Can't go because of the dog? Your options, compared
Away Mode ยท Last reviewed 2026-10-08
Pets are a real reason trips do not happen. About 94 million US households owned at least one pet in 2024, according to the American Pet Products Association's 2025 State of the Industry report. If one of them is yours, the question is not whether to go, it is who covers.
Four ways to cover, side by side
- A friend or family member. Cheapest, and your pet knows them. Works best for short trips and when the person can stay or visit more than once a day. The risk is that favors have limits.
- A pet sitter who comes to your home. Your pet stays in its own space and routine. Costs more, and you need to trust someone with your home.
- Boarding. Pets stay at a facility. Good for pets who do well around others. Ask about vaccine requirements and whether staff are on site overnight, and book early around holidays.
- A home check only. For independent pets such as some cats, a person visits to feed and check on them. Not enough for a dog that needs walks.
A hand-off checklist
- Meet the person with your pet before you leave, at least once.
- Write down feeding amounts and times, medications and doses, and walk routine.
- Name your vet and a backup contact, and say who may approve treatment.
- Leave your travel dates and a way to reach you, and tell them when you will be out of reach.
- Agree on what counts as an emergency and who pays upfront.
What to leave for the sitter
Food, medication, leash and waste bags, the vet's name and number, your pet's microchip or tag details, and a spare house key left with a person, not under the mat. Do not write down alarm codes on the sheet. Share a code only with the person who needs it, in a way that is not left lying around, and change it when you are back if it was shared widely.
Away Mode has a short checklist covering pets alongside the rest of the house.
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