Happy Pets, Peaceful Travels: How to Care for Your Pets While You’re Away

Traveling with Peace of Mind: A Complete Guide to Pet Care While You're Away

As pet parents, one of the most stressful parts of planning any trip isn't picking the destination or packing your bags—it's figuring out what to do with your furry, feathered, or scaly family members. Whether you're heading out for a quick weekend getaway or an extended international adventure, ensuring your pets are happy, healthy, and well-cared-for should be at the top of your travel checklist.

The good news? With proper planning and the right resources, you can travel with complete peace of mind knowing your pets are in good hands. Let's explore practical solutions for every type of trip.

Understanding Your Pet's Needs

Before diving into specific solutions, take a moment to assess your pet's unique personality and requirements:

Temperament: Is your pet social and adaptable, or do they prefer familiar surroundings and routines?
Medical needs: Do they require medications, special diets, or regular vet visits?
Age and mobility: Puppies, kittens, and senior pets may need extra attention
Anxiety levels: Some pets handle separation better than others

Understanding these factors will help you choose the best care option for your situation.

Short Trips (1-3 Days)

Option 1: Professional Pet Sitting at Home

Best for: Cats, anxious pets, animals with medical needs, multiple pets

• Home pet sitting allows your pets to stay in their comfortable, familiar environment while you're away. A professional pet sitter visits your home one to three times daily to feed, play with, and care for your pets.

Advantages:

• Minimal stress for pets who dislike change
  
• Home security (mail collection, alternating lights, watering plants)
  
• Personalized one-on-one attention
  
• No exposure to other animals or illnesses
  

How to prepare:

• Book well in advance, especially during holidays
  
• Schedule a meet-and-greet before your trip
  
• Leave detailed care instructions, including feeding schedules and emergency contacts
  
• Ensure all medications are clearly labeled with dosing instructions
  
• Leave your vet's contact information prominently displayed
  

Cost consideration: Typically $25-50 per visit, depending on your location and number of pets

Option 2: Trusted Friends or Family

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, pets bonded to specific people

Having a friend or family member care for your pets can be the most economical option, and if your pet already knows and loves this person, it's a win-win.

How to make it work:

• Don't assume—ask early and confirm their availability
  
• Provide a detailed written care guide (don't rely on verbal instructions alone)
  
• Stock up on all necessary supplies before you leave
  
• Offer fair compensation, whether monetary or reciprocal pet-sitting
  
• Check in with a text or call to ensure everything's going smoothly
  

Pro tip: Leave a small "thank you" gift or treat to show appreciation for their help.

Option 3: Doggy Daycare with Overnight Boarding

Best for: Social dogs who enjoy playing with others

Many doggy daycares now offer overnight boarding options, allowing your pup to play during the day and sleep in a comfortable space at night.

What to look for:

• Small group sizes for better supervision
  
• Separate areas for different dog sizes and temperaments
  
• Climate-controlled facilities
  
• Live webcam access so you can check in on your pet
  

Requirements:

• Up-to-date vaccinations (typically required)
  
• Temperament evaluation before boarding
  
• Advanced booking, especially for weekends
  

Option 4: Automated Pet Care Solutions

Best for: Independent cats, short 1-2 day trips, backup to other care options

Modern technology offers several tools to supplement pet care during brief absences:

• Automatic feeders: Dispense meals on schedule
  
• Water fountains: Provide fresh, filtered water
  
• Pet cameras: Monitor pets remotely and even dispense treats
  
• Automatic litter boxes: Self-cleaning options for cats
  

Important caveat: These should supplement, not replace, human care. Always have a friend check on pets at least once during your absence, even if you have automated systems.

Extended Trips (Week or Longer)

For longer absences, your pet care strategy needs to be more comprehensive and reliable.

Option 1: Professional Pet Sitting with Multiple Daily Visits

Best for: Cats, small animals, or dogs who can't board

For extended trips, hire a pet sitter to visit 2-3 times daily. This provides adequate exercise for dogs and social interaction for all pets while maintaining their home routine.

Enhanced preparation for long trips:

• Set up automatic bill pay for utilities to ensure climate control continues
  
• Arrange for a backup sitter in case of emergency
  
• Leave multiple sets of keys with different people
  
• Provide your itinerary with time zones for easy contact
  
• Set up a communication schedule (daily photo updates, weekly video calls)
  

Budget accordingly: For two visits daily over two weeks, expect to spend $700-1400, depending on your location

Option 2: House Sitting Exchange

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, pet owners with flexible destinations, those comfortable with strangers in their home

Platforms like TrustedHousesitters connect homeowners with reliable house sitters who provide free pet care in exchange for accommodation.

How it works:

• Create a profile detailing your home, pets, and expectations
  
• Browse and invite potential sitters (or they apply to you)
  
• Conduct video interviews and check references thoroughly
  
• Host a pre-trip meeting so your pets can meet the sitter
  

Advantages:

• No pet care costs
  
• Full-time supervision and companionship for pets
  
• Home security
  
• Often performed by experienced pet lovers or semi-retired travelers
  

Considerations:

• Requires a planning and vetting process
  
• You're welcoming someone into your private space
  
• Most popular in tourist destinations
  

Option 3: Extended Boarding at Reputable Kennels

Best for: Social dogs, pets who have boarded successfully before

Quality boarding kennels offer structured care with feeding, exercise, and socialization. The best facilities provide spacious accommodations, enrichment activities, and even "cage-free" options.

What distinguishes excellent kennels:

• Individual or small-group play sessions
  
• Climate-controlled indoor spaces
  
• Outdoor access multiple times daily
  
• Trained staff who can recognize signs of illness
  
• Administration of medications at no or minimal extra cost
  
• Regular communication with owners (photos, updates)
  

Red flags to avoid:

• Overcrowded facilities
  
• Staff who seem rushed or inattentive
  
• Concrete-only kennels without comfortable bedding
  
• Unwillingness to show you the full facility
  

No requirements for vaccinations (indicates poor safety protocols)

Touring tip: Visit in person during business hours when dogs are most active. This gives you the truest picture of daily operations.

Option 4: Pet Hotels and Luxury Boarding

Best for: Pet parents who want premium care, pets with special needs

High-end pet hotels have emerged as the five-star option for pet boarding, offering suites with comfortable bedding, flat-screen TVs, webcam access, and even spa services.

Typical amenities:

• Private or semi-private rooms (not cages)
  
• Multiple daily play sessions
  
• Grooming and spa services
  
• Training sessions
  
• Specialized diets and medication management
  
• 24/7 staff supervision
  

Investment: Expect to pay $50-150+ per night depending on services

Option 5: Taking Your Pet With You

Best for: Travel within your country, pet-friendly destinations, pets who travel well

Sometimes the best solution is bringing your pet along! Many hotels, vacation rentals, and even some attractions now welcome pets.

Making it work:

• Research pet-friendly accommodations in advance (don't just trust "pet-friendly" labels—read the fine print)
  
• Ensure your pet is comfortable with car or plane travel
  
• Pack a pet travel kit: food, medications, favorite toys, bedding, vaccination records
  
• Plan for pet-friendly activities at your destination
  
• Research local emergency vets in case of illness or injury
  
• For air travel, understand airline pet policies and consider pet travel anxiety
  

Reality check: Not all pets travel well. If your cat yowls for 20 minutes in the car to the vet, a cross-country road trip might not be ideal.

Pre-Trip Preparation Checklist

Regardless of which care option you choose, complete these steps before you leave:

Two Weeks Before Departure:

✓ Confirm pet care arrangements
✓ Schedule vet check-up if needed
✓ Ensure vaccinations are current
✓ Refill prescriptions
✓ Purchase any needed supplies (food, litter, medications)

One Week Before:

✓ Create a detailed care instruction sheet including:

• Feeding schedule and portion sizes
  
• Medication dosing and timing
  
• Exercise routine and quirks
  
• Behavioral notes (fears, triggers, favorite activities)
  
• Emergency contact information (your vet, emergency vet, your contact info)
  

✓ Test all automated equipment (feeders, cameras, etc.)
✓ Update your pet's microchip information if needed
✓ Ensure ID tags are secure and information is current

Day Before Departure:

✓ Stock up on fresh pet food and supplies
✓ Clean litter boxes, cages, or living areas
✓ Give your pet extra attention and reassurance
✓ Take a recent photo of your pet (in case of emergency)
✓ Do a final walkthrough with your pet sitter

Easing Separation Anxiety (Yours and Theirs)

For Your Pet:

• Leave an unwashed t-shirt with your scent for comfort
  
• Maintain routine as much as possible before departure
  
• Don't make your departure overly emotional—keep it casual and brief
  
• Consider calming aids if recommended by your vet (pheromone diffusers, calming treats)
  
• For dogs, ensure plenty of exercise the day before to burn off energy
  

For You:

Choose a care provider you genuinely trust

• Set up regular check-ins (but not so frequent you're being intrusive)
  
• Use pet cameras to peek in on your pet
  
• Remember that most pets adapt quickly once you're gone
  
• Keep yourself busy and engaged on your trip
  
• Trust the professional or person you've chosen
  

Red Flags and When to Come Home Early

While it's rare, sometimes situations require cutting a trip short. Contact your pet sitter immediately and consider early return if:

• Your pet stops eating for more than 24 hours
  
• Signs of illness (vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy) persist
  
• Injury occurs
  
• Your pet escapes or goes missing
  
• Your pet seems severely distressed (not just missing you, but signs of crisis)
  

Having a trusted emergency contact who can intervene if needed provides additional peace of mind.

Special Considerations for Different Pets

Cats

• Generally prefer staying home to boarding
  
• Need daily litter box cleaning
  
• Ensure windows/doors are secure if the pet sitter will be opening them
  
• Some cats hide from sitters—let your sitter know where their favorite hiding spots are
  

Dogs

• Need more interaction and exercise than can be provided with 1-2 daily visits for extended trips
  
• Boarding or house-sitting often works better for week or longer trips
  
• Ensure your sitter is comfortable with the size and energy level of your dog
  

Small Animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters)

• Can do well with daily visits for feeding and cage cleaning
  
• Make sure sitters know proper handling techniques
  
• Ensure climate control—small animals are sensitive to temperature
  

Birds

• Need daily interaction and mental stimulation
  
• Can become stressed with routine changes
  
• Consider whether music/TV should be left on
  
• Birds are excellent at hiding illness—brief video check-ins can help monitor health
  

Reptiles and Fish

• Often easiest for short trips with automated feeding
  
• Ensure sitter understands temperature and humidity requirements
  
• For extended trips, have the sitter check the equipment regularly
  

Final Thoughts

Traveling with pets doesn't have to be stressful. The key is preparation, choosing the right care solution for your pet's personality and needs, and trusting the arrangements you've made. Your pets have lived without you during your work days, errands, and other absences—with the right care, they'll manage during your travels too.

Most importantly, don't let pet ownership prevent you from traveling and making memories. With so many excellent pet care options available, you can explore the world while knowing your beloved companion is safe, comfortable, and well-cared-for.

Safe travels, and may you return home to enthusiastic tail wags, happy purrs, or joyful chirps!