The holidays are my busiest time of year, and after years of caring for pets while their families travel, I’ve noticed the smoothest trips all start the same way: with a little preparation a week or two before the bags are packed. Here’s my holiday travel checklist for pet owners, the same things I’d ask any client to handle before they leave:

 

1. Book Your Pet Sitter Early

Holiday dates fill up fast, especially Thanksgiving week and the stretch between Christmas and New Year’s. If you already know your travel dates, reach out now. Waiting until the week before often means settling for whoever is still available. You can check our rates and request your dates here.

2. Stock Up on Food and Medication

Leave enough food for your entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of flight delays. If your pet takes medication, refill prescriptions before you go. Many vet offices have reduced holiday hours. Label each medication with the dose and time it’s given.

3. Update Your Emergency Information

Make sure your sitter has:

• • Your vet’s name, number, and address

• • The nearest 24-hour emergency vet

• • A backup contact who can make decisions if you can’t be reached

• • A signed vet release, so your sitter can get your pet treated without delay

This is also a good time to confirm your pet’s ID tag and microchip registration have your current phone number.

4. Write Down the Routine

Feeding amounts and times, walk schedules, litter habits, favorite hiding spots, and what “normal” looks like for your pet. The small details matter most. A cat who skips breakfast once might be fine. A cat who never skips breakfast and suddenly does is telling us something.

5. Prep Your Home for Houston Weather

Our winters are mild until they aren’t. A cold front can drop temperatures overnight, so leave clear instructions for:

• • Thermostat settings

• • Which faucets to drip during a freeze

• • Where your water shut-off valve is

And don’t forget the basics: spare keys, gate codes, and alarm instructions.

6. Put Holiday Hazards out of Reach

Before you leave, clear away anything dangerous your pet might get into while you’re gone:

• • Chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic

• • Anything containing xylitol (common in sugar-free baked goods and gum)

• • Cooked bones from holiday meals

• • Lilies, which are highly toxic to cats

• • Tinsel and ribbon, which cats love to swallow

If you’re ever unsure whether something is toxic, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center can help.

7. Let Your Pet Meet the Sitter First

A meet and greet before your trip lets your pet get familiar with their sitter in their own home, and gives you the chance to walk through the routine in person. Every new Daws & Paws client starts this way.

 

The Best Gift You Can Give Your Pet This Season

A calm, consistent routine while you’re away. A little preparation now means you can actually enjoy your trip, without checking your phone every hour wondering how they’re doing.

 

Traveling this holiday season? Send us an inquiry and let’s get your dates on the calendar.