How to Choose a Pet Sitter for the Holidays

Thanksgiving and the winter holidays are just around the corner, and if you're planning to travel, now is the time to think about who will care for your dog or cat while you're away. Holiday weeks are the busiest time of year for pet sitters, and the good ones book up early. A little planning now means you can enjoy your trip knowing your pet is safe, comfortable, and in familiar surroundings.

Why an In-Home Pet Sitter Works Well for Many Pets

Boarding facilities are a great fit for some animals, but many pets do best staying at home. An in-home sitter lets your pet keep their own bed, their usual smells, and much of their normal routine. That can be especially helpful for:

Cats, who often find car rides and new places stressful
Senior pets who need a quiet, predictable environment
Anxious dogs who get overwhelmed around lots of other animals
Multi-pet households, where one sitter can care for everyone at once

Depending on your pet's needs, you can choose drop-in visits a few times a day, daily dog walks, or an overnight sitter who stays in your home.

Start Your Search Early

If you need care over Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year's, try to line someone up several weeks in advance. Popular sitters fill their calendars quickly in November and December. Booking early also gives you time for a meet-and-greet and a trial visit before the big trip.

What to Look For in a Pet Sitter

Every pet and household is different, but these qualities are worth looking for in anyone you trust with your animals and your home:

Experience with your type of pet. Someone great with large, energetic dogs may not be the best match for a shy cat, and vice versa.
Reliability and clear communication. Notice how quickly and clearly they respond when you first reach out.
References. Ask for a couple of past clients you can contact.
Comfort with any special needs. If your pet needs medication, a special diet, or extra mobility help, make sure the sitter is comfortable handling it.
A plan for emergencies. A good sitter will ask about your vet and what to do if something goes wrong.

Questions to Ask at the Meet-and-Greet

Always have the sitter meet your pet in person before you leave. Watch how your pet responds and how the sitter interacts with them. A few helpful questions:

How many visits per day do you recommend for my pet, and how long is each visit?
Will you send updates or photos while I'm away?
How many other clients will you be caring for over the holiday?
What would you do if my pet stopped eating or seemed unwell?
Do you have a backup person if you get sick or delayed by weather?

Prepare a Clear Care Sheet

Even the most experienced sitter needs good instructions. Write down everything in one place and leave it somewhere easy to find. Include:

Feeding amounts, times, and where food is stored
Walk schedule, leash habits, and any dogs or places to avoid
Litter box location and cleaning routine for cats
Any medications, with your vet's written instructions
Your veterinarian's name, phone number, and address, plus the nearest emergency animal hospital
Your contact information and a local backup contact
House details: spare key, alarm codes, Wi-Fi, and thermostat settings

It's also a good idea to call your vet's office before you leave and let them know who will be caring for your pet. Some clinics allow you to leave written permission for the sitter to approve care if you can't be reached.

Holiday-Specific Things to Mention

The holidays bring a few extra hazards. Let your sitter know to keep pets away from holiday foods like chocolate, grapes and raisins, and anything sweetened with xylitol, as well as decorations, tinsel, ribbon, and plants. If guests or deliveries are expected, ask the sitter to watch doors so your pet doesn't slip out. If your sitter ever suspects your pet has eaten something harmful, they should contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.

Make the Transition Easy on Your Pet

Try to keep your pet's routine as normal as possible in the days before you leave. Leave out a worn T-shirt or blanket that smells like you, along with favorite toys. If you can, schedule a short practice visit while you're still in town so your pet gets used to the sitter's voice and routine. Many pets settle in faster than their owners expect.

Find the Right Sitter Near You

Ready to get your holiday care sorted? You can post a pet sitting job with your dates and your pet's needs, or browse local pet sitters to find someone who's a great fit. And if your pup could use a cozy new bed or a warm layer for winter walks, take a peek at our dog boutique before you go.