Holiday Pet Sitting in Lancaster County: Why Your Pet Deserves a Sitter

The holidays are a busy time in Lancaster County. Between family gatherings, Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, and trips to see relatives, many pet owners face the same question: what do we do with the pets?

Boarding kennels fill up fast during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's, and the experience can be stressful for pets used to the comfort of home. That's why more Lancaster County families are choosing in-home pet sitting during the holidays.

Why Holiday Pet Sitting Beats Boarding

Your Pet Stays in Their Own Environment

Pets are creatures of habit. The holidays already bring changes to the household, decorations, visitors, different schedules. Adding a stay at a boarding facility on top of that can cause real anxiety. With in-home pet sitting, your pet stays in the familiar surroundings of their own home, sleeping in their own bed, eating from their own bowl.

One-on-One Attention

Boarding facilities typically house dozens of animals at once. Your pet is one of many. With in-home pet sitting, your pet gets individual attention during each visit. They're not competing for space, food, or affection with unfamiliar animals.

Reduced Exposure to Illness

Kennels and boarding facilities can be breeding grounds for kennel cough, canine influenza, and other contagious illnesses. Your pet staying home eliminates that risk entirely.

Better for Cats and Exotic Pets

Most cats strongly prefer their own territory. Boarding is especially stressful for felines who hide in unfamiliar environments and may stop eating. In-home cat sitting keeps them comfortable and reduces stress-related behavior issues. The same goes for birds, reptiles, and small animals.

Holiday Pet Sitting Checklist

Planning ahead ensures your pet has a smooth holiday experience while you're away:

• Book early. holiday dates fill up fast. Reserve your pet sitter at least 2-3 weeks ahead for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
• Schedule a meet and greet. introduce your pet to the sitter before you leave, just like you would for a regular pet sitting visit.
• Secure holiday decorations. tinsel, ornaments, and holiday plants like poinsettias can be dangerous for pets. Pet-proof your space before you go.
• Stock up on supplies. leave extra food, treats, and medications to cover your full trip plus a buffer.
• Leave emergency vet info. make sure your sitter knows where the nearest emergency vet is, since some offices have reduced holiday hours.

Lancaster County Holiday Travel Tips

If you're debating whether to bring your pet along or hire a sitter, consider the logistics. Holiday traffic on Route 283 and the PA Turnpike can double travel times. Hotels in popular destinations may not be pet-friendly, and large family gatherings can overwhelm even calm dogs.

For most families in the Elizabethtown, Hershey, Lititz, and Mount Joy area, leaving your pet at home with a trusted sitter is the less stressful option, for both you and your pet.

How Big Mike Handles Holidays

We provide the same reliable care on holidays as any other day. Your pet gets their regular feeding schedule, walks, medication, and plenty of attention. We send photo updates so you can see your pet is happy while you enjoy your holiday.

A $20 holiday surcharge applies per visit, and holiday dates book up early, so plan ahead.

Planning holiday travel? Book holiday pet sitting with Big Mike's Pet Sitting. We serve Elizabethtown, Lancaster, Hershey, Mount Joy, and all of Lancaster County. Call (223) 221-1872 to reserve your holiday dates.