When you're making plans for Thanksgiving or Christmas, you also need to decide what your pets' days will look like while you're gone. Choosing the right pet sitting visit length gives them time for the meals, exercise and companionship they're used to at home.
At Stable Hands, we help you choose care around your pets and your trip. Tell us when you're traveling, what a normal day looks like at home and anything you're concerned about. We'll work through the visit options with you.
Your pet’s routine while you’re away
Think about what your pet normally enjoys with you. Your dog may look forward to a long morning walk, while your cat may settle beside you every evening. Those habits help us understand how much activity and company to include while you're away.
Tell us about each pet in the household, including anyone who eats separately, needs a slower pace or takes time to warm up to people. A visit should leave room for attention as well as the essentials. We can use those details to recommend a visit length for your household.
Which pet sitting visit length should you book?
Stable Hands offers several visit lengths. These give you a starting point for discussing the care your pets will receive during your holiday trip:
- Essential Care, 10–15 minutes: A brief visit for a potty break or routine check-in.
- Standard Care, 20–30 minutes: Time for a daily walk and routine care.
- Extended Care, 30–45 minutes: More time for play, attention or a household with several pets.
- Specialized Care, 45–60 minutes: A longer visit for pets who benefit from additional activity, a slower pace or more individual attention.
A longer visit may make sense if you want your dog to have a good walk and company afterward, or your cats to have playtime alongside feeding and litter care. If your pet needs extended companionship, ask us about hourly, pet nanny or overnight care. You can compare visit options and current prices before we discuss the best fit.
How many visits will your pet need?
Visit length is one part of arranging care for an entire trip. Your dog will still need bathroom breaks later in the day after a long morning visit. Your cat's meals and daily check-ins also need to continue throughout your absence.
For travel care, Stable Hands generally recommends three to four visits a day for dogs and one to two for cats, depending on their routine and needs. We'll discuss the frequency and arrival windows with you as part of your in-home pet sitting arrangements. Share any medication timing requirements before booking so we can confirm whether the proposed visits will work.
Care on the days you leave and return
An early flight may mean you need care beginning that morning. A late drive home may mean your pets need an evening visit even though your trip ends that day. Give us your expected departure and return times along with your travel dates so those first and last days are covered.
Before you leave, confirm the visits, arrival windows and total cost for your trip, along with how to reach us if your plans change. If your return is delayed, contact the team as soon as you know so we can discuss any additional care needed.
What to update before your holiday trip
If we've cared for your pets before, tell us what's changed since your last booking. A new pet, a different feeding routine or a change in mobility can affect which visits will suit this trip. Our guide to writing pet-sitter instructions can help you put the details in one place.
Check your home access instructions, emergency contacts and veterinary information too. While you're away, visit notes and photos through Time to Pet will help you keep up with your pets.
Arrange holiday pet care with Stable Hands
As your holiday travel plans come together, contact Stable Hands to discuss your dates, check availability and arrange a meet-and-greet if you're new to our service. We provide in-home care in Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Chesapeake, and can help you choose a pet sitting visit length and schedule suited to your household.
Existing clients can send travel requests and updated care details through the Time to Pet client portal. With care confirmed before you leave, you can turn your attention to the people and plans taking you out of town.