Summer is a great time to get away and recharge. But leaving your pets behind? That can be stressful! How do you know they’ll be safe, comfortable, and cared for while you’re gone? Having a reliable plan for pet care makes all the difference. Instead of noisy, crowded boarding facilities that can overwhelm your pet, consider the comfort and personalized care that in-home pet sitting provides. Here’s what you should know before you travel this summer.
1. Start with a Comprehensive Travel and Home Safety Checklist
Preparing for your trip isn’t just about packing food and toys for your pet—it’s about creating a safe, comfortable environment so your pet is safe and feels secure while you’re away. Make sure you have:
- Enough food, treats, and medication with clear instructions.
- Comfort items like a favorite blanket that has your scent or toys that you enjoy playing with together.
- Up-to-date ID tags and microchip information in case of emergencies.
- Emergency vet contact information and local backup clinics.
- Home safety measures: pet-proof your space by removing hazards, securing trash bins, and storing anything your pet might chew.
- All access info and emergency contacts consolidated in one place for your sitter.
I’ve prepared a checklist to get ready for your pet sitter, which you can get here, which helps your pet sitter provide the best care possible, even in the unlikely event of an emergency, and gives you peace of mind while you travel.
2. Skip the Stress and Noise of Boarding Facilities
Boarding kennels can be noisy, busy places where barking dogs and unfamiliar surroundings can cause anxiety, especially for senior pets, shy animals, or those with special needs.
Claws and Paws Pet Sitting offers in-home care that keeps your pets in their familiar environment, avoiding the stress of boarding. We provide personalized care for a wide variety of animals—including dogs, cats, small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs, as well as horses, livestock, exotics, and birds.
Your sitter isn’t just feeding your pets—they’re offering companionship, playtime, and personalized attention tailored to your pet’s needs. This helps reduce stress, maintain their normal routines, and avoid exposure to illnesses common in boarding facilities.
3. Communicate Your Pet’s Routine Clearly
Pets thrive on consistency, so it’s important to provide your sitter with a detailed routine that helps your pet feel secure. Include specifics like:
- Feeding schedules and portion sizes
- Walk or potty break times
- Playtime preferences and favorite activities
- Any quirks or behavioral notes (e.g., tends to hide during thunderstorms)
- Medication schedules and special care instructions
The right sitter will follow your pet’s routine closely, ensuring that feeding times, walks, play sessions, and medication schedules are maintained just as you would at home. At Claws and Paws Pet Sitting, our experienced sitters take this commitment seriously. We customize each visit based on your pet’s unique needs and personality, providing companionship, exercise, and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
Plus, we understand how important it is for you to stay connected while you’re away. That’s why we provide regular updates—complete with photos and detailed notes—so you can see exactly how your pet is doing and feel confident that they’re comfortable and well cared for while you’re away.
4. Schedule Your Pet Care Early and Arrange a Meet-and-Greet
Summer is a popular travel season, so good pet sitters’ calendars fill up quickly. Booking your pet care well in advance is essential to secure your preferred sitter and times. If this is your first time working with a sitter, scheduling a meet-and-greet before your trip allows your pet to get comfortable with their new caregiver and lets you discuss any special instructions. This preparation makes the transition smoother for everyone and gives you confidence your pet is in good hands.
5. Going the Extra Mile: Little Touches That Make a Big Difference
Professional pet sitters often provide more than just feeding and walking. At Claws and Paws Pet Sitting, our sitters can help with:
- Watering plants
- Bringing in mail and packages
- Taking out the garbage
- Providing home security checks
- Monitoring your pet’s health and behavior closely
These extras add up to real peace of mind, ensuring your home stays safe and your pet stays happy while you’re away.
Final Thoughts
Traveling this summer doesn’t have to be stressful when you choose in-home pet sitting. Your pet stays comfortable in their own environment, enjoys personalized care, and maintains their routine. Meanwhile, you get peace of mind knowing your home is secure and your pet is loved.
Ready to plan your trip? Contact Claws and Paws Pet Sitting today to book your sitter and schedule a meet-and-greet. Your pet will thank you!
