Vet urges pet owners to leave one messy thing behind before holiday

Many British holidaymakers gearing up for their summer will be keen to leave their homes in tip-top condition, ensuring a chore-free return. However, pet owners might want to reconsider the urge to tidy everything away before jetting off. Vets have offered an unexpected piece of advice to dog and cat owners: it is best to leave some dirty laundry out. With 36 per cent of Brits planning more holidays in 2025 compared to last year, many are eagerly anticipating their breaks. Yet, could the secret to keeping your pets content while you’re away be a slightly untidy home?

Research from TrustedHousesitters has found that over half of UK pet owners fret about their furry friends feeling forsaken during their travels. But veterinarians suggest that simple measures, such as leaving items carrying familiar scents, can significantly enhance a pet’s happiness and sense of security. “Everyone likes their home comforts – pets included,” says Dr Rebecca MacMillan. “Pets thrive on familiarity and routine; it helps them to feel secure. Staying in an environment where they already feel safe will often mean they cope better when their owner is gone”, reports the Daily Record.

Dr MacMillan further notes that pets find solace in their owner’s scent and their own pheromones, which they’ve marked throughout the house.

“Even small sounds like the ticking of the kitchen clock or hearing the hum of the boiler starting up in the morning will be cues that your pet associates with their home,” she went on.

“Owners should still leave a clean, welcoming home for any sitter, family, or friend coming to watch pets. But when it comes to helping furry friends feel secure, leaving a few familiar items with your scent can make a big difference.”

This research has been conducted by TrustedHouseSitters, a one-of-a-kind pet care solution which connects pet parents to loving, verified and safe pet sitters. This service gives pet owners the opportunity to go on holiday with peace of mind that their fur baby is being well looked after while they are sunning themselves. 

It’s free to browse pet-sitters with an annual subscription charge once you’re signed up. After that, no more money changes hands. Instead of paying pet-sitters, owners are given a place to stay on their travels in exchange for dedicated pet care. 

This is of course a good alternative for pet owners who do not want to leave their pet at home alone during their travels. 

Owners would no doubt have perused the endless supply of pet cameras for this exact reason, includign the Ring Indoor Camera, a plug-in pet security camera, currently on sale for just £24.99.

Otherwise, for the pet owners who don’t want to leave their beloved animal at home, there are holiday options for that, as well. 

Holiday Cottages has a string of locations around the UK which are pet friendly. You can look at the full list here.

Otherwise, Dr MacMillan has shared their knowledge over what owners ought to do when leaving pets with a TrustedPetSitters professional below. 

Dr MacMillan suggests these straightforward yet powerful strategies for pet owners departing on holiday.

“Consider leaving a couple of items of clothing that you have worn for them to smell and snuggle with,” Dr MacMillan explained. “This will help them to feel comforted in your absence.

“Leaving your pet’s bedding, toys, and even some clothes destined for the laundry basket around can help them feel connected to you.”

Request your sitter adheres to your pet’s regular feeding schedules, walking times, and sleeping patterns.

“Keeping your pet in a routine as close to their normal one as possible will help them to feel more settled,” advises Dr MacMillan.

Consider employing a synthetic pet pheromone product to serve as an additional relaxing element in their surroundings.

“Plug-in diffusers are available, or you could use an impregnated collar or food supplement,” suggests Dr MacMillan. If adding to your pet’s diet, make sure to consult your vet first.

“Leave your [dog] sitter with plenty of instructions so that they understand your pet’s daily schedule, likes and dislikes,” says Dr MacMillan.

“Creating a simple welcome guide with all essential information helps your sitter provide the best care possible. Include emergency contact numbers and your pet’s medication schedule if applicable.

“Feeding instructions, and notes about your pet’s favourite spots, habits and any little quirks that make a difference day-to-day should also be noted.”

Try not to make big changes like moving furniture or changing pet beds right before you leave.

“Even if it feels messy to you, it’ll likely be comforting for your pet until you return,” Dr MacMillan added.