How Early Should You Book Pet Sitting for the Holidays?
How Early Should You Book Pet Sitting for the Holidays?
If you've ever tried to book a pet sitter the week before Thanksgiving, you already know the answer: earlier than you think.
Every year, the same thing happens. The holidays sneak up, travel plans come together fast, and suddenly everyone in Fuquay-Varina (and Holly Springs, Cary, Apex, Raleigh, and Willow Spring too) is reaching out at the same time, looking for someone trustworthy to care for their pets while they're away. By the time Thanksgiving week rolls around, the sitters you'd actually want watching your dog or cat are already booked solid.
So, how early is early enough?
For Thanksgiving and the December holidays, I always tell clients to start locking in dates by early to mid-October. That's not me trying to rush you, it's just the reality of how fast holiday calendars fill up, especially for overnight and 24-hour sitting, which books up faster than drop-in visits.
A few things that make the biggest difference when you book early:
You actually get to choose your preferred sitter, instead of whoever happens to still be available
You have time to do a proper meet and greet, so your pet is comfortable before you leave
You're not scrambling last minute, trying to remember every feeding schedule and quirky habit your pet has while you're also packing for your own trip
You give your sitter time to ask questions and get familiar with your home, your pet's routine, and anything that makes them feel safe and comfortable
What if you're already past "early"?
If the holidays crept up on you (no judgment, it happens to all of us), it's still worth reaching out as soon as you know your travel dates. Sometimes there's flexibility, sometimes a date works out, and even if your first choice isn't available, getting your name in early for whatever opens up is always better than waiting.
The bottom line: your pet's holiday care deserves the same forward planning as your own travel plans. Don't let it be the thing you remember to do last.
Ready to lock in your dates? Reach out here and let's get your pet's holiday care sorted before the rush.
