How to Book a Pet Sitter While You Travel (Step-by-Step Guide)
Your vacation is booked, your bags are half-packed, and then it hits you: what about Max? Boarding kennels can run $40–$80 per night in most cities, and many pets get stressed in unfamiliar environments. A pet sitter who comes to your home costs $25–$50 per visit (or $75–$150 for overnight stays) and lets your pet stick to their routine in familiar surroundings.
This guide shows you exactly how to find, vet, and book a pet sitter so you can travel with peace of mind. Whether you need someone to drop in twice a day to feed your cat or stay overnight with your anxious dog, you'll know what to ask, how to prepare your home, and what a good pet-sitting arrangement looks like.
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Step 1: Decide what kind of care your pet needs
Someone writing a detailed checklist on a notepad at a kitchen table Before you start looking, write down exactly what you need. Does your dog need three walks a day, or will two quick bathroom breaks work? Does your cat take medication? Will the sitter stay overnight, or just visit?
- Number of visits per day (or overnight stays)
- Walking and exercise requirements
- Feeding schedule and any dietary restrictions
- Medications or special care
- Whether your pet gets along with other animals
Typical arrangements: drop-in visits run $25–$40 for 30 minutes, $35–$50 for an hour. Overnight stays (where the sitter sleeps at your home) usually cost $75–$150 per night depending on your city.
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Step 2: Find qualified pet sitters in your area
Woman scrolling through service provider profiles on her smartphone screen Start by opening Lumo and selecting pet care from the services menu. You'll see local sitters with their rates, reviews, and response times. (You can also ask friends, check community boards, or search online directories, but you'll do more vetting work yourself.)
Read profiles carefully. Look for sitters who mention experience with your type of pet and any special needs. A sitter who's great with puppies might not be the best fit for a diabetic senior cat.
Check reviews from other pet owners. Pay attention to comments about reliability, communication, and how the sitter handled problems. Five-star ratings are nice; detailed reviews that mention 'sent photo updates twice a day' or 'noticed our dog seemed off and called us' are better.
In Lumo, you can message sitters directly to ask questions before booking. Most good sitters respond within a few hours.
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Step 3: Interview your top choices
Pet owner talking with a sitter while a dog sits between them in a living room - How long have you been pet sitting?
- Do you have experience with [my pet's breed/age/medical needs]?
- What's your backup plan if you're sick or have an emergency?
- Are you comfortable giving medications?
- Will you send daily photo updates?
Ask about their process when something goes wrong. A professional sitter has a plan for vet emergencies and knows how to reach you.
If possible, arrange a quick meet-and-greet before your trip. This lets you see how your pet reacts to the sitter and gives the sitter a chance to learn your home's quirks (the trick to opening the back door, where you keep the treats, which neighbor to call in an emergency).
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Step 4: Book the service and confirm all details
Close-up of a phone screen showing a confirmed pet care booking with dates and details Once you've picked your sitter, book through the app for your travel dates. The booking shows the total cost upfront—no surprise fees.
- Your exact travel dates and flight times
- Daily schedule (feeding times, walk times, when to scoop the litter box)
- Emergency contact info (your cell, a local friend, your vet's phone and address)
- Any household instructions (don't let the cat in the garage, the alarm code, where the spare key is)
Confirm the sitter has your vet's information and your permission to seek care if needed. Many vets require written authorization, so call ahead.
In Lumo, payments are handled securely through the app. You'll pay by card, and you can add a tip after the service is complete. The sitter gets 90% of the rate you pay.
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Step 5: Prepare your home and pet supplies
Kitchen counter with organized pet supplies, food containers, and written care instructions A few days before you leave, make sure you have more than enough of everything. Buy extra food, litter, medications, and poop bags—you don't want your sitter scrambling to find the right brand.
- Feeding amounts and times
- Medication doses and schedule
- Vet and emergency contact numbers
- WiFi password
- Quirks ('He'll act starving but he already ate' or 'She hides under the bed when strangers arrive')
Put a spare key somewhere accessible. Test all your door locks. Make sure the sitter knows how to work your thermostat, alarm, and any pet doors or gates.
Show your pet their supplies before you go. A calm walkthrough helps anxious pets adjust.
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Step 6: Stay in touch and handle the return
Happy pet owner kneeling down to greet an excited dog at the front door Good sitters send updates without being asked, but don't hesitate to check in. A quick 'How's it going?' message is normal and appreciated.
Most sitters send a photo or short note after each visit. If you don't hear anything for a full day, reach out. In Lumo, the in-app messaging keeps everything in one place.
When you get home, inspect your house and check in with your pet. Look for any issues (did the dog eat? is the litter box clean?). If everything went well, leave a detailed review—it helps other pet owners and rewards great sitters.
You can tip your sitter in the app after the job is done. Options are 10%, 15%, 20%, or a custom amount, and 100% goes directly to the sitter. Most people tip 15–20% for excellent service, more if the sitter went above and beyond or handled an emergency.
Pro tips
- Book at least two weeks before you travel—good sitters fill up fast around holidays.
- Do a trial run: have the sitter come once while you're home so your pet gets comfortable.
- Leave a small cash fund for emergencies (unexpected vet visit, running out of food) and tell the sitter where it is.
- Set up a camera if you're anxious—many pet owners use a simple pet cam to check in, and most sitters don't mind.
- Write your return flight info clearly. Sitters need to know if your 3 p.m. return becomes 11 p.m. due to delays.
Frequently asked questions
- How far in advance should I book a pet sitter?
- Two weeks minimum for regular travel, four to six weeks for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas when good sitters book up fast. If you travel regularly, some sitters will block out your dates months ahead.
- What if my pet has a medical emergency while I'm gone?
- A professional sitter will contact you immediately and take your pet to the vet if needed. Make sure they have written authorization to seek care and a credit card number or emergency fund. Discuss this scenario before you book and confirm your sitter is comfortable handling it.
- Should I tip my pet sitter, and how much?
- Yes, tipping is standard for good service. Most pet owners tip 15–20% for reliable, communicative care. Tip more (25% or a flat $20–$50 bonus) if your sitter handled an emergency, dealt with a difficult pet, or went beyond the agreed service.
Booking a pet sitter takes a little planning, but it's worth it for your peace of mind and your pet's comfort. Start early, ask good questions, leave clear instructions, and choose someone whose reviews prove they're reliable. When you find a great sitter, keep their contact info—you'll want them every time you travel. Open Lumo, browse local pet sitters, and book your next trip with one less thing to worry about.
Photos are illustrative. Service prices are typical ranges and vary by city. How we write our guides.
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