Where Can I Leave My Pet While On Vacation?

Traveling with your pet is a great experience but not always affordable or appropriate. Many owners have trouble finding a company or person to take their place and look after the animal. Your friend must receive the care and attention they need. Where can I leave my pet while on vacation? How do you choose the right candidate for a pet sitter? Read on to find out!

Options for Your Pets While You're on Vacation

Today, there are many options for caring for your pet while you are on vacation. The modern world is becoming more pet-friendly, so you can choose from various offers. Here are some options that owners consider the best:

• Professional pet hotels. These establishments have appeared relatively recently but are actively in demand among people. Here, you can leave your pet safely and provide them with comfort, good nutrition, and care. In addition, establishments offer additional services: drawing up a meal plan, grooming, cynology, and more.
• Pet care services. Many owners are convinced that the ideal place for their four-legged friend is home, and there is no need to subject it to unnecessary stress. If you think the same, consider hiring a pet sitter. These enthusiasts are always responsible for their tasks: feeding, walking, and playing.
• Veterinary clinics. Many establishments offer boarding for their clients. Moreover, you can additionally order a body checkup and additional procedures for the pet. The main difference between a hotel and a clinic is the number of various services provided.
• Friends and relatives. This option has worked for a long time and is suitable for those who want to save money. Ask friends or relatives to visit your pet, walk with it, and feed it. This can be a good idea since your animal knows this person. 

The choice of what to do with pets when traveling is individual and depends on the pet's needs. For example, active and large breeds are better kept under constant supervision and given attention so that the animal does not experience stress.

Benefits of Professional Pet Boarding Facilities

Despite the convenience of options with friends and freelance pet sitters, many turn to pet care companies, preferring to trust professionals. We have highlighted several advantages of these facilities:

• 24-hour care. The animals will be supervised 24/7 because they are watched by a veterinarian on duty at night. This reduces the risk of injury, illness, and any emergencies.
• Safety. The hotels are equipped and zoned so the animals cannot get hurt or escape. All residents of the hotel are checked for diseases, vaccinations, and relevant documents, so you can not worry about your friend's health.
• Socialization. An essential part of the life of any pet, especially for active breeds. They can spend time with other animals and study their behavior, smells, and play habits. Specialists monitor the safety and healthy atmosphere, preventing fights and bites.
• Special services. In addition to supervision and feeding, many establishments offer additional benefits such as medical procedures, individual approaches, training, and so on. If you have requirements or wishes, the company will listen to you.

Professional establishments generally provide comfort to the animal at the highest level. They value their reputation, hire professionals, and take care of clients. This is an excellent option for any animal.

Exploring Pet Sitting Services: At Home vs. Host's Place

Leave your friend at a hotel? Invite a sitter? Take them to a boarding facility? Each of these options of where to leave your pet while on vacation has its advantages and nuances. We decided to compare sitters at your home or at a host's place to highlight their features:

Criteria	At Home	Host's Place
Environment	The pet stays in a familiar setting, reducing stress.	The pet adjusts to a new environment, which may cause stress but can also encourage socialization.
Attention	The sitter focuses on your pet but may leave for other tasks.	The sitter is usually present with the pet full-time, especially if they don’t have other pets.
Hygiene and Comfort	The home remains clean and familiar for the pet.	The sitter provides a comfortable space, but conditions should be clarified beforehand.
Socialization	Minimal, especially for pets that don’t tolerate strangers well.	Opportunity to interact with the sitter's other pets (if any), beneficial for active animals.
Best For	Pets attached to their homes struggle to adapt to new environments.	Pets that are adaptable and enjoy the company.

When choosing between the two options, your financial expectations, the nature of the pet, and your requirements for the sitter are worth considering. For example, you can ask them to water the flowers, pick up the mail, or walk more often in familiar places for the pet if you choose a host’s place.

Where to Leave Pets When Travelling: Utilizing Pet Hotels and Resorts

These options differ from the previous ones in pricing, making the services more expensive. However, the pet will receive special care, an individual approach, and luxurious conditions here.

Spa treatments, grooming salons, entertainment programs, walks in the fresh air, and other options are available here for four-legged clients. This is a good option for those who are ready to overpay so that the century is not only with you :)

Family and Friends: A Trustworthy Option?

As mentioned above, trust is the main reason to ask loved ones for help. Your pet is familiar with them and knows their smell, and you can be sure of the safety of your home. However, this is not always a good idea.

Taking an animal for temporary boarding is a big responsibility. It is important to remember that your friend or relative is not a professional who cannot guarantee the same as a sitter. If you have already made this decision, tell your friend about caring for your pet: medications, walking, habits, and diet.

Preparing Your Pet for Your Absence

We hope you have decided on one of the options and are ready to go on a trip. What should you consider before leaving? What nuances should you know? We have highlighted several key points:

• Habituation. If you have chosen not to leave your pet at home, try to take him to temporary accommodation so that he gets used to the new environment in advance.
• Food supply. Leave your pet's favorite food, toys, comfortable things, a blanket, and additional gadgets.
• Instructions. Write out the main recommendations for your pet so that workers can navigate its habits.

The moment of farewell should be calm so that the animal does not experience stress. Preparation is one of the most critical steps when leaving your pet. It will help you avoid the most stressful situations and go on vacation.

Ensuring Pet Care and Safety with FlatRover While Traveling

Introducing your pet to the atmosphere of a hotel or sitter’s house can be stressful for both of you. How to make this task easier? FlatRover is a modern solution that combines your need to leave your pet and the desire of others to help you! Here's what you get:

• A verified sitter. Choose a candidate on the website based on any criteria: education, skills, cleanliness, and love for animals. The feedback and rating system will tell you the impressions of other property owners.
• A platform for publishing and selecting sitters. Place the order in a few clicks: add photos of pets, characteristics, and additional text.
• Reliable service. Our support is always ready to answer questions and consider any details. We guarantee a quick response and quality work with any problem.

Our service is a place where responsible owners and inspired pet sitters meet. Travel and look for places to stay with new offers from pet owners worldwide! Follow us on social networks to be the first to know about new features.

FAQ

What should I consider when picking a boarding facility for where to leave pets while on vacation?

The first thing you should look at is the hotel's reputation: feedback, reviews on social networks, and opinions of other dog owners. Owners have different priorities, so ensure the place meets your expectations. Of course, learning about certification, conditions, and their approach to pet leisure is also essential.

How do I prepare my pet for staying at a boarding facility or with a sitter?

We advise leaving your dog with a new person only after you are confident in the sitter. To do this, it is better to take these few steps:

• Introduce the sitter and the pet in advance. Watch the animal's reaction and how your candidate behaves.
• Prepare snacks. Not all pets are recommended to have additional treats; if yours is allowed, tell the sitter about it. This will help establish their bond.
• Check vaccinations. This is important to protect the sitter and dog from unexpected risks. If the pet requires new vaccines, do them before leaving.

These small rules will help you leave your pet alone without unnecessary stress for both of you.

Are there any travel-friendly pet care options?

Many owners use apps or drop-in daycares. For example, you took your dog with you on a trip but cannot take him on an excursion. Just leave your pet for a day without the need to spend the night separately. This will minimize stress, and you will know what to do with your pet when traveling.

What are the pros and cons of pet hotels versus pet sitting?

The main advantage of the hotel is its versatility. Many specialists are working there who will suit any animal. However, the change of scenery will be stressful for pets. Of course, it will be calmer for them to stay on their territory with a new person.

If professional supervision 24/7, grooming services, and service overall are more important to you, then try a hotel. If you care about your pet's comfort and a personalized approach, choose a sitter.

How can FlatRover help me find reliable pet care while I travel?

You can easily find the perfect friend for your pet while you are away. Firstly, you can learn more about them through a detailed questionnaire. Secondly, you pick and contact the candidate yourself.