Pet sitting
Boarding, Pet Sitter or House Sitter: Choosing Care While You Are Away
Kennels, catteries, sitters and friends all have their place. How to match the option to your animal — and the checks to run before you book.
The main options
Each suits different animals and budgets.
- Licensed boarding kennels and catteries — professional facilities with routine, supervision and, in the UK, licensing and inspection
- Home boarding — your dog stays in a carer's home; also licensed in the UK
- Pet sitters who visit your home one or more times a day
- House sitters who stay in your home
- Friends or family
Matching the option to the animal
Most cats are far happier at home with a visiting sitter than in a cattery — territory matters enormously to them. Sociable dogs often enjoy good kennels or home boarding; anxious dogs usually cope better at home. Small mammals, birds, reptiles and fish are almost always best cared for in their own enclosures at home.
Checks before you book
Run these checks whoever you choose.
- Ask to see the licence and insurance — in the UK, boarding and home boarding businesses must be licensed by the local council
- Visit the facility or meet the sitter before committing
- Ask what happens in a veterinary emergency and which practice they use
- Check reviews and, for sitters, references and a criminal-record check where available
- Do a trial: one night of boarding or a short sitting engagement before a long trip
Set them up to succeed
Leave written instructions covering feeding, medication, routines, your vet's details and your own contact details. Keep vaccinations and parasite treatment up to date — kennels will require proof. A familiar blanket or item of your clothing helps many animals settle.
Frequently asked questions
- How far ahead should I book?
- Good kennels, catteries and sitters book up months ahead for school holidays and Christmas. Book as early as you book your own travel.
- Is it fair to leave my pet at all?
- With the right care, yes. Most animals cope well with a good sitter or facility, and a short period of mild disruption is part of a normal life. The key is matching the care to the animal, not the other way round.
References
- RSPCA — going on holiday with pets — https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets