Our Guide to Preparing Your Pet for Pet Sitting


Golden retreiver smiling at Texas Ruff House

How to Plan Your Pet’s Stay-cation

It’s that time of year again! While you’re making plans for holiday travel, you may also be thinking about whether or not your pet is coming with you and how you will prepare for either scenario. During the summer, we shared our best tips for traveling with your pet and making it a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for everyone. This time, our team of pet care professionals at Texas Ruff House is sharing their advice for getting your dog or cat ready for their “stay-cation”, or in-your-home pet care, while you’re away.


Australian Shepherd looking through fence at Texas Ruff House
There are certain situations where leaving your dog or cat at home with professional care is a better option for both you and your pet. Pets can find travelling to be very stressful, whether it’s from being in a new environment, having anxiety in in different modes of transportation, there not being enough pet-friendly activities available… the list goes on! We’ve already had situations where we’ve gotten calls from clients asking for pet sitting services after their vacations already started and realized it was too stressful for them and their pets to continue. In this case, it’s best to leave your dog or cat at home and let us care for them and update you regularly on how they’re doing!


Getting off on the right paw!

There are some steps that you can take to make your dog or cat’s time apart from you more comfortable, fun, and worry-free while setting them up for success with their pet sitter. While you don’t need to worry about your pet getting used to a new environment, they may be confused by the presence of a new person in the house, especially once you walk out the door. To ensure that your dog or cat and your pet sitter get off on the right paw, introduce them to each other well in advance, especially if your pet tends to be fearful, anxious, or stressed when you’re not around. 


Cat eating a meal at Texas Ruff House
You can easily do this by setting up trial visits with your pet sitter. Upon your their arrival, use your body language to communicate that they are a friend and welcome in your home. Don’t force contact with your pet; instead let your dog or cat decide how quickly their interactions should progress. While you two discuss the upcoming visits, your pet sitter can toss tasty treats in your pet’s direction. You can also schedule visits for your sitter while you are at home, so your pet sees them coming and going. And when you feel like your pet is ready, have your sitter come to your home for visits while your dog or cat is alone and is roaming free or confined (in a crate, for example). 


Black dog out for a walk at Texas Ruff House
In addition, give your pet sitter a tour of your home so they know where to find all the essential items for your dog or cat. Fill them in on your pet’s routine and how they like to go about their day. A pet sitter who’s comfortable in your house and knowledgeable about all your pet’s needs will be able to provide a more positive experience for you and your pet.


 

 

 

Consistency is key.

Keeping a consistent routine lowers your pet’s anxiety about your absence. Make sure to share your pet’s schedule for crate time, potty breaks, walks, and feeding and try to arrange visits to your home that would best align with it. Activity, exercise, and stimulation are also great ways to help your pet feel fulfilled and relaxed, so explore these options with your pet sitter. For example, if your pet enjoys work-to-eat toys, you can prepare and freeze some in advance so they have a good distraction to enjoy during their alone time while your sitter steps out.

 

Dog catching a ball at Texas Ruff House
So that your pet sitter is absolutely prepared for anything, make sure to provide important contact information in case they’re unable to reach you. This includes phone numbers to your pet’s veterinarian and an emergency 24 hour vet clinic. The more prepared your pet sitter is for caring for your dog or cat, the more peace of mind you will have when you leave your cherished pet’s care to your sitter.


 

 

We’re here to help!

Our team of pet care professionals would be happy to care for your pet while you are away and make sure that they have just as much fun as you do on vacation, if not more. We offer pet sitting in your own home and are accepting bookings for this holiday season in Pflugerville, TX and the surrounding areas of Round Rock, Georgetown, Hutto, and North Austin.


Location: Pflugerville, TX, USA

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