Holiday Travel Season: Book Your Pet Sitter Early and Prepare for Thanksgiving to New Year's

Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's are the busiest travel periods of the year, and the busiest times for pet sitters. If you plan to travel, now is the time to line up care.

A holiday booking timeline

• 6 to 8 weeks before: Reach out to sitters and ask about holiday availability and rates. Many good sitters fill up early.
• 4 weeks before: Schedule your meet & greet. Check vaccines and refill prescriptions.
• 2 weeks before: Share your instruction sheet and confirm the schedule.
• 1 week before: Stock food, litter, treats and supplies. Update ID and microchip details.
• The day before: Confirm arrival times, keys and codes.

Why book early

Holiday periods often come with higher demand, and many sitters limit how many clients they take so each pet gets proper care. Early booking also gives time for a meet & greet and for any paperwork, such as vaccine records.

Holiday hazards at home

• Rich foods: Turkey skin, gravy, bones and fatty scraps can cause pancreatitis or blockages. Cooked bones can splinter.
• Toxic foods: Chocolate, xylitol, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, and alcohol. See our toxin guide.
• Plants: Poinsettias are mildly irritating. Lilies, holly, mistletoe and some bulbs are more dangerous, and lilies are especially dangerous for cats.
• Decorations: Tinsel, ribbon and string can cause blockages. Glass ornaments and cords are hazards.
• Christmas trees: Secure the tree, cover tree water, and keep an eye out for fallen needles.
• Guests and doors: More visitors means more chances for escape. Provide a quiet room and leave a note on the door.

If you are hosting

Give your pet a safe retreat, keep them away from the kitchen and trash, and tell guests not to feed table scraps.

If you are traveling

• Choose care in advance. A sitter who stays or visits several times per day, or a trusted friend with clear written instructions, is much better than hoping everything is fine.
• Share your travel plan. Tell the sitter your itinerary and how to reach you, and name a backup contact if you will be on a flight.
• Plan for delays. Winter weather can postpone your return. Leave extra food and medication, and let your sitter know they may need to stay longer.
• Cold-weather care: Keep walks shorter for small, short-coated, young or old dogs, and wipe paws after walking on salted or chemically treated surfaces.

Pet taxi and vet visits

If your pet needs a ride to the vet, groomer or a boarding stay before you leave, ask your sitter whether they offer a pet taxi so you do not have to rearrange your travel day.

A calm departure

Keep goodbyes short, give your pet a good walk or play session, and leave a few comforting items, such as a worn shirt or a favorite toy.

With a little planning, you and your pets can both enjoy the holidays.