Summer Pet Sitting Tips: Peace of Mind for You and Your Pets

Summer is here, and vacation plans are ramping up! While you’re dreaming about sandy beaches or mountain retreats, don’t forget your furry family members. Planning ahead helps keep pets happy, healthy, and calm while you’re away. Here’s how to prep your pet sitter and address common concerns like separation anxiety.

Book Early—Summer Spots Fill Up Fast!

Summertime means busy schedules for professional pet sitters. Booking early ensures you secure the care your pet needs and gives you peace of mind.

  • Tip: Confirm pet sitting availability as soon as your vacation dates are set.

  • Bonus: Professional pet sitters maintain routines, reducing stress for your pet compared to boarding.

✅ Book your summer pet care today →

Clearly Communicate Your Pet’s Needs

Detailed instructions help your pet sitter provide seamless, customized care. Be thorough to set everyone up for success.

Include:

  • Feeding schedules and dietary requirements.
  • Medication instructions (with doses clearly marked).
  • Your pet’s favorite activities and routines.

  • Emergency contacts and veterinary details.

✅ Pro tip: Arrange a meet-and-greet beforehand to go through your pet’s routine in person.

Manage Pet Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety peaks during extended absences, especially if routines are disrupted. Here’s how to help your pet feel secure while you’re away:

  • Gradual Adjustments: Practice brief separations in advance, slowly increasing your time away from home.
  • Consistency Matters: Keeping meal, play, and sleep times consistent significantly eases anxiety.
  • Comfort Items: Leave behind familiar scents (like a worn shirt) or favorite toys for comfort.

✅ Helpful hint: Consider calming aids such as pet-safe aromatherapy, pet CBD, or anxiety wraps to soothe nerves.

Enrich Their Days

Mental stimulation is key to combating boredom and anxiety while you’re gone. Equip your sitter with ideas and supplies:

  • Interactive toys and puzzle feeders.
  • Safe chew toys or frozen treats for hot days.
  • Background noise—soft music, nature sounds, or pet-friendly TV.

✅ Bonus Resource: Check out these easy DIY enrichment activities from Carroll County Veterinary Clinic.

Stay Connected From Afar

Professional pet care services often offer regular updates to ease your mind while traveling. Daily check-ins, including photos or short videos, assure you that your pets are thriving—even while you relax poolside.

✅ Client Favorite: Our Pet Care Pros send daily updates so you never miss a wag or purr.

Get Your Home Vacation-Ready

Beyond pet care, consider additional home services:

  • Cleaning
  • Mail and package collection
  • Plant watering
  • Security checks for doors and windows

✅ Learn more about our complete home care offerings →

Return Home to Happy Pets

With proper planning and clear communication, you’ll return home to happy, calm pets.

Ready to Plan Your Pet’s Summer Stay-cation?
Pet and Home Care is here to help. Contact us now and ensure your pet enjoys summer vacation as much as you do.

👉 Schedule Your Summer Pet Sitting Today!

Easy Enrichment Activities Every Dog Owner Should Try

Keeping your dog happy and healthy goes beyond daily walks and feeding time. Dogs are intelligent, curious animals that crave mental stimulation and interactive play. Without it, boredom and anxiety can creep in, leading to unwanted behaviors.

Enrichment activities provide essential mental and physical stimulation, helping your dog stay sharp, burn energy, and feel emotionally satisfied. The good news? You don’t need fancy tools or tons of time. These simple enrichment ideas are easy to implement and fun for both of you.

🧠 Brain-Boosting Toys

Interactive toys are one of the easiest ways to challenge your dog’s mind while keeping them occupied. Whether your pup is home alone or just needs something to do, these options are perfect for solo play:

  • Puzzle toys that require sniffing, sliding, or nudging to uncover treats

  • Treat-dispensing balls that reward movement with snacks

  • Chew toys that satisfy natural urges while keeping teeth healthy

👉 Check out our favorite enrichment toys here

Rotate toys weekly to keep things fresh and exciting!

🐾 Sensory Games & Play

Dogs love using their noses, ears, and paws to explore the world—and you can harness that for play that’s both fun and fulfilling:

  • Scent games: Hide treats around the house or yard and encourage your pup to “find it”

  • Hide-and-seek: Hide yourself or their favorite toy for a fun twist on bonding

  • Playdates: Social play with other dogs encourages communication and drains energy

  • Training sessions: Practicing basic commands or learning new tricks gives your dog a sense of purpose and accomplishment

👉 Explore our dog daycare services with scent games and structured play

🍽️ Food-Based Enrichment

Turn mealtime into a fun challenge with food-based enrichment:

  • Lick mats: Spread peanut butter, yogurt, or wet food for a soothing, slow-feeding experience

  • Kibble scavenger hunts: Hide small piles of kibble throughout your home for your dog to discover

  • Treat puzzles or slow feeders: These make your dog work for their food, slowing down fast eaters and encouraging problem-solving

👉 Browse our top enrichment feeders and lick mats

Not only do these tools help mentally stimulate your pup, but they can also improve digestion and reduce anxiety.

🐶 Make Enrichment a Daily Habit

The best enrichment routines are simple, consistent, and varied. Even 10–15 minutes a day can make a big difference in your dog’s mood and behavior. Start small and mix things up to keep your dog engaged.

At Pet and Home Care, we offer personalized enrichment during daycare and pet sitting visits—from scent games to one-on-one playtime.

👉 Learn more about our enrichment services and care plans

A happy, healthy dog is an enriched one—and we’re here to make that easy for you