How To Care For Your Pets While You’re Away This Holiday Season
It’s that time of year again — the holidays! Between travel plans, family gatherings, and packed schedules, it’s easy to get swept up in the season. But while you’re preparing for celebrations, don’t forget to plan for your pets, too.
If you want an affordable way to prepare for both the expected and unexpected when it comes to your pet’s health, consider getting a dog insurance or cat insurance plan.
Whether you’re heading out of town or hosting guests at home, now’s the perfect time to think about how to keep your pet comfortable, cared for, and happy while you’re away.
We know some pet parents are new to this — maybe you adopted a dog or cat recently, and this is your first time spending a few days apart. Don’t worry — we’re here to help you explore your options and find the best care solution for your pet this holiday season.
Use a Pet Care App
A popular option for arranging pet care is using an app like Rover or Wag! Both of these apps allow you to schedule dog walks and at-home care for your pet. These apps recommend that you book pet sitting appointments four to six weeks in advance for prime selection, though there are usually some options available closer to the holidays.
Thorough background checks are performed on all sitters.
Your pet can stay at home, which is comforting for many animals.
Your pet sitter can also watch your house while you’re away (emptying the mailbox, turning or off lights, etc.).
The apps are easy to use and usually insure their sitters.
You don’t have to worry about dropping your pet off the day you’re leaving. You can leave your keys and any additional notes, food, etc., and go!
Hiring a pet sitter can be a more expensive option than having a friend or family member watch your pet.
Changes in their environment or schedule can lead to accidents in your home if they’re not being taken out as often or at their regular times.
Use a Pet Boarding or Dog Sitting Facility
Boarding kennels are another popular option for pet care while you’re away. One of the best parts about using a kennel is that everything is already set up for you. The kennel already has staff and equipment to care for your pet. Other than setting up your pet’s stay, checking references, and packing a few things for your pet, you’re good to go!
Many have staff present overnight, so your pet is never completely alone.
Some newer boarding facilities are spa-like resorts for your pet, where they can be groomed and enjoy a nice vacation themselves.
Some dogs may enjoy the chance to play with other dogs during their stay.
Some pets may feel overwhelmed and anxious with the loud noise and high-energy environment - ask the facility what they do if a pet shows signs of stress. Your pet will be around other animals so if they typically don't play well with others, ask the facility if they have policies in place to care for your pet.
Being around other pets can expose your pet to kennel cough, infections, and viruses. Always make sure your pet is up-to-date on their vaccines before boarding them. Most facilities will require vaccination records before they agree to board your pet.
Cats are known to be more on edge at kennels and usually do better staying at home.
At-home vs. Other Care Options
Having your pet stay at home gives them a familiar environment, but is it truly the best option for them?
The advantage of at-home care is letting your pet stay in the safe environment they know and love, but you’ll likely have to do more prep work to prepare your sitter. Prep work could include things like making a checklist for feeding and medication times, measuring out food and dosages for each day, meeting with your sitter at least once before you leave, and preparing for the accidents your pet may have.
On the other hand, out-of-house care allows your pet to be taken care of in a place set up to meet their needs. This may be a pet sitter who cares for pets out of their home or a boarding facility. The disadvantage of this is that some pets, especially cats, may be stressed out in a new environment.
Another thing to consider is the day you’re leaving home. Are you driving to the airport at 4 a.m. the morning that you’re leaving? You will need to drop your pet off at the kennel or pet sitter the day before. If you’re leaving later in the day, you will need to arrange a good time to drop off your pet. With in-house care, you can lock up and go.
Traveling with Your Pet
With more hotels and airlines allowing pets to travel with you, many pet parents opt to take their pets with them on holiday.
Taking your pet with you allows you to celebrate the holidays with your favorite furry pal and keep a close eye on them. On the other hand, flying can be very stressful for pets. Many airlines won’t allow you to fly with certain pets like brachycephalic dog breeds (English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, etc.) due to their heightened health risk while flying.
No matter your holiday plans, keep your pet up to date with veterinary checkups and vaccinations by seeing your veterinarian regularly. Accidents do happen, whether you’re watching your pet or having someone else watch them. Remember that pet insurance is accepted at all vets, even ones you visit while out of town, if you’re traveling with your pet.
Before you go, download our free pet emergency preparedness form so your sitter has all of your pet’s information on hand!
We wish you all safe, healthy, and mindful travel.
With 10 years of experience as a pet parent, I aim to empower pet owners with insights into pet insurance and maintaining their pet's well-being. I aspire to be a trusted source, combining knowledge with a commitment to the welfare of our beloved pets.
