Pet-sitting for your dog or cat: solutions near you

The end-of-year holidays are approaching. The stay with family is booked, the trip too. One question always comes up too late: who will take care of the dog or the cat? During the holidays, everyone is looking at the same time, and neighbors also have their own plans. Good news: there are several solutions, often closer to home than you think. Here’s how to choose the right one, and the right person.

Walks, visits, or pet-sitting: what for which need?

Not all animals have the same needs. The right service depends on your pet and the duration of your absence.

Walks

Ideal if you work long days or are away for a few hours. A walker picks up your dog, takes them out, and brings them back. Also useful for young or very active dogs, who struggle to stay alone all day.

Home visits

Often the best option for a cat. Most cats are attached to their territory. Moving them stresses them out. Someone comes once or twice a day to:

• refill the bowls and change the water;
• clean the litter box;
• administer treatment if needed;
• play a little and check that everything is fine.

Visits are also suitable for small animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, birds) and some calm dogs, for short absences.

Pet-sitting at the sitter’s home or yours

For a dog, an absence of several days often requires more than a visit. Two options:

• Pet-sitting at the sitter’s home: your dog stays with them for a few days, with almost continuous supervision.
• Pet-sitting at your home: the person comes to sleep at your place or visits very frequently. The animal keeps their bearings, and the house isn’t empty.

The holidays, a special time for animals

Late December combines several things that disturb an animal: the absence of their owners, changing schedules, and the fireworks and firecrackers of New Year’s Eve. Many dogs and cats are afraid of them.

A few precautions to share with the person looking after them:

• keep windows and cat flaps closed on New Year’s Eve;
• take the dog out earlier in the evening, on a leash, even if they are usually obedient;
• provide a quiet corner where the animal can hide;
• don’t force them to come out of their hiding place.

If your animal is very sensitive to noise, talk to your vet before leaving.

Check identification before leaving

A stressed animal may run away. If found, their microchip is what allows you to be contacted. In all three regions, the identification and registration of dogs and cats are mandatory. Before you leave:

• check that your animal is properly identified and registered;
• make sure your contact details are up to date in the database (a changed phone number is common);
• leave the pet-sitter with a recent photo of the animal and your vet’s number.

Are you taking them with you abroad after all? Within the European Union, a dog or cat must have a European passport, and the rabies vaccination must be up to date. Some countries have additional requirements. Check with your vet well before departure, and consult the advice of the FPS Foreign Affairs.

Choosing a trustworthy pet-sitter

You’re entrusting a family member, and often your keys. Take the time to choose carefully.

Check reviews. Feedback from other owners tells you a lot: punctuality, updates sent, the animal’s condition upon return.

Verify experience with your type of animal. Caring for an elderly cat on medication is not the same as walking a large young dog. Ask if the person has already looked after animals like yours.

Prioritize proximity. Someone who lives near you can visit twice a day without difficulty and react quickly in case of a problem.

Arrange a meeting. Before the pet-sitting, have them come to your home or visit theirs with your animal. Observe how the animal reacts and how the person behaves with them.

5 questions to ask before entrusting your pet

1. How many animals do you look after at the same time? An anxious dog won’t cope well in the middle of a pack.
2. What happens in case of a health problem? You want to know if the person will contact your vet and how they will notify you.
3. How often will I receive updates? One photo per day, a message after each visit: agree on this in advance.
4. How do the outings work? Duration, leash or not, walking areas.
5. What is included in the price? Number of visits or walks, duration, travel, public holidays. The end-of-year holidays are a busy period: clarify everything in writing.

Prepare the pet-sitting like a handover

The more information the person has, the better your animal will be. Prepare a simple sheet:

• meals: what, how much, at what time;
• any medications and their dosage;
• habits (favorite spot, toys, fears);
• what’s forbidden (the couch, certain rooms, table scraps);
• the vet’s contact details and those of a local contact person;
• where to find the leash, food, litter, and bags.

Leave enough food for the entire duration of the pet-sitting, with a little extra in case of a delayed return.

Book early for the holidays

This is the most useful tip in this article. During the end-of-year holidays, good pet-sitters get booked up quickly. Start looking several weeks in advance. You’ll have time to compare, meet the person, and even arrange a trial pet-sitting session over a weekend.

How Pambe helps you

On Pambe, you’ll find people offering pet-sitting services near you, with no account required. You can compare their profiles: services offered (walks, visits, pet-sitting), reviews, and prices and availability when the provider lists them. You can contact the person who suits you directly, even without an account, to arrange a meeting and set the dates. Pambe connects you: it’s neither an employer nor an agency, and you remain free to choose, with no commitment.

Your holidays approaching? Find a pet-sitter near you on Pambe now.