The holidays are a time for travel, family, and celebration — but for pet owners, they also bring an important decision: Should your pet stay with a boarder or a pet sitter while you’re away?

Both options can be safe and positive experiences when planned properly. As your veterinary team, we want to help you choose the best fit for your pet’s health, comfort, and safety.

🏠 Pet Sitting: Staying Comfortable at Home

Pet sitting allows your pet to remain in their familiar environment, which can reduce stress — especially for cats, seniors, or pets with anxiety.

Pros of Pet Sitting

• Maintains your pet’s regular routine

• Less exposure to unfamiliar animals

• Ideal for cats and senior pets

• Helpful for pets with mobility or medical needs

Things to Consider

• How often will your sitter visit each day?

• Are they trained to administer medications?

• Can they recognize signs of illness or stress?

• Do they have emergency contact instructions?

💡 Veterinary Tip:
Leave written care instructions, including feeding schedules, medications, behavior notes, and our clinic’s contact information.

🐶 Boarding: Structured Care While You’re Away

Boarding facilities can be a great choice for social dogs who enjoy interaction and playtime.

Pros of Boarding

• Consistent supervision

• Scheduled feeding and exercise

• On-site staff trained to monitor behavior

• Ideal for dogs who thrive on routine and socialization

Things to Ask Before Boarding

• Are vaccinations required and up to date?

• Is staff present overnight?

• How are medications handled?

• What happens if my pet becomes ill?

💡 Veterinary Tip:
Boarding environments increase exposure to other pets, making vaccinations and parasite prevention essential before your trip.

💉 Health Prep Before You Travel

Regardless of which option you choose, preparation is key.

Schedule a Pre-Travel Wellness Check

We recommend scheduling a visit 2–4 weeks before travel to:

• Ensure vaccines are current

• Refill medications

• Review flea, tick, and heartworm prevention

• Address anxiety, arthritis, or chronic conditions

🦷 Don’t Forget Dental Health

Dental disease can worsen quickly and cause pain while you’re away. If your pet has bad breath, drooling, or difficulty eating, address dental concerns before boarding or sitting arrangements begin.

🚨 Emergency Planning Is Essential

Make sure your sitter or boarding facility has:

• Our clinic’s phone number

• Your travel contact information

• Permission to seek emergency care

• A list of medications and medical history

🐾 Which Is Right for Your Pet?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best choice depends on:

• Age and health

• Anxiety level

• Social preferences

• Medical needs

Our team is always happy to help you decide what’s best for your pet’s individual needs.

🎄 Travel With Peace of Mind This Holiday Season

At Animal Clinic of Mandarin, we believe proactive planning leads to healthier, happier pets — even when you’re away. Whether your pet is staying home or boarding, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

📞 Call us today to schedule a pre-holiday wellness visit or medication refill.