Leaving Your Pets at Home While You Travel? Here's How House and Pet Sitting Works

kristie • October 17, 2026

Leaving Your Pets at Home While You Travel? Here's How House and Pet Sitting Works

Planning a holiday should be exciting, not stressful. Yet for many pet owners, the biggest concern isn't the journey itself, it's what happens to their pets while they're away.


If your pets are happiest in their own home, following their usual routine, house and pet sitting can be a fantastic alternative to kennels or catteries. Not only do your pets stay in familiar surroundings, but your home is also looked after while you're away.

Will My Pets Be Safe?

This is usually the first question every pet owner asks, and rightly so.


Your pets remain in the environment they know best, with their familiar beds, toys, feeding schedule and daily routines. Rather than adjusting to a new location, they can continue life as normally as possible while receiving dedicated care and attention.



When I arrive, I focus on building trust and a routine with your pets as quickly as possible. The first couple of days are especially important, so I make sure my attention is centred on helping them feel comfortable and secure. Once they understand that I'm part of their temporary routine, they are often much more relaxed throughout the remainder of the sit.


Can I Trust This Person in My Home?

Inviting someone into your home requires trust, and finding the right sitter is one of the most important parts of the process.


Because I travel throughout the UK, meeting face-to-face beforehand isn't always practical. Instead, I arrange a video call so we can get to know each other, discuss your requirements, address any concerns, and make sure we're both comfortable moving forward.


I never rush anyone into making a decision. If you'd like additional conversations before confirming a booking, I'm always happy to arrange them.



The goal is for you to feel confident not only about who is caring for your pets, but also who is looking after your home.


What Will Happen While I'm Away?

Once you're away enjoying your holiday, I'll stay in touch through WhatsApp, sharing updates and photos of your pets.


Some owners like daily updates, while others prefer less frequent communication. The choice is entirely yours.


Knowing your pets are happy, settled and enjoying their usual routine can give you valuable peace of mind, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy your time away.


How Does the Booking Process Work?

The booking process is designed to be straightforward and stress-free.


Step 1: Check Availability


Complete the booking enquiry form so I can confirm whether your dates are available.


Step 2: Arrange a Video Call


We'll discuss your pets, routines, requirements, arrival and departure arrangements, and any concerns you may have. This is also your opportunity to get to know me and decide whether I'm the right fit for your family.


Step 3: Confirm Your Booking


Once you're happy to proceed, we'll confirm the booking and agree payment dates.


Step 4: Complete Your Pet Information Form


I'll send you a form to gather all the information I need before and during the sit, ensuring I can provide the best possible care for your pets.


Step 5: Arrival and Handover


I'll arrive at the agreed time and focus on helping your pets settle into their temporary routine with me.


Step 6: Enjoy Your Holiday


I'll take care of your pets and home while keeping you updated throughout your trip.


Step 7: Return Home to Happy Pets


You'll come home to pets who have remained in their familiar surroundings and maintained their usual routine while you were away.

I'll take care of your pets and home while keeping you updated throughout your trip.



What Happens on Arrival and Departure?

One of the most common concerns for pet owners is how the handover works.


Before the sit begins, we'll agree arrival and departure arrangements that work for both of us. Wherever possible, I prefer to arrive before you leave so your pets can meet me while you're still at home. This helps create a smoother transition and allows me to learn any last-minute details about their routine directly from you.


If an in-person handover isn't possible due to travel schedules, we can agree alternative arrangements during our planning discussions.


At the end of the sit, I'll ensure your home is left tidy and your pets are settled before I leave. Depending on timings, I may leave before you return home or remain until you arrive back. We'll agree these details before the booking is confirmed, so everyone knows exactly what to expect.



The aim is to make the entire experience as stress-free as possible for both you and your pets.


How Much Does House and Pet Sitting Cost?

Every sit is slightly different, depending on location, duration and requirements.


My pricing covers more than simply feeding pets. It includes caring for your pets in their own home, maintaining their routines, looking after your property, providing regular updates, and giving you reassurance while you're away.



You can view my packages and pricing here:


View House & Pet Sitting Packages


Why Should I Choose Kristie Sitters Instead of Someone Else?

Since January 2024, I have been looking after pets in their homes across the UK, helping owners travel with confidence knowing their pets can remain where they are most comfortable.


When you book with Kristie Sitters, you benefit from:


  • UK-wide house and pet sitting
  • Pets remaining in their familiar environment
  • Personal video calls before booking
  • Regular WhatsApp updates and photos
  • Care tailored to your pets' individual routines
  • A sitter who genuinely loves spending time with animals
  • Multiple five-star reviews from happy pet owners


Here's what one recent client had to say:


"Absolutely amazing from beginning to end. She stepped in for us at really short notice and immediately made everything feel easy and stress-free. She was so lovely, reliable and clearly brilliant with the dogs.


We received regular updates while we were away getting married, which was really reassuring and meant we could relax knowing our girlies were happy and being well looked after.


Her pricing was incredible too, especially for the level of care and service she provided. We genuinely couldn't have asked for more and will absolutely be using her again.


Would recommend her without hesitation - a very well-deserved five stars!"



Ready to Find Out If I'm Available?

The first step is simple.



Complete my booking enquiry form and I'll let you know whether I'm available for your dates before we arrange a call and discuss your requirements in more detail.


Check Availability & Make an Enquiry

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