay in your home and effectively step into your shoes while you’re away. As well as caring for your pets and keeping them happy at home, your sitter will also keep up your pet’s regular routine — from their daily walks to dinner time, Meaning much less stress and disruption. It’s like a staycation — just for your pets!

As well as looking after your pets, in-home sitters also keep your property safe and secure while you’re away. From preventing potential burglaries to taking in the post, it’ll be like you never left.

Such a dedicated, one-on-one service may sound expensive, but did you know there are in-home pet sitters who offer their services for free? Yes, really!

While most pet sitters charge a daily or flat rate fee for their services, sitters on TrustedHousesitters.com are genuine pet lovers who offer free home and pet care in exchange for the chance to experience new places and enjoy the company of pets. And for extra peace of mind, all sitters on TrustedHousesitters come verified and referenced — you can even read reviews from other pet owners just like you.

Best of all? As a FirstVet customer, your first year of membership is covered when you book your first consultation call.

Simply book your first appointment today and you’ll receive a free owner membership with TrustedHousesitters (worth $129), giving you an entire year of unlimited home and pet care for free, from verified and reviewed sitters you can trust.

Read more:

Tips for Helping Your Dog with Separation Anxiety

Separation Anxiety in Cats

Crate Training Your Dog or Puppy

Need to speak with a veterinarian regarding your pet’s health, behavior, or another condition?

Click here to schedule a video consult to speak to one of our vets. You can also download the FirstVet app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Stores.