Going away can be exciting, but leaving your pets behind is often the hardest part.

Will they miss you? Will they notice that you are gone? Will your dog sit by the gate waiting for you—or will they simply enjoy having someone new to spoil them?

While every pet is different, here are a few things your furry family members might get up to while you are away.

1. They May Check The Door More Than Once

Some pets quickly notice when their favourite person is not home. Your dog may check the gate, listen for your car or look toward the door at the time you normally arrive. Your cat may wander around the house looking for you—or pretend not to care at all.

Pets are creatures of habit, and they often notice changes in their usual routine.

2. They May Take Over Your Favourite Spot

Your side of the bed?... Suddenly theirs.

Your favourite chair?... Also theirs.

Pets have a wonderful way of finding the warmest, softest and most comfortable place in the house. While you are away, they may decide that your favourite spot is the perfect place for an afternoon nap.

3. They May Become Best Friends With Their Pet Sitter

Some pets are shy at first. Others are ready to make a new best friend within minutes. Your pet may soon recognise the sound of the gate opening and come running to say hello. They may bring out their favourite toy, ask for attention or follow the sitter around the house.

A caring pet sitter takes the time to get to know each pet and understand what makes them feel comfortable.

4. They May Expect Treats At Exactly The Right Time

Pets have an impressive sense of timing—especially when food or treats are involved.

Your dog may suddenly appear in the kitchen at the exact moment they usually receive a snack. Your cat may remind the sitter that dinner is late, even if it is 10 minutes before the usual time.

Keeping familiar routines can help pets feel secure and comfortable while their owners are away.

5. They May Enjoy Extra Playtime

For some pets, playtime is the best part of the day. Dogs may be ready for a game of fetch, a walk or a good run around the garden. Cats may enjoy chasing a toy, exploring a new box or showing off their impressive hunting skills.

Play and interaction can help keep pets active, entertained and happy.

6. They May Give The Sitter A Full Tour of the House

Pets often have favourite places that they want everyone to know about.

Your dog may proudly lead the sitter to the toy cupboard, the garden or their favourite sleeping spot. Your cat may show them the best sunny windowsill—or disappear under the bed and expect the sitter to find them later.

Every pet has their own little routines and favourite places.

7. They May Spend Most Of The Day Sleeping

Pets are experts at relaxing. After breakfast, a little playtime and some attention, your pet may decide that a long nap is the perfect way to spend the afternoon.

Dogs may stretch out on their beds, while cats may move from one sunny spot to another throughout the day... It is a tough life!

8. They May Keep an Eye on the House

Some pets take their role as home security very seriously.

Your dog may inspect the garden, bark at a passing bird or keep watch from their favourite window. Your cat may quietly patrol the house and make sure everything is exactly as it should be.

Of course, they may also be watching closely for the next meal.

9. They Will Become A Model

A photo or video of your pet can make your day while you are away. Seeing your dog enjoying a walk, your cat relaxing in their favourite spot or your pets receiving attention can provide reassurance and help you feel connected to them during your trip.

At Paws Inn, we provide regular updates so that you can see how your pets are doing while you are away.

10. They Will Be Ready to Welcome You Home

After enjoying familiar surroundings, daily care and plenty of attention, your pets will be very happy to see you when you return.

You may receive excited tail wags, happy jumps, enthusiastic greetings—or, if you have a cat, a look that seems to say:

“Oh, you’re back. I was perfectly fine.”

Either way, your pets will be happy to have their family home again.

Home Is Where the Paws Are

While you enjoy your time away, your pets can continue relaxing in the comfort of their own home.

At Paws Inn Pet Sitting, we provide caring, personalised in-home pet care for dogs, cats and other pets in Pretoria East and Centurion. We take the time to understand your pets’ routines and personalities so that they can feel comfortable while you are away.

Planning a trip? Contact Paws Inn Pet Sitting to check availability and arrange a free meet and greet for you and your pets.

Planning a holiday, business trip or weekend away often comes with an important question: Who will care for your pet while you are gone?

Two common options are pet sitting and boarding kennels. Both can provide care while you are away, but they offer very different experiences for your pet.

The best choice depends on your pet’s personality, needs, routine and comfort level. Understanding the differences can help you choose the option that is right for your furry family member.

What Is In-Home Pet Sitting?

With in-home pet sitting, your pet stays in the comfort of their own home while a pet sitter visits or stays over to provide care.

Depending on the service you choose, pet care may include:

• Feeding and providing fresh water

• Walks, exercise and playtime

• Companionship and attention

• Administering medication where required

• Cleaning litter trays or pet areas

• Monitoring your pet’s wellbeing

• Sending updates and photos

• Keeping your pet’s routine as consistent as possible

Your pet remains in familiar surroundings while receiving personalised care based on their individual needs.

What Are Boarding Kennels?

Boarding kennels provide accommodation for pets at a dedicated facility while their owners are away.

Pets are usually taken to the facility for the duration of the trip and cared for according to the kennel’s schedule. Depending on the facility, services may include feeding, administering of medication, exercise, social interaction and supervised play.

Kennels can be a suitable option for some pets, particularly those that are confident in new environments and comfortable around unfamiliar people and animals.

The Benefits of Pet Sitting

1. Your Pet Stays in a Familiar Environment

Home is where your pet knows the smells, sounds and surroundings.

Staying at home means your pet can continue sleeping in their usual bed, relaxing in their favourite spaces and enjoying familiar comforts. This can be especially beneficial for pets that become anxious or unsettled in new environments.

2. Your Pet Can Maintain Their Normal Routine

Pets often feel more secure when their daily routine remains consistent. 

A pet sitter can follow your instructions regarding feeding times, walks, playtime, medication and bedtime routines. Keeping familiar habits in place may help your pet feel more comfortable while you are away.

3. Personalised, Individual Care

Every pet is different. Some pets enjoy lots of attention and activity, while others prefer quiet companionship. A pet sitter can get to know your pet’s personality and provide care suited to their individual needs.

This can be particularly helpful for:

• Senior pets

• Pets with special care requirements

• Pets that need medication

• Shy or nervous pets

• Pets that prefer one-on-one attention

• Multi-pet households

4. Less Disruption to Your Pet’s Daily Life

Travelling to a kennel can be stressful for some pets. They may need to adjust to a new environment, unfamiliar sounds, different routines and the presence of other animals.

With pet sitting, your pet remains at home and does not need to adjust to an entirely new setting.

5. No Exposure to Unfamiliar Animals

At a boarding facility, pets may be housed near or interact with other animals.

Some pets enjoy social environments, while others may feel nervous, overwhelmed or uncomfortable. In-home pet care allows your pet to remain in their own familiar space without the added stimulation of unfamiliar animals.

6. Your Home Is Looked After Too

An additional benefit of in-home pet sitting is that someone regularly visits or stays at your home while you are away.

Your pet sitter can help keep your home lived-in and may assist with simple tasks such as bringing in post, checking that everything is in order and keeping your pets’ areas clean and tidy.

The Benefits of Boarding Kennels

Boarding kennels may be a good choice for some pets and owners.

A reputable kennel provides a dedicated environment where pets are cared for by staff throughout the day. Some facilities offer structured exercise, supervised play and social opportunities.

Kennels may suit pets that:

• Are confident in unfamiliar environments

• Enjoy being around other dogs

• Adapt easily to new routines

• Are comfortable away from home

• Enjoy active and social settings

The quality and level of care can vary between facilities, so it is important to visit the kennel, ask questions and make sure it meets your pet’s needs before booking.

Which Option Is Best for Your Pet?

There is no single answer that is right for every pet.

When deciding between pet sitting and kennels, consider your pet’s:

• Personality

• Age

• Health and medical needs

• Usual routine

• Comfort around unfamiliar people and animals

• Ability to adapt to new environments

• Need for individual attention

If your pet is happiest at home and prefers familiar surroundings, in-home pet sitting may be the more comfortable option.

If your pet is confident, highly social and adapts easily to new environments, a reputable boarding facility may also be suitable.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing Pet Care

Whether you choose a pet sitter or a boarding kennel, ask questions before making a booking.

Consider asking:

• How will my pet’s individual needs be accommodated?

• What does the daily routine look like?

• How often will my pet receive attention, exercise or playtime?

• How are pets supervised?

• What happens if my pet becomes ill or injured?

• How will I receive updates while I am away?

• Can I visit or arrange a meet and greet before booking?

Choosing a trusted and experienced pet-care provider can give you greater peace of mind while you travel.

Give Your Pet the Comfort of Home

With a consistent routine and a trusted pet sitter, you can travel knowing that your pets are being cared for in the place where they feel safest.

Book as Early as Possible

As soon as your travel dates are confirmed, it is a good idea to contact a pet sitter.

Booking early gives you a better chance of securing your preferred dates and allows enough time to arrange a meet and greet before your trip.

It can also make travel planning less stressful. Once you know your pets’ care is arranged, you can focus on the rest of your plans with greater peace of mind.

How Much Notice Is Recommended?

While availability can vary, the following timeframes can be helpful as a general guide:

Weekend Trips

For a normal weekend away, try to book at least two weeks in advance.

Long weekends and public holidays are often busier, so booking earlier is recommended.

School Holidays

School holidays can be a popular time for families to travel. Booking one to two months in advance can help you secure pet care for your preferred dates.

December Holidays

December is one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Many families travel for Christmas, New Year or extended holidays, and pet-sitting availability can fill up quickly. If you are travelling during December, it is best to book several months in advance where possible.

The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing care for your pets.

Extended Periods

If you will be away for an extended period, contact your pet sitter as soon as you know your travel dates.

Longer bookings may require more planning, especially if you have several pets, pets with special needs or specific care requirements.

Last-Minute Travel

Sometimes travel plans come up unexpectedly.

It is always worth contacting a pet sitter to check availability, even if your trip is approaching. However, last-minute bookings may be more difficult to accommodate, particularly during busy periods.

Why Booking Early Is Helpful

1. You Have More Choice : Booking early gives you a better chance of securing care for the dates you need, especially during peak travel periods.

2. You Have Time for a Meet and Greet: Allowing your pet sitter to meet your pets and learn about their routines, personalities and individual needs.

3. Your Pets Can Become Familiar With Their Sitter : Meeting the pet sitter before your trip gives your pets an opportunity to become familiar with them while you are still at home, making the transition smoother when the pet-sitting service begins.

4. You Have Time to Prepare Everything : Booking early gives you enough time to prepare your pet-care information and supplies.

5. You Can Travel With Greater Peace of Mind : Knowing that your pet care is arranged well before your trip can make preparing and travelling more enjoyable.

What If Your Travel Dates Are Not Confirmed?

If you are still finalising your travel plans, you can contact your pet sitter to discuss possible dates and availability.

Let them know your estimated travel period and ask whether they can accommodate your booking once your plans are confirmed.

Keep in mind that availability may change, especially during busy periods. Confirming your booking as soon as your dates are finalised is usually the safest option.

Traveling soon? Yes... Have you booked your sitter yet?... Uhm

Get your booking confirmed sooner rather than later.

Planning a holiday, business trip or weekend away? Preparing your pets before you leave can help make the pet-sitting experience calmer and more comfortable for everyone. One of the benefits of in-home pet sitting is that your pets can stay in the familiar surroundings they know and love. 

They can continue sleeping in their own beds, enjoying their usual spaces and following a routine that feels familiar. A little preparation before your trip helps your pet sitter understand your pets’ individual needs and provide the best possible care while you are away.

1. Arrange a Meet and Greet

As part of our process we provide a FREE meet and greet, which is a great opportunity for your pets to meet their sitter before you leave. During the visit, we get to know your pets, learn about their personalities and discuss their usual routines. You can also show us where important items are kept and ask any questions you may have.

Some pets are friendly and curious straight away, while others may take a little longer to feel comfortable. Meeting beforehand gives your pets an opportunity to become familiar with their sitter in a relaxed environment.

2. Share Your Pets’ Normal Routine

Pets often feel more settled when their daily routine remains as consistent as possible.

During the meet & greet, let us know about your pets’ usual:

• Feeding times and portions

• Walking or exercise routines

• Playtime and favourite activities

• Sleeping arrangements

• Toilet routines

• Daily habits and preferences

The more we know about what is normal for your pets, the easier it is to put them at ease and provide familiar and personalised care.

3. Prepare Enough Food and Supplies

Make sure there is enough food for the full duration of your trip, with a little extra in case your return is delayed.

Clearly label food containers and provide instructions about how much each pet should receive. If your pets eat different foods or need to be fed separately, please include this information.

Remember to leave enough of any other essential supplies, such as:

• Treats

• Medication

• Cat litter

• Poop bags

• Cleaning supplies

• Any special care items

4. Leave Clear Pet-Care Information

Even after discussing your pets’ needs during the meet and greet, having important information written down is very helpful.

Your pet-care information can include:

• Feeding instructions or dietary restrictions

• Medication requirements

• Any health concerns or allergies

This helps ensure that your pets’ care remains consistent while you are away.

5. Tell Us About Your Pets’ Personalities

Every pet is unique. Some enjoy lots of attention and playtime, while others prefer a quiet and gentle approach.

Let us know if your pet:

• Is shy or nervous around new people

• Has a special hiding place

• Becomes anxious during thunderstorms

• Has any fears or sensitivities

• Does not enjoy being around other animals

• Has favourite games, toys or activities

• Has any habits we should be aware of

Understanding your pets’ personalities helps us care for them in a way that makes them feel safe and comfortable.

6. Keep Familiar Items Available

Your pets may feel more relaxed when they have access to the things they know.

Leave their usual beds, blankets, toys, bowls and favourite resting places available. Familiar smells and surroundings can provide comfort while you are away.

Try to avoid making major changes to your pets’ environment immediately before your trip. Keeping their home familiar can help them settle more easily.

Additional Tip : If you want to be extra fancy, leave one of your worn shirts for them to snuggle up to at night. Your smell should keep them calm.

7. Make Your Home Safe and Accessible

Before leaving, check that your pets’ living areas are safe and secure.

Please let us know about:

• Gates, doors or areas that need to remain closed

• Any escape risks

• Areas your pets are not allowed to access

Make sure your pet sitter has clear access to your home and knows how to operate any gates, alarms or security systems that may be needed.

8. Provide Veterinary and Emergency Details

Although emergencies are uncommon, it is important to be prepared.

Please provide your veterinarian’s contact details, as well as the details of your preferred emergency veterinary clinic. It is also helpful to leave the contact information of a trusted family member or friend who can assist if you are unavailable.

9. Leave Calmly and Enjoy Your Trip

When it is time to leave, try to keep your goodbye calm and positive.

Your pets may notice when you are feeling rushed or anxious. A relaxed departure can help them settle into their normal routine more easily.

Let Paws Inn Care for Your Pets at Home

At Paws Inn Pet Sitting, we understand that every pet is different. We take the time to learn about your pets’ routines, personalities and individual needs so that they can receive caring and personalised attention while you are away.