The hardest parts of going away 

For many of us, one of the hardest parts of going away isn’t packing the suitcase or organising the journey.

It’s leaving the dog behind.

And if your dog is particularly attached to you, elderly, nervous, sensitive to change, or simply happiest in their own home, that little pang of guilt can become a very real concern.

Will they wonder where I’ve gone? Will they be unsettled? Will they eat normally? Will they cope without me?

Dogs are social animals, and while every dog responds differently when their owners go away, changes in routine, environment and companionship can all contribute to stress and anxiety.

That’s one of the reasons I’m such an advocate for in-home pet and house sitting.

Their home. Their routine. Their familiar world.

When you go away, your dog already has one big change to deal with: you’re not there.

Putting them into an unfamiliar environment can add several more.

Different smells. Different noises. Different sleeping arrangements. Different feeding times. Other dogs. Different walks. A completely different daily rhythm.

With an in-home house sitter, much of your dog’s world can stay exactly where it belongs.

Their bed is still their bed.

Their favourite sleeping spot is still available.

Their food bowl is in the same place.

Their familiar walking routes are outside the front door.

And, importantly, there is someone there providing companionship, reassurance and consistency.

Routine can be incredibly reassuring

Dogs are remarkably good at learning the rhythms of our lives.

They know when breakfast happens. They recognise the sound associated with a walk. They know when it’s time to settle down in the evening – and many seem to possess an extraordinarily accurate internal clock when dinner is five minutes late!

Maintaining as much of that routine as possible can help a dog feel secure while you’re away.

That’s why a good house sitter should know far more than simply how much food to put in the bowl.

I want to know the little things.

Does your dog expect a biscuit after their morning walk?

Do they curl up beside you when you watch television?

Do they love a game of fetch in the garden?

Is there a particular walk they adore?

Do they sleep upstairs, downstairs – or somehow manage to occupy three quarters of a king-size bed?

Those details matter.

Companionship is about more than simply being present

Good pet sitting isn’t just having somebody in the house.

It’s about engagement.

For one dog, happiness might mean a long countryside walk followed by several hours snoozing in front of the fire.

For another, it might be games, enrichment and lots of interaction.

And for another, particularly an older or more nervous dog, it may simply be the reassurance of having someone nearby.

The objective isn’t to replace you – we can't. It’s to make the time until you come home feel as safe, familiar and enjoyable as possible.

Help your house sitter get to know your dog

Before you go away, tell your sitter about the things your dog loves – and the things they don’t.

Share their routines, favourite activities, funny habits, preferred walks and little rituals.

And don't dismiss something because it seems insignificant.

If your dog expects you to say “bedtime” before trotting upstairs every evening, tell us. If they refuse to go outside in the rain without considerable negotiation, definitely tell us! The better we understand their normal life, the easier it is to recreate that sense of familiarity while you're away.

And there’s another advantage…

Your dog isn't the only one who can feel more relaxed - You can too.

Knowing your dog is sleeping in their own bed, following their normal routine and being cared for in familiar surroundings can remove a great deal of the worry associated with leaving them.

At Four Paws & Fortress, my philosophy is simple:

When you go away, your dog shouldn't feel as though their whole world has gone away too.

Keeping them at home, surrounded by everything they know, while providing companionship, walks, play, cuddles and continuity can make your absence feel much less disruptive.

Because a great house sit isn't simply about looking after a property or feeding the pets.

It’s about keeping their world turning until you walk back through the door. 

Planning a holiday or trip away?

Four Paws & Fortress provides in-home pet and house sitting across Cheshire, North Wales and surrounding areas, allowing your pets to remain happy and comfortable in their own home.