8 tips for finding pet care while on vacation

Traveling is fun for many pet owners, but bringing your dog or cat along isn’t always possible or practical. Does your pet give you those sad puppy dog eyes or crawl into your suitcase the moment you start packing for a trip? If traveling with your dog or cat isn’t doable, you may worry just as much (if not more) about who you’re leaving at home as what you’re packing in your suitcase.

Fortunately, arranging a pet sitter or finding a boarding option while you’re traveling doesn’t have to be a huge chore. Finding reliable cat or dog care while on vacation may help ease your mind and help keep your pet happy while their favorite human is away from home.

1. Be realistic about your needs

Not every pet care option will work with every budget or pet. Some pets may require more attention and dedicated care, while others thrive in more social environments. Others do best with quiet, relaxed care and plenty of alone time. So, before you start weighing the pros and cons of your vacation pet care options, ask yourself these questions:

• What’s my budget for arranging pet care while on vacation?
• Does my pet prefer the company of others or a familiar environment?
• Does my pet get along well with strangers?
• Do I know anyone who can take care of pets?
• Is my pet okay with being left alone?
• How much care does my pet need every day? Consider meals and dietary needs, medications, exercise requirements, etc.
  

Once you have these questions answered, you may have a better idea of what kind of pet care services you need while you’re traveling. You may have multiple options when it comes to finding care for your dog or cat.

2. Explore local pet sitting services

Many cats and dogs feel most relaxed in the comfort of their own home, so arranging for a pet sitter to come by for meals, potty breaks and walks is a great way to keep their environment and routine as normal as possible.

The cost of hiring a pet sitter is dependent on how often you want someone to stop by and for how long. Pet sitters may check on your pet a few times a day, but there are also cat and dog sitters who stay at your home overnight.

Drop-ins may work well for low-maintenance dogs and most cats, but if your pet suffers from separation anxiety or has special needs, you might feel more comfortable with an overnight pet sitter.

There are multiple avenues for finding an in-home pet sitter. You might:

• Consider a professional pet sitter instead of a social post to the local community.
• Read reviews and ask for references.
• Establish a clear schedule with routine check-ins before you leave.
• Re-confirm with the sitter the week before you leave.

3. Ask friends and family for help

Do you have a friend or family member who already knows and loves your pet? You may find it more affordable to ask a neighbor, friend, coworker or family member to watch your dog or cat. You can even offer your own pet-sitting services in exchange!

Something to consider with a familiar face is that, unlike a professional pet sitter, you may have to be more flexible and adhere to their schedule and availability. So, just as you would with a professional pet sitter, have a clear conversation upfront about scheduling and your pet’s needs.

Keep in mind that not everyone you’re close with may be the best person to watch your pet while you’re away. At the end of the day, it’s important to put your pet’s needs first and go with someone who will as well.

4. Consider a pet camera

Pet cameras tend to pair well with pet sitting services because they allow you to keep an eye on your pet. Some even have treat dispensers, two-way communication and extra ways to help keep your pet entertained.

If you do use a pet camera along with a sitter, be sure to let them know ahead of time (even if you’re not planning to use it that often). Many people don’t like being watched or recorded without their knowledge, and some pet sitting services require you to disclose any existing surveillance cameras in their contracts.

5. Look at traditional pet boarding

For around-the-clock pet care when you’re away on vacation, consider dropping your pet off at a boarding facility, kennel or pet hotel. Many facilities require some advance notice, and the amount of comfort, coddling and individualized attention your pet receives may depend on how much you’re willing to spend. Walks and playtime, for example, may cost extra.

If you’re nervous about leaving your pet at a boarding facility for the first time, consider testing the waters with daycare or even a one-night trial. Ask about any specials, as facilities sometimes offer discounts to new customers.

Most facilities require proof that your pet is up to date on their vaccinations, and you’ll most likely need to provide your own pet food and any needed medications. Ask if you can bring something from home, like a toy or comfy bed, to help give your pet some extra comfort in their new environment.

6. Consider in-home pet boarding

If hiring a pet sitter to stay in your home doesn’t fit into your budget, but you still want your pet to receive a similar level of love and care, in-home pet boarding might be for you.

Discover your pet’s home away from home by arranging for your pet to stay in another sitter’s home. This option may be more convenient for the pet sitter, so you may find it easier to get a friend or relative on board to help watch your pet. Just check that your sitter’s home is free of household hazards or poisonous house plants.

You may find security and comfort in not having to give up your house keys, but if your pet doesn’t get along well with other animals, you may need to find a sitter who doesn’t own any pets.

7. Create a pet care checklist

Whether you decide to use an in-home pet sitter, a drop-in visitor or a boarding facility, a checklist for your pet’s care is essential. Your list might include information such as:

• The type and brand of food your pet typically eats. Don’t forget to include any approved treats and to have enough food.
• Any known allergies or sensitivities.
• Your pet’s walking schedule or exercise routine.
• Your contact information, which should also be included on your pet’s ID tag.
• Toys that are safe for your pet to play with — and include which toys are their favorite.
• Any medication(s) your pet takes daily or as needed.
• Any health or behavioral concerns.
• Emergency info, including your vet’s name, address and phone number, along with proof of pet health insurance, if applicable.
  

This type of information is vital to have on hand for any pet care professional, so that your pet receives proper care and treatment in the event of an emergency.

Since you may be hard to reach while travelling, keep this information readily available to help protect your pet.

8. Help protect your pet's health

When you can leave your pet in the hands of someone you trust, it may be easier to relax and make the most of your vacay. But even with precautions in place, you can’t predict when an accident or health emergency will happen to your pet. This is why it’s so important to protect dogs and cats with good pet medical insurance coverage. If you’ve got time before leaving for your trip, signing up for pet insurance now can help ensure that your pet has coverage for new, unexpected conditions while you’re away.

Regardless, protecting your pet now can help you get the most out of their coverage throughout their lifetime. Discover how a pet insurance policy can help provide comfort no matter where life takes you and your pet.

From all of us at State Farm®, we wish you a safe and happy journey on your next adventure!