How to Keep an Eye on Your Pets While Traveling

Travel is enjoyable, yet for pet parents, it might come with a large side of worry. Leaving your furry, feathered, or finned companion behind can be stressful, especially when you don’t know how they are doing without you. 

Fortunately, due to current technology and some smart planning, you can ensure your pet is fine – and even keep an eye on them when you’re not there. Here’s how.

1. Invest in Pet Cameras

One of the greatest ways of monitoring your pet while you’re away, is with pet cameras. These devices give you live video streaming via your phone or tablet, so you can check in at any moment. 

Pet cameras generally have features like two-way audio, motion alerts, night vision, and even treat dispensers.

However, it’s important to remember that when you set up a pet cam, you’re essentially putting a live feed of your private home online. Without proper encryption, there’s a risk that hackers – or even random strangers – could access your video stream.

Many pet cam users make sure they connect to VPNs for this exact reason: they encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address, which helps add more protection between your home and the open web. But don’t worry – you can read more about it all here.

2. Use Pet Monitoring Apps

There are a variety of apps that can help you track your pet’s activity and care schedule. Apps like Rover and Wag not only help book sitters and walkers, but some even enable you to receive live updates, GPS tracking of your dog’s walks and photos and videos. 

Others, like 11pets, help maintain health records and feeding schedules, so your sitter can stay on top of things.

Some GPS tracking devices and smart collars – like Whistle or Fi – can sync with these apps to monitor your pet’s activity level, location, and even health statistics.

3. Hire a Trusted Pet Sitter

However, technology alone isn’t enough, especially if your pet needs regular walking, medication, or companionship. 

Hiring a professional pet sitter or asking a trusted friend or family member for help can bring both peace of mind and quality care.

When choosing a sitter, look for someone with experience, good references and, ideally, certifications in pet care or animal CPR. 

You can arrange a meet-and-greet beforehand to make sure your pet feels comfortable with them. While you’re away, ask for regular updates, photos, or even short videos to stay in the loop.

4. Board at a Reputable Pet Hotel

If a sitter is not possible, boarding your pet at a high-quality facility is another safe alternative. 

Pet hotels nowadays often offer tons of fantastic amenities for your furry friends. Luxury suites, playtime, grooming, and even live webcams so you can see your pet whenever the craving strikes are provided by many!

Before booking, go to the facility, ask about staff training, their emergency policies, feeding times, and how they handle pets with special needs or anxiety.

5. Automate Your Home for Pet Comfort

Smart home devices can help create a comfortable environment for your pet in your absence. 

If you’re only leaving for one night, automated feeders and water dispensers ensure your pet stays nourished. Smart thermostats like Nest or Ecobee help regulate indoor temperatures, which is especially important for breeds sensitive to heat or cold.

You can also use timers for lights and music to simulate your presence and provide background noise, which can be soothing for some pets.

6. Leave Detailed Instructions

Whether you’re boarding or bringing in a sitter, communication is key. Leave detailed instructions about feeding, medication, allergies, exercise routines, and your pet’s dislikes and likes. Include your vet’s contact information, emergency procedures, and your travel itinerary as well.

You may wish to put it all in writing and leave a printed copy at home, along with an alternate contact person in the event that you are unreachable.

7. Do a Trial Run

If you’re leaving your pet with someone for the first time or trying out a new pet camera or service, test it out before you go away. 

Leave for a day or weekend and observe how your pet (and chosen method) handles your absence. This allows you time to iron out any potential issues and make any changes needed once you’re away for a longer duration.

Final Thoughts

Going away and leaving your pet does not have to be a harrowing experience. With the right combination of technology, hired help, and planning, you can keep your pet safe, happy, and well cared for. 

Knowing you can keep an eye on them even when far away reduces your worry and allows you to unwind and take pleasure during your trip, knowing your pet is receiving good care.