Holiday travel is exciting, but for pet parents, it also comes with important decisions. Many pet parents need to arrange care for their pets when going on vacation to ensure their pets are safe and comfortable while they're away. Whether you’re traveling across the country or around the world, ensuring your pet receives safe, loving care while you’re away is essential.
Our guide to holiday pet boarding walks you through your pet-care options, how to prepare, and what to look for so you can travel with confidence knowing your furry friend is in good hands.
When planning a trip, pet parents generally have three main care options for their cats and dogs, exotic critters or featured friends:
Professional Boarding Facilities: These are dedicated businesses that provide holiday pet boarding for your pet. They offer structured care, supervision, and amenities designed for your dog or cat.
Pet Sitters: Hiring a pet sitter allows your pet to receive care in your home. Some pet sitters also offer house-sitting services, staying at your house to provide personalized attention and maintain your pet’s routine.
Friend or Family Member: You can ask a friend or family member to look after your pet, allowing your pet to stay home in a familiar environment. This option is often cost-effective and ensures your pet receives trusted, personal care.
You can also utilize your network of friends and family for recommendations on reputable boarding facilities or reliable pet sitters.
Professional boarding facilities are preferred by many pet parents because they provide structured care, supervision, trained staff, and socialization in a safe environment. These facilities cater to different animals, offering opportunities for pets to interact with other pets and people, which supports their mental stimulation and helps ensure a comfortable, well-rounded environment. The animal's well being is prioritized through supervised play and fun activities, which are essential for both mental and physical health.
Many facilities offer overnight stay options, sometimes including additional services such as bathing or grooming after the pet's overnight visit. Something to look out for during your evaluation of different businesses is that comfortable sleeping areas, proper ventilation, and secure enclosures are critical features of quality boarding facilities. A sufficient staff-to-pet ratio ensures each pet receives adequate supervision and attention. Staff trained in pet first aid, handling, and animal behavior, and emergency care or supported by access to an on-site vet or a partnered emergency clinic, is a bonus.
Boarding facilities provide structured routines for feeding, exercise, and medications, which help reduce separation anxiety and stress. Pets receive supervised playtime and exercise, and their food and medications are carefully monitored throughout their stay. Veterinarians are often on call for emergencies, ensuring comprehensive care for all animals. Many offer private suites, playtime, meals, and veterinary support—making boarding a popular choice during holiday travel.
Note: If you choose this option, it's important to book space in advance, especially during summer and holiday periods, as demand for pet boarding increases significantly. Also, strict vaccination policies are enforced for the safety of all animals, staff, and visitors, often requiring proof from the pet owner.
Pet sitters may care for pets in your home, helping maintain routine and familiarity. This option can reduce stress for pets who prefer staying in their environment and works well for short trips.
When choosing a sitter, it's important to select someone who will watch your pet closely and is aware of your pet's specific needs. Be sure to provide all necessary details to the sitter, including your pet's routines, preferences, and any medical needs. Also communicate and/or document house rules and nuances while they are in your home.
Establish contact and exchange contact information with your sitter to ensure smooth communication and trust. Have a clear plan for your pet's feeding, exercise, and medication to ensure they receive consistent care.
Consider interviewing the sitter to learn more about their pet-sitting approach and experience and to get a feel for their personality and trustworthiness. You can also find pet sitters through online resources designed for matching pet parents and sitters, such as Rover.
Asking a friend, family member, or neighbor you trust can be a cost-effective and trusted alternative to professional boarding facilities. Leaving your pet with a family member ensures they are surrounded by familiar faces, which can greatly enhance your pet's comfort by allowing them to stay in a known environment with their favorite toys and sleeping area. It’s important they understand your pet’s routine, medical needs, and behavior to ensure consistent care.
On the downside, if your loved one doesn't have much experience caring for pets, or isn't familiar with handling specific or unexpected pet behaviors or medical needs, this can be a risky option. No matter how wonderful this person may be, they may not be equipped to care for your pet like you or a professional can.
Each pet-care provider has its benefits, but holiday boarding is often the most reliable choice during peak travel seasons when routines change and emergencies can arise. You can also utilize your network of friends and family for recommendations on boarding facilities or pet sitters.
Boarding facilities are designed to care for pets during busy travel periods, especially holidays. Pet parents are responsible for choosing the best care to protect their pets, ensuring their well-being and comfort while they are away. When selecting a holiday pet boarding facility, it is important to prioritize safety, cleanliness, and qualified staff to provide peace of mind for both owners and their pets. Boarding facilities help pets feel safe and secure during their stay by offering a structured environment and professional care.
Benefits of using a boarding kennel:
Trained and certified caregivers
Structured routines that reduce separation anxiety
Regular feeding, exercise, and bathroom breaks
Socialization and enrichment opportunities
Access to veterinary care if needed
Quality boarding facilities treat pets as valued guests, not just visitors.
Even short trips can disrupt your pet’s routine. Boarding provides consistency, supervision, and professional care while you’re away. It’s important to maintain your pet’s regular schedule for feeding, exercise, and medication during boarding to help reduce stress and keep them comfortable.
Before boarding, ensure:
Your pet is up to date on all necessary immunizations
Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention is current
Feeding and medication instructions, including your pet’s schedule, are clearly provided
Traveling internationally with pets can involve airline rules, health certificates, and quarantine requirements. For many pet parents, boarding at a trusted facility is far less stressful than navigating international pet travel logistics. It's essential to have a detailed plan for your pet's care while you're abroad, including confirming all arrangements with the boarding facility in advance. Also, ensure your pet is up to date on any necessary immunizations required by the boarding facility to avoid last-minute issues.
When boarding for international trips, ask facilities about:
Long-term boarding experience
Emergency protocols
Medical monitoring
Special diet or medication accommodations
Preparation is key to a smooth boarding experience. Make sure the boarding staff are aware of your pet’s specific needs, medical conditions, and preferences to ensure proper care. Consider scheduling a trial stay of a few hours or an overnight visit before the holiday. This helps your pet acclimate to the new environment and reduces stress during the actual boarding period.
Research facilities or sitters and read reviews
Visit the boarding facility if possible
Ask about holiday staffing and emergency plans
Before booking, share all relevant details about your pet's needs, routines, and preferences with the facility to ensure personalized care.
Check the dedication and qualifications of the caregivers to make sure your pet will receive attentive and professional care.
Consider a trial stay to help your pet acclimate
Provide detailed information about:
Feeding schedules and portion sizes
Exercise needs
Medications and medical conditions
Behavioral quirks or comfort preferences
Clear communication ensures personalized, trustworthy care.
Pack your pet’s boarding bag like a carry-on for comfort and consistency.
Include:
Enough food for the entire stay (plus extra)
Clearly labeled medications and supplements
Written care instructions
Emergency contacts and vet information
Familiar items like a blanket or favorite toy
Don’t forget to pack your pet’s favorite toys to provide comfort and entertainment during their stay. If you’re packing for a pup, include any special items or instructions for puppies, such as training pads or specific care needs. You can also ask your dog sitter for custom services, like veterinary trips or dog training exercises, to ensure your pet’s needs are fully met while you’re away.
Like we introduced earlier, pet sitting can be a great option for pets who thrive best at home. Cats, in particular, can be very territorial and may be less stressed and anxious while cared for in their familiar environments.
Benefits of pet sitting include: Learn more about the mental health benefits of pet ownership.
Familiar surroundings
Personalized one-on-one care
Reduced stress for anxious pets
Cost-effectiveness for short trips
When choosing a sitter:
Interview them in advance
Ask for references and reviews
Confirm experience with your pet’s breed and needs
Ensure they can administer medication if required
Whether boarding or using a pet sitter, emergency preparedness is essential.
Look for caregivers who offer:
Access to veterinary care (24/7 if possible)
Ability to administer medication and basic first aid, especially for pets with illnesses or those recovering from illness
Regular updates and communication
For professional pet-care businesses seeking organization and efficiency, consider Revelation Pets plans and pricing.
For pets with chronic conditions or chronic illnesses needing 24/7 monitoring, medical boarding may be the safest option.
Pet-care costs vary by location, service, and length of stay.
Pet parents should budget for:
Boarding or sitting fees
Food and medication
Veterinary care if needed
Add-ons like grooming or enrichment
Many boarding facilities offer package deals or discounts for extended stays—especially during holidays.
When traveling internationally, pet care regulations vary widely by country—and they can directly impact whether bringing your pet along is realistic or stressful. Understanding these rules often helps pet parents decide that holiday pet boarding is the safest and most convenient option.
Here are a few examples of common international pet travel regulations to be aware of:
The UK enforces detailed pet travel regulations to prevent the spread of disease.
Pet parents traveling to the UK should be aware that pets typically require:
Microchipping
Rabies vaccination
An official animal health certificate
Tapeworm treatment (for dogs)
Approved travel routes and carriers
Failure to meet these requirements can result in denied entry or quarantine. For shorter holiday trips, many pet parents opt for boarding instead of navigating the UK’s complex pet import rules.
Japan has some of the most detailed pet entry regulations in the world, often requiring months of preparation.
Common requirements include:
Microchipping before rabies vaccination
Multiple rabies vaccines
Rabies antibody blood testing
Advance notification to quarantine authorities
Possible quarantine upon arrival
Because of the extended timeline and strict compliance needed, boarding your pet at a trusted facility is often the least stressful option when traveling to Japan for the holidays.
Traveling within the EU can be simpler if pets already meet requirements.
Generally required:
Microchip
Rabies vaccination
EU Pet Passport or health certificate
However, rules still vary slightly between countries, and airline policies can add complexity. Boarding remains a popular option for pet parents traveling between multiple countries or for short-term trips.
International pet travel regulations are designed to protect animals—but they can also add stress, cost, and uncertainty to holiday plans.
Many pet parents choose holiday pet boarding because it:
Eliminates the risk of quarantine or denied entry
Reduces travel stress for pets
Avoids last-minute documentation issues
Provides professional care while owners travel freely
Boarding facilities are especially helpful when trips are short or when regulations are complex.
If you’re considering international travel with your pet:
Research destination requirements months in advance
Confirm airline-specific pet policies
Speak with your veterinarian early
Compare the cost and stress of travel vs. boarding
In many cases, boarding offers peace of mind and a more comfortable experience for pets during the busy holiday season.
Holiday travel should be joyful, not stressful. By planning ahead and choosing the right pet care option, you can enjoy your trip knowing your pet is safe, comfortable, and well cared for.
Whether you’re traveling across the country or around the world, holiday pet boarding offers peace of mind for pet parents—and a positive, structured experience for pets.
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