When you travel for the holidays, your main pet care options are a pet sitter, a boarding kennel or cattery, or bringing your pet along. The right choice depends on your pet's personality, health, and comfort with new places. Whichever you choose, plan well in advance, since holiday care fills up fast, according to VCA Animal Hospitals.¹
Holiday Pet Care Options at a Glance
Option | Often a good fit for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
Friend or family member | Pets who already know and trust them | Make sure they have a backup plan |
Pet sitter in your home | Pets who prefer their own space, including many cats | Takes more prep, and costs vary |
Boarding kennel or cattery | Social pets and pets who need round-the-clock care | Vaccines are required, and there's more exposure to illness |
Boarding at a vet hospital | Pets with medical needs | Ask your vet if they offer boarding |
Bringing your pet along | Pets who travel well | Travel can be stressful, and airline and hotel rules vary |
Should You Use a Pet Sitter App?
Apps like Rover and Wag! make it easy to book walks, drop-in visits, and overnight stays with a sitter. Both platforms require background checks for their sitters. Rover runs background checks for every sitter and dog walker,² and Wag! says all caregivers pass a third-party background check.³
Both apps also offer a guarantee that may reimburse certain vet bills or property damage from booked services. These programs have limits and exclusions, so read the terms before you book.
Pros of an in-home sitter:
Your pet stays in a familiar place with their usual routine.
Your sitter can bring in the mail and turn lights on and off.
You don't have to drop off your pet on travel day.
Cons of an in-home sitter:
It can cost more than having a friend or family member help.
Changes in schedule can lead to accidents in the house.
What Should You Ask a Pet Sitter?
Whether you find a sitter through an app or a friend's referral, meet them before you hire them. The American Kennel Club suggests asking:⁴
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
Do you have a contract that includes payment terms, cancellation policies, and a vet release form?
Do you have a backup sitter if something comes up?
Can you do an in-home consultation or a trial day before my trip?
Before you leave, write down feeding and medication instructions, leave your vet's number and an emergency contact, and let your vet know a sitter is authorized to care for your pet. For dogs, these tips on preparing your dog for boarding or a pet sitter can help.
Is Boarding a Good Option for Your Pet?
Boarding kennels have staff and equipment ready to care for your pet, and many have staff on-site overnight. Some dogs enjoy the chance to play with other dogs.
There are a few trade-offs. Some pets feel overwhelmed by the noise and activity, and being around other animals can expose your pet to illnesses like kennel cough. Most facilities require proof of vaccines before boarding, so check your pet's records early.¹ If your pet doesn't do well with other animals, ask what policies the facility has in place.
Booking a short trial stay before a longer trip can show you how your pet handles boarding.
What About Cats?
Cats can do well either at home or in boarding. Many cats tolerate boarding just fine, and most settle in quickly, according to VCA.¹ Look for a facility where the cat area is far enough from dogs that cats can't see, hear, or smell them. It's also normal for a cat to eat or drink less during their first few stays.
If your cat is easily stressed by new places, a sitter at home may be the better fit. A sitter can visit daily or stay overnight, depending on your cat's needs. A pet sitter also helps your pet avoid exposure to illnesses that can spread in boarding facilities, according to VCA.⁵ When you get home, watch your cat's body language for signs of stress.
At-Home vs. Out-of-Home Care
At-home care lets your pet stay in the place they know and love, but it takes more prep. You might make a checklist for feeding and medication times, measure out food and doses, and meet your sitter at least once before you leave.
Out-of-home care, like a sitter's home or a boarding facility, puts your pet somewhere set up to care for them. The downside is that some pets get stressed in a new environment.
Think about your travel day, too. If you're leaving for the airport early in the morning, you may need to drop your pet off the day before. With in-home care, you can lock up and go.
Traveling With Your Pet
Many hotels and airlines now welcome pets, so bringing your pet along is another option. It lets you celebrate together and keep a close eye on them. But travel can be stressful, and many airlines restrict flat-faced breeds like English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Boxers. Check the rules before you book.
No matter your holiday plans, keep up with your pet's vet checkups and vaccines. Accidents can happen whether you're home or away.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book holiday pet care?
As early as you can. Holidays are a busy time for pet sitters and boarding facilities, and the best options often fill up first. Once your travel dates are set, start looking, schedule a meet-and-greet or trial stay, and confirm what vaccines and paperwork are needed. Booking early also gives your pet time to get comfortable.
Is it better to board my pet or hire a pet sitter?
It depends on your pet. Pets that love routine or get stressed in new places often do better with a sitter at home. Social dogs may enjoy boarding with playtime, and pets with medical needs may do best boarding at a vet hospital. A short trial with either option can help you decide what works for your pet.
Do cats do better at home or in boarding?
Many cats handle boarding well and settle in quickly, especially at a cat-only facility or one where cats are kept away from dogs.¹ Cats that get stressed by new places may do better with a sitter who visits daily or stays overnight. Think about your cat's personality, health, and past experiences when you decide.
What should I leave for my pet sitter?
Leave written feeding and medication instructions, your vet's contact information, and at least one emergency contact who can make decisions if you can't be reached. Let your vet know a sitter is authorized to care for your pet, and consider a vet release form. Also leave extra food, supplies, and a spare key.
Coverage flexibility matters when it comes to helping protect your pet's health. From emergencies to routine wellness visits, the right pet insurance plan and add-ons can help support a wide range of care needs.
With Spot Pet Insurance, pet parents can visit any licensed veterinary clinic in the U.S. or Canada, giving them more freedom to choose the care that works best for their pet. Every plan also includes 24/7 pet telehealth access, so pet parents can video chat with a licensed vet from anywhere. Get a free quote.
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.
Barnes, Courtney. "Boarding Your Cat." VCA Animal Hospitals, last updated May 8, 2025.
Rover. "What does Rover do to support safety?" Rover Help Center, updated May 6, 2026.
Wag!. "The Wag! Guarantee." Wag! Support, March 11, 2026.
American Kennel Club. "How to Find and Choose a Pet Sitter." AKC, updated November 13, 2025.
VCA Animal Hospitals. "Pet Sitter Options." VCA, last updated March 27, 2025.
