Should You Ask Your Neighbors for Holiday Pet Sitting?

When holiday travel plans come together, many pet parents face the same question: Can I ask a neighbor to check on my pet? The holidays, unfortunately, introduce unique challenges that make relying on neighbors for pet sitting risky, even when everyone has the best intentions. While I adore my neighbors, I’ve lived in Hampton Roads since 2007 and in my Yorktown house since 2009. I’d never ask them to care for my pets this time of year. Today, I’m answering the question, Should you ask your neighbors for holiday pet sitting? No hate, just real talk about what can (and often does) go wrong.

The Holidays Are Busy for Everyone

The holiday season is demanding. Between family gatherings, work deadlines, school schedules, and social obligations, most people are already stretched thin. Asking a neighbor to take on additional responsibility, especially one that involves strict schedules, feeding routines, medications, or walks, can quickly become too much. What starts as a simple favor can turn into added stress for both parties. And, potential fall-outs if things go awry.

Travel & Plans Change, Sometimes at the Last Minute

Holiday plans are unpredictable. People plan to stay home only to decide last minute to go see a loved one nearby. Flights get canceled, weather shifts plans, last-minute invitations pop up, and celebrations go longer than expected. A neighbor may fully intend to help, only to suddenly be out of town, tied up, or otherwise unable to get to your pet. When that happens, your pet is left without a dependable backup plan, something no pet parent wants to risk during one of the busiest times of year.

Illness Is Common During the Holidays

Cold, flu, and seasonal illnesses are especially common during the holidays. A sick neighbor may not be physically able to provide consistent care, administer medications, or safely walk a dog. And understandably, someone who isn’t feeling well needs to focus on their own recovery, not pet care responsibilities for someone else’s pet.

Forgotten Visits Are Not Uncommon With Friends & Neighbors

Neighbors don’t forget on purpose. But during the holidays, routines are disrupted, and distractions are everywhere. A missed visit, a delayed feeding, or a forgotten walk can mean hours, or in the worst cases, days, of waiting for a pet. Pets depend on consistency, and even minor lapses can lead to stress, accidents, or health issues.

Errors Happen, Even with the Best of Intentions

Even when visits happen as planned, care errors can still occur. Overfeeding or underfeeding, improperly scooped litter boxes, missed medications, or incorrect medication dosage are common risks when care is informal. Neighbors may also miss early signs of illness or stress simply because they don’t know your pet’s normal behavior well enough. Loving animals isn’t the same as being trained to care for them, and without formal pet care training, small mistakes can quickly turn into serious problems.

Should You Ask Your Neighbors for Holiday Pet Sitting?

At this point, you have probably guessed that my answer to the question “Should you ask your neighbors for holiday pet sitting?” is a resounding no. Informal arrangements in which a friend or neighbor cares for a pet they barely know, without the tools and knowledge needed to do so correctly, pose a risk.

Hearts at Home uses industry-leading pet sitting software to track visits, staff locations, schedules, and real-time updates. Every visit is logged, monitored, and managed, so nothing is left to memory or chance. Our vetted and trained staff follow clear care protocols, and our management team actively supports and backs up sitters if someone is delayed, injured, or ill.

Professional pet care is built on systems, accountability, and safeguards, which is why it’s always your best bet, especially during the holidays. With these systems in place, forgotten visits, missed feedings, and “oops” moments are prevented at every step!

Safety, Training, and Protection Matter

While I’m sure your neighbors are lovely and, who knows?, maybe they love your pet like their own. Yet, Hearts at Home Pet Sitting is fully insured and bonded, including a dishonesty bond, providing an extra layer of protection for your home and your pets. Our team is also trained in pet first aid and CPR, so if something unexpected happens, your pet is in capable, prepared hands. Most people will be satisfied with their neighbor’s work unless something goes wrong, which happens often. When something is damaged in the home, dogs are lost, cats go without dinner, etc., it is then that many pet parents realize that hiring a professional ensures their beloved pet(s) and home will be covered.

Peace of Mind During the Busiest Time of Year

The holidays should be joyful, not filled with worry about whether someone remembered to stop by, especially if you’re far away. When it comes to your pet’s safety, comfort, and well-being, as well as your home and belongings, relying on a professional team ensures consistency, reliability, and true peace of mind. This holiday season, count on Hearts at Home Pet Sitting, because your pet deserves care you never have to second-guess.

The Best Pet Care Option in Yorktown, Poquoson, Hampton & Newport News

Hearts at Home Pet Sitting is the most trusted dog walking and pet sitting service in Yorktown, Poquoson, Newport News, and Hampton, VA, since 2012. Our dog walking, dog sitting, and cat sitting services are tailored to each family and pet’s needs, ensuring your peace of mind and their safety every day and every visit.