Where to Leave Your Pet While on Vacation: Smart Options for Pet Parents

Planning a vacation is exciting, but for pet parents, figuring out where to leave their furry family members can be stressful. As someone who’s faced this dilemma countless times with my Shih Tzu, Tito, and my mischievous cat, Toto, I understand the anxiety that comes with leaving your pets behind. 

At Pet Watch, we’ve helped many pet parents find the perfect solution for their four-legged companions while they’re away.

Pet Sitting Options for Dogs and Cats

In-Home Pet Sitters: Comfort in Familiar Surroundings

Keeping your dog in their familiar environment is often ideal when deciding where to leave your dog while on vacation. In-home pet sitters come to your house daily or stay overnight, providing your pets with consistent care and companionship.

My Shih Tzu Tito gets anxious in new environments, so I typically opt for a trusted pet sitter through Pet Watch. This way, he maintains his morning walks around our neighborhood and evening cuddles in his favorite spot on the couch.

Benefits of in-home pet sitting:

• Pets stay in their familiar environment
• Minimal disruption to their daily routine
• Personal attention and one-on-one care
• Home security (occupied house)
• Daily updates and photos

Potential drawbacks:

• Allowing someone access to your home
• Less structured environment than professional facilities
• Availability can be limited during holiday periods
• Quality depends entirely on the individual sitter
• May need backup options in case of a sitter emergency

Pet Watch offers in-home pet sitting services with the added benefit of full verification and certification of all sitters. For pet parents who prefer not to have someone stay in their home, Pet Watch also provides “home visit” services where sitters can do scheduled feedings at your place. This ensures your dog’s routine stays consistent with regular meal times, fresh water, brief walks, and medication administration if needed – all while allowing them to remain in their familiar home environment.

Boarding Kennels: Supervised Care and Socialization

Professional boarding facilities offer supervised care for pets in a controlled environment. Modern kennels have evolved significantly from past cold, cage-like facilities.

Look for cat-specific boarding options when choosing where to leave your cat while on vacation. My cat Toto enjoys his “cat condo” at our local luxury boarding facility, where he can climb and explore while being monitored by professionals.

Pros of boarding kennels:

• Professional supervision around the clock
• Structured routines for feeding and exercise
• Socialization opportunities with other pets
• Emergency care readily available
• No strangers entering your home

Cons of boarding kennels:

• Unfamiliar environment can stress some pets
• Potential exposure to illness despite vaccination requirements
• Limited one-on-one attention during busy periods
• Can be costly during peak holiday seasons
• Fixed pick-up and drop-off times

Pet Watch offers an alternative with certified pet sitters who can provide personalized care either in your home or theirs, giving your pet individual attention while maintaining a more relaxed environment than traditional kennels.

What to look for in a quality boarding facility:

• Clean, spacious accommodations
• Proper ventilation and temperature control
• Exercise areas and playtime schedules
• Trained staff
• Precise health requirements and vaccination policies
• Option for webcam monitoring

Friend and Family Care: The Familiar Face Option

Leaving your pet with a friend or family member they already know and love can reduce separation anxiety. This option combines the comfort of personal attention with the cost-effectiveness of a favor.

Last summer, my neighbor watched Tito while I was away for a weekend getaway. They already knew his quirky habits (like his insistence on being tucked in at night with his favorite blanket), making the transition smoother for everyone.

Tips for friend/family pet care:

• Provide detailed written instructions
• Supply ample food, treats, and medications
• Leave your vet’s contact information
• Express gratitude with a thoughtful gift
• Offer to return the favor

Pet Hotels and Luxury Boarding: Vacation for Your Pet

Pet hotels offer premium accommodations for pet parents who are wondering where to leave their pets while on vacation and are willing to splurge. These upscale facilities often feature private rooms, memory foam beds, TV time, swimming pools, and spa treatments.

Top luxury pet boarding options in the UAE include:

Urban Tails Pet Resort Dubai – Known for its spacious private rooms, swimming pool, and “Pet Taxi” service that picks up and drops off your furry friend.

Pets Oasis – Offers luxury suites with webcams, specialized play zones, and grooming services in a resort-like atmosphere.

My Second Home – Features impressive amenities including splash pools, indoor play zones, and premium “pet condos” with TV entertainment.

PetsVille – Popular for their themed luxury suites, professional photography sessions, and specialized dietary accommodations.

While these luxury options provide exceptional amenities, they come with premium price tags and may not suit pets who prefer familiar environments or one-on-one attention.

What makes pet hotels special:

• Private suites instead of kennels
• Premium bedding and accommodations
• Extra playtime and activities
• Webcam access to check on your pet
• Add-on services like grooming or training

Pet-Friendly Vacations: Bring Them Along

Sometimes the best solution is not leaving your pet behind at all! With more hotels, vacation rentals, and even restaurants becoming pet-friendly, bringing your furry friend along is increasingly viable.

Consider these factors before bringing pets on vacation:

• Your pet’s temperament and adaptability
• Mode of transportation and distance
• Pet policies at your destination
• Additional costs for pet accommodations
• Required health certificates for crossing state lines or international borders

House-Sitting Services: Two-Way Benefits

House-sitting services connect pet owners with individuals who will stay in your home and care for your pets while you’re away. This option provides peace of mind regarding both your pets and home security.

Pet Watch’s house-sitting service matches you with certified sitters who will live visit your home during your absence. All sitters undergo comprehensive background checks and pet care training, ensuring your home and pets are in capable hands. The app allows you to communicate directly with your sitter, receive photo updates throughout your trip, and even coordinate meet-and-greets before booking. With secure payment processing through the app, you can enjoy your vacation knowing both your home and pets are well cared for.

Benefits of house sitters:

• Full-time presence in your home
• Pet care in familiar surroundings
• Home maintenance and security
• Often more affordable than luxury boarding
• Can handle other responsibilities like plant watering and mail collection

Pet Exchange Networks: Community Pet Care

Pet exchange networks connect pet owners who can care for each other’s animals during vacations. These reciprocal arrangements build community and can be cost-effective.

Through Pet Watch’s community, I connected with another Shih Tzu owner in my neighborhood. We now regularly watch each other’s dogs during vacations, and our pups have become best friends!

Where to Leave Your Cat While on Vacation: Special Considerations

Cats often have different vacation care needs than dogs. Generally, cats prefer staying in their familiar territory rather than moving to a new location.

My cat Toto gets particularly stressed in new environments, so in-home care has always been our go-to option. When that’s not possible, cat-specific boarding facilities with quiet spaces and climbing opportunities have worked well.

Cat-specific vacation care tips:

• Provide hiding spots and vertical spaces
• Maintain their feeding schedule
• Leave familiar bedding and toys
• Consider automatic feeders for short trips
• Set up additional litter boxes if using a pet sitter

Preparing Your Pet for Your Absence

Regardless of where you decide to leave your pet while on vacation, proper preparation is essential:

1. Create ID/pet passport and microchip: Ensure your pet has proper identification and registrations
2. Add all vaccines: Update vaccination records and ensure they meet caretaker requirements
3. Create a care sheet: Document feeding schedules, medication times, and behavioral quirks

Fortunately for all pet parents, the Pet Watch app covers all this. After creating your profile, you’ll set up a detailed pet profile (multiple pet profiles available) with all necessary information, including medical history, dietary needs, and behavior patterns. Registration is simple, and only certified pet sitters are available. You can connect through the app without having to worry. The great thing is that you can check the reviews and pick the best sitter for your furry family member. Whether you need a quick 30-minute visit, an hour-long session, or care for several hours, Pet Watch makes it easy to find the perfect solution for your needs.

Technology Solutions for Peace of Mind

Developed for pet parents who want a carefree vacation, the Pet Watch app makes monitoring your pet while away easier than ever. The app allows you to coordinate with caregivers, receive updates, and send messages, including live pictures of your pet!

Last Christmas, watching Tito and Toto eating their favorite meals via picture while I was visiting family in Serbia made being apart much more bearable.

FAQ

Where is the best place to keep your dog while on vacation? 

The best place depends on your dog’s personality and needs. For social dogs, a reputable boarding facility or pet hotel provides structure and playtime with other dogs. For anxious or older dogs, in-home pet sitting or staying with a familiar friend or family member is often ideal to maintain their routine and comfort.

Where do people leave their cats when they go on vacation? 

Most cat owners prefer in-home pet-sitting services, as cats typically feel more secure in their familiar territory. Cat-specific boarding facilities with individual “condos” and quiet spaces are a good alternative for more extended vacations. Some cats do well staying with a trusted friend who understands feline behavior.

Where do I leave my pet when I go on holiday? 

Your options include professional pet sitters, boarding kennels, pet hotels, friends/family care, house sitters, or pet exchange networks. When making this decision, consider your pet’s temperament, the length of the trip, and your budget. For shorter trips, automated feeders and pet cameras can supplement less frequent visits from caregivers.

Will my dog or cat be ok if I go away for 2 weeks? 

Yes, most pets adjust well to a two-week absence with proper arrangements. Dogs and cats form strong bonds with their owners but are adaptable when their basic needs for food, shelter, exercise, and affection are met consistently. Professional boarding facilities and dedicated pet sitters are well-equipped to handle longer stays, providing structure and companionship while you’re away.

Remember, whether you’re gone for a weekend or a month, the proper preparation and care arrangements will ensure your beloved pets are safe, comfortable, and happy until you return with extra cuddles and treats!

By Monja Madan, Founder of Pet Watch App.

May 26, 2025