Heading Away These Holidays? How to Prepare Your Pet for a Stress-Free Stay

Mark Vette is a world-renowned Animal Behaviourist, Zoologist and Trainer. He brings together a unique combination of academic studies with 40 years of applied clinical animal behaviour consulting and treatment. Mark is a member of the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants. This article was written by Mark and the views expressed are his own.

Holidays are exciting — but for our pets, sudden changes in routine and separation from their favourite humans can be stressful. Whether your furry family member will be staying at a boarding kennel or cattery, enjoying a pet-sitter at home, or spending time with family or friends, a little preparation goes a long way in helping them feel calm, confident, and secure.

Here’s how to set your pet up for a smooth, positive experience while you’re away — and enjoy your holiday knowing they’re settled and happy too.

1. Choose the right care option for your pet

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best setup depends on your pet’s personality, history, and needs.

Kennels and catteries

This option is great for confident, social animals who enjoy activity and routine. A quality facility will have experienced staff, clean and calm environments, good vaccination protocols, and thoughtful exercise schedules. I ran a 120 dog kennel and 50 cat cattery for over 20 years, so can speak from experience that it is a skilled job that takes diligence and a real love for the animals you’re caring for!

Some dogs genuinely LOVE the bustle and play opportunities — others may find it overwhelming. This is typically the easiest option to secure over the holidays, but the good ones can be booked out several months in advance.

Pet sitter staying in your home

Perfect for pets who thrive on familiar smells, territory, and routine — especially cats, senior pets, and dogs prone to separation stress. This option keeps everything consistent and can feel the safest for many animals. Ideally choose someone who can maintain the routines and boundaries you have for your pet and is experienced with pets.

Your pet staying at the sitter’s home

Lovely for pets who enjoy human company and a homelike environment. This can feel like a little “holiday home” — as long as they’re comfortable with new spaces and (if there are other animals) happy in group settings. This can be a good option for pets that aren’t as comfortable with other animals, if the pet sitter doesn’t have their own. This option typically isn’t ideal for cats, unless there is a solid plan in place to keep the cat contained indoors - cats have a strong homing instinct and if they escape, will likely try to make their way home (which can be very dangerous).

The simplest way to choose:

Ask yourself — Where will my pet feel most secure, supported, and understood?
If they’re anxious in new places or very attached to you, home may be best. If they’re social butterflies, a well-run kennel or sitter’s place can be a fun adventure.

2. Do your research

It’s important to feel confident that your fur child is going to be well looked after, especially if they have a sensitive nature.

If boarding:

• Visit the facility in advance
• Ask about feeding, exercise, supervision, and rest areas
• Check vaccination policies (Parvo, Distemper, Kennel Cough), they should require yearly vaccinations
• Ideally choose kennels that:
  • Have experienced handlers with good knowledge on pet behaviour
  • Limit dog numbers to reduce stress (or manage larger numbers skillfully)
  • Avoid mixing unknown dogs unless very social and closely supervised
  • Have isolation areas for illness management
  • Exercise pets twice daily — not straight after meals

If using a sitter or home care:

• Select someone experienced and comfortable with your pet’s needs
• Ensure they are familiar with your training methods and routines
• Many professional pet sitters will have reviews or references you can check

A reputable provider will ask about medical history, behaviour, fears, diet, medication, and social tendencies — this shows they’re committed to safety and wellbeing.

3. Build independence ahead of time

Some pets — especially dogs — experience distress if they’re not used to being apart from their family.

In the weeks leading up to your trip:

• Practise short separations at home first - start with minutes, then work up to longer outings
• Avoid making departures or arrivals a big emotional event - keep it low-key and relaxed to build your pet’s confidence, and show them your comings and goings are no big deal
• Encourage “settle time” in another room - give enrichment toys or chews while you spend time in a different zone

If your pet already has considerable separation distress, you’ll need a training plan to address this before you go. The goal is to help your pet feel safe and relaxed when left alone, or in the care of someone else.

4. Create positive crate & carrier associations

If your pet will be crated at a kennel or travelling in a carrier, help them build positive feelings around that space before you leave.

Make the crate or carrier a “happy place”:

• Feed meals inside
• Offer special treats or chews there
• Scatter a few pieces of kibble or hide a favourite toy inside
• Add comfy bedding and familiar scents

A calm, cosy “den” helps reduce stress and gives them a safe retreat. For cats, leave carriers out year-round (ideally up a bit high) as part of the normal environment so they never feel “sprung” by travel.

5. Introduce the sitter or facility early

Just like us, pets take comfort in familiarity.

If using a sitter:

• Invite them over for a calm meet-and-greet (use lots of treats to build a positive association!)
• Do a couple of short “trial visits”
• Have the sitter feed, play, or walk your pet at least once or twice before the real stay

If using a kennel or cattery:

• Book a short trial stay of 1-2 nights or a few daycare sessions before bigger trips, a gradual exposure helps them get used to living with lots of other pets
• Visit the facility with your pet, lots of treats there to help build positive associations

The goal is to build positive associations and familiarity before the actual separation.

6. Pack a comfort bag

A few familiar goodies go a long way!

Consider including:

• Favourite blanket or bed (don’t wash it before the trip, so it contains familiar smells)
• Chews and interactive toys
• Grooming brush
• Treats they know and love
• A worn T-shirt that smells like home
• Their usual food (to avoid tummy upset)

If staying in a kennel, label everything clearly. Cats especially benefit from bringing familiar bedding and scent — it reduces stress dramatically.

7. Keep routines consistent

Pets rely on routine—it’s comforting and predictable.

Prepare a little “routine guide” for your sitter or facility, including:

• Feeding times and food preference
• Toilet or litter box schedule
• Walk/play/sleep routines and rituals
• Any behavioural support strategies you use
• The commands and cues you use for dogs
• Your family rules for your pet (e.g. where they’re allowed, what you do at mealtimes etc)

The more familiar things feel, the easier the transition - it will help anchor your pet emotionally.

8. Use enrichment to reduce stress

A stimulated pet is more likely to relax. While you’re away, ask the kennel/cattery staff or your pet sitter to build extra enrichment into your pet’s day e.g.

• Puzzle feeders
• Slow feeders
• Lick mats
• Snuffle mats
• Scent games
• Gentle training sessions
• Long lasting chew treats
• Leave your own enrichment toys if necessary

Mental stimulation reduces stress and boosts relaxation — especially for high-energy or anxious pets.

9. Stay calm and confident

Our pets are highly attuned to our emotions. If you’re feeling anxious or guilty, they’ll feel it too - your energy sets the tone!

When dropping your pet off, keep your energy upbeat and calm. Avoid lingering - confident, brief, positive departures work best. I know you’ll miss them, but keeping things low-key helps minimise anxiety around your departure.

Final thought

With preparation, pets can really enjoy their own little “holiday” — new smells, new friends, new enrichment. So, get set up then enjoy your holiday, confident in the knowledge that your pet can cope!