Booking a Pet Sitter
Before Your Vacation 

What You Need to Know

Planning a scenic river cruise or a guided tour through Europe is exciting, but making sure your pet is well cared for at home should be part of the plan—not just an afterthought. A bit of early preparation, like finding the right sitter and giving them time to get to know your pet, can make all the difference. It helps to know what to look for in a sitter, explore the care options available, and get the home set up before heading out. With those steps in place, it’s a lot easier to relax and enjoy the trip—knowing your furry friend is safe, happy, and in good hands back home.

Pro Tip: The more you share about your pet, the better care a sitter can provide. Don’t worry about over-communicating—they want to know their quirks, bedtime rituals, favorite toys, and the weird way they like their food arranged. These little details help build trust faster and ensure your pet feels safe and understood in your absence.

How to Find the Right Pet Sitter

Finding the right pet sitter isn’t just about who’s available—it’s about finding someone you trust, who really understands your pet and what makes them feel safe, happy, and at ease.

Recommendations from Trusted Sources

When it comes to finding someone dependable to care for a beloved pet, sometimes the best place to start is close to home. A veterinarian can be a great resource as they often know experienced sitters in the area and can suggest professionals who’ve worked with other clients. Friends, neighbors, or family members who know you and your pet may also have recommendations based on their own positive experiences.

Professionalism and Pet Care Credentials

If you go outside your network of trusted sources, choose sitters who are insured, have references, and ideally have completed training or certification in pet care. A professional approach signals reliability and a commitment to your pet’s well-being.

Communication & Comfort with your Pet's Needs

Look for someone who is easy to reach and open to regular updates. Whether through texts, emails, or app-based messaging, a sitter who checks in consistently helps you feel connected and reassured while you're away. Not all sitters are equipped to care for pets with specific routines, medications, or anxieties. Be sure your sitter has experience handling the unique quirks and comforts your pet requires for a stress-free experience.

Keep Budget in Mind When Exploring Options

Pet sitting costs can vary quite a bit depending on the type of care, your location, and your pet’s specific needs. App-based bookings, live-in sitters, and local boarding facilities each come with different price ranges. Setting a realistic budget ahead of time can help narrow your choices and avoid last-minute stress. Just remember: while affordability matters, the right fit for your pet’s comfort and safety is just as important.

Top Professional Pet Sitting Options to Consider

Leaving your pet in someone else's care can feel daunting, especially if a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor isn’t available. Fortunately, there are professional options designed to give your pet the same love and attention they’d get at home—so you can travel with confidence knowing they’re in good hands.

Rover and Wag! for App-Based Booking

These platforms offer convenient booking, sitter reviews, and background checks, though they differ in how services are booked—Rover lets you choose from individual caregiver profiles, while Wag! offers faster, on-demand matching. For travelers, Rover is ideal for planned, extended stays, while Wag! suits quick, last-minute needs.

TrustedHousesitters for House and Pet Sitting

TrustedHousesitters connects travelers with individuals who stay in your home while caring for your pets. It’s a great option for pets who prefer their familiar environment and for homeowners who want their space watched over as well. Click here for a special discount.

Local Services including Boarding Facilities

If you're looking for something a little more hands-on or community-based, local options can be a great fit. Many pet owners find comfort in working with independent sitters in their area who offer personalized, in-home visits or overnight stays. These sitters often build long-term relationships with pets and their families, making future trips easier and more relaxed. Local boarding facilities are another solid option, especially for pets who enjoy socializing or need more structured supervision. Many offer private suites, group playtime, and even webcams so you can check in while you’re away. Take a tour ahead of time, ask about staff experience and emergency procedures, and look for places that feel welcoming and well-kept.

Why You Should Book a Pet Sitter Early

Making pet care part of your travel planning means your furry friend gets just as much care and attention as the trip itself. Sitters tend to book up fast, especially around the holidays, so lining someone up early not only gives you more options, it also gives your pet time to get comfortable and build trust with their new companion.

Pet Sitters Get Booked Quickly Around Holidays

Just like popular flights and guided tours, experienced pet sitters are in high demand—especially around major holidays and peak vacation seasons like Thanksgiving, winter breaks, and spring travel periods. The most reputable sitters (and even your friends and family!) often fill their schedules weeks or even months in advance. Booking early gives you access to more options and allows you to choose a sitter who truly fits your expectations, rather than settling for what's left at the last minute.

Establishing Trust Takes Time

Travel is meant to inspire and rejuvenate, not be clouded by concern over your pet’s well-being. Rushed arrangements increase the risk of overlooked instructions or subpar care. By arranging care ahead of time, you allow space for introductory meetings and trial stays that help your pet build trust and comfort with the sitter. This also gives you the chance to discuss important details like routines, medications, and emergency contacts in a thoughtful, unrushed way.

Preparing for Your Pet Sitter

Whether you’re heading out on a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, your pet’s wellbeing is certainly one of your top priorities. To help your pets feel secure and content, consider these thoughtful strategies and communication tips.

Create a Pet Care Binder or Digital File

Before your sitter arrives, gather all the important details and instructions into a checklist you can review together. Whether it's a physical binder or a shared digital document, make sure you include:

• Feeding schedule and portion sizes
• Medication instructions, if applicable
• Behavior notes: anxieties, quirks, and comfort items
• Emergency contacts, including your vet and a local backup
• Pet’s routine, including walks, playtime, and bathroom time
• Household instructions, like Wi-Fi password or alarm codes

Do a Walkthrough with Your Sitter

A few days before you head out, take some time to walk through your home with your sitter. Show them where everything is—food, treats, leashes—and go over how to use anything like an automatic feeder or crate. It’s also a great chance to walk them through your pet’s daily routine. This relaxed, face-to-face time gives your sitter a chance to ask questions and helps your pet start getting comfortable with them.

Check In During Your Trip

Stay connected with brief updates. Most sitters are happy to send photos or notes about how your pet is doing. These updates are reassuring and let you stay involved from afar without hovering. Let your sitter know how often you’d like to be contacted—daily, every few days, or only in case of an emergency.

Consider Your Pet’s Personality

Every pet is unique, and their care should reflect that. Think about how your pet typically responds to change:

• Shy or anxious pets may do best with a sitter who can stay overnight in your home, maintaining a familiar environment.
• Sociable or active pets might enjoy the stimulation of a pet boarding facility where they can interact with others.
• Independent animals may only need brief, consistent check-ins.

Set Up a Routine that Mirrors Home Life

Pets thrive on routine. To minimize stress while you're away, replicate their daily schedule as closely as possible:

• Feeding and bathroom times should stay consistent
• Exercise and playtime should be part of the sitter’s responsibilities
• Nighttime routines—like crate training, bedtime treats, or specific sleeping spots—should be maintained