What to do with your pets when you travel (8 options that actually work)

I love my cats. That’s just a fact. They’re part of the household and when I’m planning a trip, figuring out who’s going to look after them is always one of the first things I sort. It’s not something you want to leave to the last minute, and the options have actually expanded a lot in recent years. To save you the research, here are eight things you can do with your pets when you travel.

Planning your trip?
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Hotels, I use Agoda
Insurance: Cover-More
Rentals: Discover Cars
RVs: Motorhome Republic
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
Travel eSIM: Simify

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1. Find a trusted house and pet sitter

This is the best option, especially for cats. When I’m going away for any length of time, finding someone I know and trust to stay in the house and keep an eye on things makes a huge difference. I usually put a call out to close friends and family first. If that doesn’t pan out, there are dedicated platforms that connect you with vetted house and pet sitters. Two worth checking out are TrustedHousesitters and Aussie House Sitters.

2. Neighbourhood pet swap

If your neighbours have pets, it’s worth having a conversation about helping each other out. I’ve done this and it works really well. When they’re away, I pop over to spend some time with their cat, sort the litter and top up the food and water, and they return the favour. You don’t need a formal arrangement, just a group chat or a quick knock on the door. It costs nothing and your pets stay in familiar surroundings, which is a big plus.

3. House visits

There are pet sitters who offer in-house visits, which is a good option if you’re going away for a few days and/or have a pet who doesn’t fret when left alone overnight. Basically, you just pay per house visit, and someone comes out once or twice a day to check on your pets and do things like taking them for a walk, changing kitty litter, refilling food and water, taking out your bins and bringing in your mail. To find someone who offers this service, just do a Google search for pet sitters offering home visits in your local area.

4. Pet sitting exchange

There are pet-sitting exchange platforms where you create a profile and offer your time as a sitter in exchange for someone doing the same for you. The idea is solid in theory. In practice, I’ve found the results can be hit and miss. Some people are genuinely helpful and reliable; others are quick to ask for favours but slow to return them. If you find the right people through one of these platforms, great. Just go in with realistic expectations and vet anyone carefully before handing over a key.

5. Pet sitters

Paid pet sitters operate a bit like the gig economy version of pet care. Platforms like PetCloud, Mad Paws and Paw Shake connect you with local sitters who charge a fee to look after your pet, either in their own home or yours. Most of these platforms also offer shorter drop-in visits, where a vetted local swings by at a scheduled time to feed, walk or check in on your pet and send you a photo update. It works well for shorter trips where your pet just needs someone to check in rather than full-time supervision. The reviews and rating systems on these platforms have improved significantly and are generally a reliable way to assess someone before booking. I tend to think you get what you pay for with this kind of thing, and having a paid arrangement creates accountability on both sides.

6. Pet hotel

This would be one of my last resorts, mainly because of the risk of illness spreading in shared environments. That said, there are plenty of reputable boarding kennels and pet hotels with solid protocols around vaccination requirements, health checks and stress management. It can get expensive, particularly over longer trips, so factor that into your budget. Before you book, check this guide on how to find a good boarding facility, and don’t be shy about asking the facility some pointed questions before you commit.

7. Boarding at the Vet

If you have an animal who is unwell, has health issues or requires close attention from someone who knows what they’re doing, boarding them at the vet could be a good option. This is going to be of particular benefit to anyone with an animal that needs regular medication, administered properly. That said, it’s going to be a stressful environment for your pet, so you’d really only want to use this option as a last resort and for a short period of time.

8. Friends and family

One of the easiest and most obvious things to do, especially for pets like dogs and small birds, is to have a friend or family member take them into their home and care for them while you’re gone. It’s not so easy if you have cats, but it can still be done (we’ve had some of our wonderful friends care for one of our cats a few times).

Whatever you decide, make sure you feel completely comfortable with the arrangement before you leave. If something feels off, keep looking. There are enough options out there that you don’t have to settle. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your pet is safe and well looked after is worth the extra effort to get it right.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest way to care for your pet while travelling?
A neighbourhood swap or having a friend or family member help out costs nothing but goodwill. If you want a more formal arrangement, pet-sitting exchange platforms are free to use, though quality can vary.

Is it better to board a cat or have someone come to the house?
For most cats, staying in their own home is far less stressful than being moved to an unfamiliar environment. An in-home sitter or drop-in visitor is usually the better option if you can arrange it.

How do I find a pet sitter in Australia?
TrustedHousesitters, Aussie House Sitters, Mad Paws, PetCloud and Pawshake are all well-established options. Always check reviews, ask for references and do a meet-and-greet before committing.

What should I do before leaving my pet for a long trip?
Make sure your pet is microchipped and the contact details registered to the chip are current. Leave clear written instructions for whoever is caring for them, including vet contact details, feeding schedules, medications and any known health issues.

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