Protecting Your Home and Pets During Holiday Travel: Tips and Tricks

Holiday travel is an exciting time, but for pet owners, it often comes with the added stress of ensuring that both your pets and your home are safe while you’re away. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or a longer holiday, taking steps to secure your home and provide quality care for your pets will give you peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your trip without worry.

In this guide, we’ll share some helpful tips and tricks for protecting your home and pets during holiday travel, including how to ensure your pets are well cared for and how to keep your home secure while you’re away.

1. Hire a Trusted Professional Pet Sitter

One of the best ways to protect your pets while you’re away is by hiring a professional pet sitter. A pet sitter will not only provide your pets with the care and attention they need but will also ensure that your home remains secure. A professional sitter can maintain your pet’s routine, administer any necessary medications, and offer companionship, keeping your pets happy and comfortable.

Why a Pet Sitter is Crucial:

• Routine Care: Pets thrive on routine. A professional pet sitter will stick to your pet’s normal feeding, exercise, and sleep schedule, reducing anxiety during your absence.

• Personalised Attention: Unlike kennels where pets may get limited attention, a pet sitter provides one-on-one care, giving your pet the companionship they need.

• Home Security: In addition to caring for your pets, your sitter can bring in the post, adjust lights, and take care of any household tasks that help your home look occupied.

At Very Impawtent Pets, our franchisees are DBS-checked, trained professionals who offer both pet care and home security services, so you can rest easy knowing your pets and property are in safe hands.

2. Set Up Regular Updates from Your Pet Sitter

It can be hard to relax and enjoy your holiday if you’re constantly worried about your pets. One way to alleviate this stress is by setting up a regular communication plan with your pet sitter. Whether it’s daily updates or messages as needed, staying informed about how your pets are doing will give you peace of mind.

What to Expect from Regular Updates:

• Photos and Videos: Many pet sitters, including those at Very Impawtent Pets, send photos or videos to show you how your pet is doing.

• Written Updates: You can request brief messages to be sent daily or on a schedule, keeping you informed about feeding times, walks, and any changes in your pet’s behaviour.

• Emergency Contact: Make sure you have a clear line of communication with your sitter in case of an emergency.

Regular updates from your sitter can ease your mind and help you enjoy your time away without worry.

3. Prepare Your Home for Safety and Security

Your home is just as important as your pets when you’re away. A professional pet sitter can help maintain security, but there are also things you can do in advance to ensure your home stays safe while you’re travelling.

Home Security Tips:

• Adjust Lights and Curtains: Have your sitter adjust your lights and curtains throughout the day to create the illusion that someone is at home.

• Lock All Windows and Doors: Double-check that all windows, doors, and gates are securely locked before you leave. If you have an alarm system, make sure your sitter knows how to activate it.

• Post and Deliveries: Ask your sitter to bring in your post and any packages to avoid them piling up outside and signalling that you’re away.

• Exterior Check: Make sure your yard, porch, or garage is clear of anything that could be used to break into your home. Secure any outdoor valuables.

With these simple steps and the help of a pet sitter, your home will remain safe and secure while you’re away.

4. Pet-Proof Your Home Before You Leave

While you’re away, it’s important to make sure your home is pet-friendly and free of hazards. Even if your pet sitter is experienced, taking a few minutes to pet-proof your home will ensure a safe and stress-free environment for your pets.

Pet-Proofing Checklist:

• Remove Toxic Plants and Foods: Make sure any toxic plants (e.g., lilies, poinsettias) and foods (e.g., chocolate, grapes) are out of reach of your pets.

• Secure Dangerous Items: Store cleaning supplies, medications, and any other harmful items in cabinets or high shelves where your pet can’t access them.

• Keep Cords and Wires Safe: If your pet likes to chew, secure electrical cords and cables to avoid potential hazards.

• Create Safe Spaces: Ensure that your pet has access to their favourite spots and that any dangerous areas (e.g., stairs, dangerous rooms) are blocked off.

Pet-proofing your home ensures that your pet stays safe and avoids accidents while you’re away.

5. Inform Neighbours or Trusted Friends

Let your neighbours or close friends know that you’ll be away and that a pet sitter will be taking care of your pets. It’s helpful to have a backup person who can assist the sitter in case of an emergency.

How to Involve Your Neighbours:

• Emergency Contact: Provide your neighbours with your emergency contact information and your sitter’s contact details, just in case they need help.

• House Check: Ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your house, ensuring everything looks secure from the outside.

• Security Watch: You can also arrange for a neighbour to collect your rubbish or make periodic checks to make sure everything is okay.

Having someone local involved adds an extra layer of security and ensures someone is keeping an eye on your property while you’re away.

Why Very Impawtent Pets Is Your Go-To for Pet and Home Care

At Very Impawtent Pets, we specialise in providing both pet sitting and home care services, giving you peace of mind while you’re away. Here’s how we go above and beyond to protect your pets and home during holiday travel:

• DBS-Checked Franchisees: All of our franchisees are DBS-checked, ensuring your pets and home are in safe, trustworthy hands.

• Home Security Services: In addition to caring for your pets, we bring in your post, adjust lights, water your plants, and more to help keep your home secure and looking lived-in.

• Custom Care Plans: We tailor our services to meet your pet’s unique needs, from feeding and walks to administering medication and offering companionship.

• Regular Updates: We keep you informed with daily photos, videos, and messages so you can relax and enjoy your trip.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Holiday with Peace of Mind

The holidays are meant to be a time to relax and enjoy yourself, not to worry about the safety of your pets and home. By taking the necessary precautions—like hiring a professional pet sitter, preparing your home, and staying connected with regular updates—you can travel with peace of mind, knowing that everything is in good hands.

If you’re looking for reliable, professional care for your pets and home while you’re away, Very Impawtent Pets is here to help. Our pet sitters provide the highest level of care, ensuring your pets stay comfortable and your home stays secure.

Contact us today to schedule your pet and home sitting service, and enjoy your holiday without worry!