Holiday pet care guide: Boarding, sitters and how to prepare

We get it: leaving your fluffy, feathery or fishy family member in someone else’s care can be a little nerve-wracking!

So, if you’re planning a human-only holiday, here’s the lowdown on the main pet-minding options, plus some helpful tips to keep your non-human family members safe, happy and well while you’re away getting some R&R.

Why planning ahead matters

Understandably, the best pet care options are usually the most popular, and may be booked weeks to months in advance, especially during peak times such as Easter, Christmas and other school holiday periods. Planning ahead will help ensure you have the pick of the litter when it comes to the most appropriate pet-minding options, so you’re not forced into a last-minute panic booking for a service that isn’t suitable for your pet’s temperament or health requirements, or your budget!

Additionally, timely prep allows you to double-check that your pet will have everything they need to thrive in your absence, such as up-to-date healthcare routines and adequate supplies for their day-to-day care. More on this below.

Boarding for pets

The classic holiday care option for pets is staying at a boarding kennel or cattery.

Positives:

• Sociable pets (dogs in particular) can really enjoy the interactions and play with other pets and boarding staff
• Some boarding facilities are located next to or within a veterinary hospital, so will be able to administer medications and monitor your pet in a professional fashion, and provide prompt treatment (with your permission) if required
• In reputable, registered premises, staff will be trained and there will be good pet care protocols in place, plus professional insurance to cover any mishaps

Negatives:

• Busy boarding premises bring an increased risk of tummy upsets and other infectious diseases such as kennel cough, cat flu or parasites
• The levels of care and expertise will vary depending on the facility, so prior research and inspection of the premises is recommended
• Limited one-on-one attention for your pet
• The noisy, busy environment can be stressful for shy or nervous pets, particularly cats
• Can be moderately expensive, or even more so in peak holiday periods

Pet-sitting options

Pet sitting involves a friend, family member or external pet-sitter visiting daily or staying in your home to mind your pet. Some pet-sitters will charge a daily rate, while other services will offer care for your pets and home in return for free accommodation for the sitter – yay! Alternatively, some pet-sitters will mind your pet in their (the pet-sitter’s) home.

Positives:

• Your pet either gets to stay in their familiar environment with their usual comforts and food, or at least, a quieter “home-style” environment, both of which are preferable for shyer pets, or pets with higher behavioural or medical care needs
• Your pet receives lots of one-on-one attention
• If your pet knows the minder well (e.g. a friend or family member), they are likely to settle much faster
• Low risk of infectious disease, tummy upsets, or mishaps (other than the usual risk if your pet goes out on walks)
• You can ask your pet-sitter to send daily updates or cute photos of your pet (adorable!)
• For in-home services, your pet will be near to their regular veterinary clinic if they require any medical treatment while you’re away
• If the minder is a friend or family member, there may be little to no cost involved for you – woo!

Negatives:

• The person caring for your pet may have no official pet-care training, may not be able to reliably administer medications, and may not have the relevant insurance in the case of a mishap
• In the case of an unknown sitter, you will have to trust an unfamiliar person with access to your home, and your pet may be also suspicious of a stranger in their home (so a prior meeting is recommended to ensure your pet and the sitter gel)
• Paid pet-sitters can be moderately expensive
• If your pet is a skilled yard escapee, the minder’s premises may not be as secure as yours
• More limited availability

How to choose the right care for your pet

To ensure the best experience for you and your pet, research is key!

Ask pet-owning friends, trusted veterinary staff and local Facebook groups for recommendations on good pet-minding services, and perform further research by reading reviews, checking credentials, and asking about the facilities/care offered and their usual protocols (including what happens if your pet becomes unwell while you’re away).

Ideally, you should also have a meet and greet in person before leaving your pet in their care, such as a tour of the premises or an advance visit from the pet-sitter.

Related:

• Separation anxiety in dogs: How to help your pup stay calm
• Do cats get lonely when left alone? Signs and solutions

Preparing your pet before you leave

It’s essential to make sure your pet is in the best possible health before you go, particularly for longer holidays. This involves:

• Making sure they’ve undergone a recent vet health check (within the last 12 months for healthy adults, within the last 6 months for pets more than 8 years old, or within the last 3 months for puppies or pets with health issues)
• Ensuring they’re up to date with all essential vaccinations and parasite control (flea, tick, intestinal worm and heartworm prevention)
• If your pet is on any medication or a special diet, check at least one week in advance that they have an adequate supply for the duration you’re away (so you have time to order more if required)
• Checking that your pet’s ID details are current, in case the worst occurs and they escape from the minder

What to leave for your pet’s carer

As well as ensuring an adequate supply of all your pet’s day-to-day care items (such as food, kitty litter, treats, etc), it’s all about communication, communication, communication!

It’s best to provide written instructions summarising your pet’s requirements:

• Meals: Times, pet food type (different for cats and dogs), amounts, any quirky eating habits they have – for example, some cats are grazers while others will wolf it down pronto! Specifics on managing an overweight pet’s diet.
• Preferred means of drinking water: For example, if your cat likes to drink from the tap!
• Any medications they require: When, how much, and how best to administer, whether it’s for diabetes, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, or other chronic conditions
• Any special care your pet requires: For instance, receiving anti-anxiety medication in advance of storms, being kept on lead on walks, wearing their proper dog collar, etc

Related: Dog first aid: Essential tips for every pet owner

It’s also a good idea to provide the details of your regular veterinary hospital (plus the details of your pet insurance policy, if you have one), in case your pet becomes unwell while you’re away.

You’ve sorted the flights, packed the bags and lined up the perfect pet care – now all that’s left is enjoying your well-earned break!

Discover more articles and insights on The Dish.

28 May 2026