Traveling With Your Pet vs. Hiring a Pet Sitter: What's Best?

Planning a trip and wondering what to do with your pet? You have two main options: bring them along or leave them at home with a professional pet sitter. Both choices have their pros and cons, and the best option depends on your pet's personality, your destination, and the type of trip.

As a professional pet sitter serving Elizabethtown and Lancaster County, PA, I help pet owners make this decision regularly. Here's an honest breakdown to help you choose what's best for your dog, cat, or other pet.

Pros and Cons of Traveling With Your Pet

Advantages of Bringing Your Pet

• They're with you: No separation anxiety for you or your pet
• New experiences: Pets can enjoy exploring new places
• No sitter costs: You save money on pet sitting services
• Peace of mind: You know exactly how they're being cared for

Disadvantages of Pet Travel

• Travel stress: Many pets find car rides or flights stressful
• Limited activities: Many restaurants, attractions, and beaches don't allow pets
• Accommodation restrictions: Pet-friendly hotels are more limited and often cost extra
• Health risks: New environments can expose pets to unfamiliar parasites or diseases
• Logistics: Packing extra gear, frequent stops, finding pet relief areas

Pros and Cons of Hiring a Pet Sitter

Advantages of In-Home Pet Sitting

• Comfort of home: Pets stay in their familiar environment
• Routine maintained: Regular feeding, walking, and play schedules continue
• Vacation freedom: You can do activities that aren't pet-friendly
• Less travel stress: No car sickness, airplane cargo holds, or new environments
• Home security: Someone checks on your house while you're away

Disadvantages of Pet Sitting

• Separation: Some pets (and owners) don't like being apart
• Cost: Professional pet sitting is an additional expense
• Trust: You're relying on someone else to care for your pet (that's why asking the right questions matters)

Questions to Help You Decide

Consider Your Pet's Temperament

• How does your pet handle car rides? Do they get anxious or sick?
• Are they comfortable with new people and places, or easily stressed?
• Do they have any health conditions requiring consistent care?
• How attached are they to their routine and home environment?

Consider Your Trip Details

• How long will you be gone?
• What activities are you planning? Are they pet-friendly?
• Will your accommodations allow pets?
• Is the climate appropriate for your pet?

When to Bring Your Pet Along

• Short road trips with a dog that loves car rides
• Camping or outdoor adventures
• Visiting pet-friendly relatives
• Extended trips where separation would be too long
• Relocating to a new home

When In-Home Pet Sitting Is the Better Choice

• Cats (most cats do NOT travel well, read our cat sitting guide for more details)
• Senior pets with health conditions
• Anxious pets who stress in new environments
• Business trips with limited flexibility
• Vacations with lots of non-pet-friendly activities
• Air travel (especially for brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs)
• Exotic pets with specific environmental needs

If you'll be away overnight, compare your options in our overnight pet sitting vs boarding guide.

How to Make Pet Sitting a Success

If you decide pet sitting is the right choice, here's how to make the experience smooth for your pet:

1. Book early: Good pet sitters fill up, especially during holidays
2. Meet beforehand: Schedule a consultation to introduce your pet to the sitter
3. Provide detailed instructions: The more information, the better the care
4. Request updates: Photos and messages help you feel connected
5. Trust the process: Your pet is in good hands with a professional

The Bottom Line: Travel vs. Pet Sitting

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Consider your pet's personality, your trip type, and your comfort level with both options. Many pet owners use a combination. bringing their dog on camping trips but using a sitter for beach vacations or business travel.

Need a reliable pet sitter in Elizabethtown, PA? Big Mike's Pet Sitting offers in-home pet care that keeps your dog or cat comfortable while you're away. We serve Elizabethtown, Mount Joy, Hershey, and communities throughout Lancaster County. Contact us for a free consultation!