A stress-free guide to preparing your pets for your holiday travel

We’re entering one of the busiest travel times of the year (yay). With it comes a whole slew of big feelings about leaving your furry family members behind (boo).

Your feelings are completely valid! Check out this interesting Psychology Today article about the anxiety that can come up when you have to leave your pet.

While you may be looking forward to a change of scenery during your vacation, your pets might feel a little unsure about the disruption to their routine, not to mention missing their favorite human. 

That’s why it’s best to prepare ahead of time, whether they’re staying with a pet sitter, heading to a boarding facility or spending a few days with your family or friends. A little planning now will go a long way in keeping your pets comfortable and cared for while you travel.

We’ve compiled a few steps to help prepare your pet for your holiday travel and help them feel secure while you're away.

(P.S. If you’re traveling WITH your pet, you’ll want to read the American Animal Hospital Association’s guide to stress-free holiday pet travel.)

Start with a routine check-in

Begin your planning with a quick review of your pet’s current needs. 

Make sure their vaccinations are up to date and check that their flea and tick prevention is current. If your pet has any medical conditions, speak with your veterinarian about travel-related concerns. Ask about medications your pet might need while you are gone and request extra if your sitter might need them. 

If your pet struggles with anxiety, your vet may also suggest calming aids or behavior strategies to make your time away easier.

Choose the right kind of care

Pets are happiest when their care matches their personality. 

Some pets thrive in a busy boarding environment with lots of activity and attention. Others prefer to stay in their own home and keep their routine consistent.

No matter what you choose, take the time to research your options. 

If you book a boarding facility, arrange a short visit so your pet can explore the space and meet the staff. 

For in-home Long Beach pet sitting like ours, schedule an introductory meet-and-greet so your pet can get comfortable with your sitter. This helps reduce stress on the first day and sets your pet up for success.

Bonus tip: If you’re thinking about hiring a pet sitter, read our blog on how to choose a pet care provider. 

Create a comfort plan for your pet(s)

Pets rely on familiar scents and routines, so a comfort plan is one of the best ways to help them feel safe. 

Prepare a list of their habits, favorite toys, feeding routines and any quirks that are important for the sitter or boarding team to know. Include details like how they prefer to play, where they like to nap and what signals they give when they need something. 

Before you head out, spend a little extra time making your home feel cozy and familiar. Leave out your pet’s bed and enrichment toys they love.

If your pet is staying outside your home, pack a bag that includes their fave blankie, a worn T- shirt that smells like you and a few treats (if allowed at the boarding facility). Small comforts can make a big difference when they’re away from home!

Keep communication simple and clear

Share clear instructions with your pet sitter or boarding facility. Include your contact information, your veterinarian’s information and an emergency contact who is local. 

Write down feeding schedules, medication instructions and any household details they should know. The more your sitter knows, the smoother the experience will be for everyone.

If you’ve booked pet sitting services with us, stay off the naughty list! Make sure you don’t:

• wait until the last minute to update instructions in your Time to Pet client portal

• make food changes right before you travel

• forget to tell us about changes in medications

Practice short separations before you go

If your pet is not used to being alone for long periods, begin practicing short separations well before your travel. 

Leave the house for a brief period and return calmly and quietly. Gradually increase the length of time until your pet begins to understand that you always come back. 

With a bit of practice, your pet will feel more at ease when the big day arrives.

Prepare your home

Alright, you’ve made a plan and practiced leaving your pets. Now it’s time for a little pet-proofing to get your home ready for your time away.

We’re skipping the obvious tasks like topping up water dishes and tidying litter boxes. Instead, think about the small details that will help keep your pets safe and comfortable while you are gone. Depending on your pet, this might include:

• securing trash cans so pets can’t get into them

• storing medications, electrical cords and chemicals out of reach

• double-checking that any houseplants left out are safe for pets

• setting the temperature in the house to make sure it’s comfortable

A few extra minutes of preparation can go a long way toward giving both you and your pets a worry-free break.

Stay connected while you’re away

Staying connected can bring you peace of mind and allows you to monitor how your pet is doing. 

If your sitter offers updates, photos or short videos, take advantage of them! We always send cute photo or video messages of your fur baby so you know they’re in good hands while they’re in our care.

Most pets adjust quickly once they realize they are safe and cared for, but communication helps everyone feel more confident.

Return with patience

When you come home, your pet may be excited or slightly unsettled. 

Give them time to readjust. Keep the first day or two calm and familiar. Offer lots of affection, slow reintroductions to routines and a gentle return to normal activities. Before long, your pet will settle back into their usual rhythm.

Holiday travel does not have to be stressful for you or your pets! With these helpful tips, you can enjoy your time away while knowing your furry/feathered/scaled family members are safe and happy.

Ready to book pet sitting in Long Beach for your upcoming vacay? Reach out to our team of professional pet sitters today. We can’t wait to meet you and your animal besties!