How To Find Pet Care While You’re On Vacation

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They may sit in your suitcase or give you the puppy eyes while you pack, but all pet owners know that eventually, they'll have to travel without their furry friends. 

But just because you're out of town, doesn't mean they have to be home alone. In-home pet-sitters, pop-in visits, cameras and boarding services are all helpful ways to options for keeping your pet fed and happy while you're away. 

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Need pet insurance?

Vet bills are expensive, but pet insurance can help you, your pet-sitter, and your pet in an emergency.

We recommend Lemonade pet health insurance; it's one of the most affordable  options available, with customizable policies starting at $10/mo. 


Professional pet-sitters

While friends, family, and neighbors are generally cheapest option for pet care while you're on vacation, they might not always be available (or as reliable). 

However, professional pet sitters can do more for your furry friend in an emergency. This kind of in-home pet sitting keeps your dog or cat in familiar surroundings, letting the care come to them.

If your pet is a senior or has special needs, this is an option worth considering. Professional dog sitters generally ask for higher rates than your loved ones will, but they’re qualified and more experienced with tasks like giving medication or leash training.

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Pro Tip

Care.com and the Rover dog-sitting app can connect you to pet sitters in your area. These caretakers undergo careful screening to qualify, so you know your pet’s paws are in good hands.

In-home pet sitting

Our Recommendation
Rover logo
Rover.com
  • Catalog of local sitters
  • In-home socialization with other dogs
  • Secure payment platform through the Rover app
  • Daily doggy updates
  • Care for cats too

In-home boarding combines the best perks of pet sitting and traditional boarding.

Instead of leaving your pets at home, an in-home boarding professional can watch your furry friend at their home. You’ll have to bring your pets to their location, but they get all the comforts of staying at a house while you’re away.

Like kennel owners, in-home boarders require a license and qualifications to charge for their services. So you can feel satisfied knowing your pets will get exercise, medications, food, and water during your trip.

In-home boarding for dogs is more common, but you can find these same services for cats, birds, fish, and other small pets.

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How much do pro pet-sitters cost?

The cost for pet-sitters can vary, but we conducted a quick search on Rover.com and saw that services like dog walking, house sitting, and in-home care tend to range between $25 to $60 per day. 

Dog boarding services

If an in-home dog sitter isn’t the best option while you’re on vacation, you can board your pet at a kennel with other pups.

Research to find the most reliable pet boarding services in your area. The best dog-boarding services have puppy play areas for your best friend to meet other dogs and stay entertained while you’re away.

You can also board cats when you leave on vacation, but their enclosure is not as social as the dog areas.

Websites like Care.com can connect you with local kennels and boarders in your area.

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How much do local kennels cost?

A quick search on our end showed prices for local kennels range between $50 to $100 per day for dog boarding. Factors like pet's medical needs, the length of their stay, and area prices can affect this price too. 

Get a pet cam

Our Recommendation
Furbo pet camera
The Furbo Dog Camera
  • Barking alerts
  • Easy setup
  • Compatible with Alexa

Whether you’re in a different state or a different time zone, pet cameras let you see your furry friend whenever you miss them.

Pet cameras suffice on their own if you’re gone for short periods, but they pair well with pet sitting services. If you don’t know your drop-in pet sitter well, you can see your pet and their sitter through the camera.

The best pet cameras have treat dispensers, two-way talk, and other extras to keep your pets entertained. We especially like the Furbo 360° Dog Camera.

Some pet cams can connect to your security system or act as a security camera while you’re away. Check our picks for the best security systems for pet owners.

FAQs

Be prepared before you leave for your vacation. Leave your vet’s contact information and pet’s medication schedule with your pet sitter.

If you have a pet with medical issues, we recommend asking someone to stay on your property or hiring a pet sitter to keep your pet in their home while you’re gone.

Sure, but you’ll need to give them clear instructions depending on the difficulty level of administering the medication. That’s why we suggest a qualified, experienced pet sitter instead of a friend or family member.

Paw-sitively. Most services that cater to dogs can also help cat owners. Rover, for example, can connect you with pet sitters, in-home boarding, and in-home care for cats.

On average, pet sitters can cost anywhere from $10 to $40 per day. That said, prices change depending on where you live, how long you’ll be gone, and how many animals you have.

If you decide to take your pet on vacation with you, it’s smart to check out the pet policy at your hotel before leaving.

We like Bring Fido for finding pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, and even vacation activities your pup can enjoy too.


Compare the top pet safety products

Product
Best for
Price
Standout feature
Learn more
Read review
Affordable pet insuranceDeductible: $100–$500 (annual)
Affordable GPS pet trackerCollars for cats and dogs
Best pet cameraMotion and bark sensor

Treat dispenser

Best pet-friendly security systemAdjustable motion sensitivity
Best dog harnessReflective; 4-point adjustment
Best pet gateCat door

Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.

Katie McEntire
Written by
As a renter, pet-owner, and woman living alone, Katie McEntire takes safety seriously. She’s tested devices like pet cameras, home security systems, and GPS trackers in her own home and devices in the name of safety. In addition to testing, writing, and reviewing for SafeWise, she also makes videos for the site’s YouTube channel. She’s been featured on publications like TechGuySmartBuy, Forbes, Healthy Moms, and Digital Care. Katie has a Bachelor’s degree in Technical Writing from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. She’s held previous writing positions at Overstock.com and Top Ten Reviews.

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