With the days getting longer and the weather finally starting to warm up, you might be thinking about plans for the summer. Planning a holiday is exciting for the whole family, but for our furry family members, it can take a little more planning.
Maybe your pets are coming with you on a UK staycation. Perhaps you’re heading to Europe or jetting off further afield for a sun-soaked getaway. Deciding what to do with pets when you’re on holiday (and ensuring you get everything sorted early) is key to a stress-free trip.
At Beehive Vets, we know making arrangements can sound a little overwhelming, but we’re here to help. This guide covers everything you need to know about arranging holiday pet care, from vaccinations and parasite prevention to the essential travel documents you need if they’re joining you on your travels.
We also break down everything you need to know about the upcoming changes to EU pet travel to make sure you have everything in place.
Quick Pet Holiday Checklist
If you’re short on time, this a great place to start:
- Book kennels or pet sitters at least 4–8 weeks in advance
- Check your pet’s vaccinations are in date (including Kennel Cough for dogs)
- Ensure flea, worm and tick treatments are up to date
- Arrange enough food and medication for the full trip
- Leave emergency contact details with your pet’s carer
When Should You Start Planning Pet Care?
We advise that you start organising your pet’s care at least 6-8 weeks before your trip, especially during peak holiday periods through the summer and school holidays.
Why so far in advance? Because the best cat sitters, catteries and kennels fill up early, meaning you might be left with fewer options if you leave it to the last minute. If you’re planning to travel abroad with your pet, the documentation required takes a few weeks to organise. Plus, depending on the destination, your pet may need additional vaccinations and anti-parasitic treatments before they travel so it’s a good idea to start planning early.
Travelling to Europe with Your Pet? Make Sure You Know the New Rules from April 2026
If you plan to take your pet to Europe, there’s a few changes to pet travel in the EU that you need to be aware of. From 22 April 2026, the EU will enforce stricter and more consistent checks on pet travel documents at borders.
An EU Pet Passport, issued or held by a pet owner who is resident in Great Britain, will no longer be a valid document for travelling with pets from Great Britain to anywhere in the EU.
This applies to all EU pet passports issued in any EU Member State, or Northern Ireland, to someone whose main residence is in Great Britain.
Any of our clients traveling to the EU or Northern Ireland with their pets (dog, cat or ferret) will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) to travel.
Otherwise, the core requirements haven’t changed, but officials will now check them more closely. This means even small errors could delay your journey or mean that you and your pet are refused entry.
Before you travel, you must make sure:
- Your pet is microchipped (and their microchip details are up to date)
- That your pet’s rabies vaccinations are up to date
- You have arranged an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from a registered vet within 10 days of travel
- That all details match exactly across your documents
If you’re unsure what you need, our team can guide you through the process and make sure everything is in place before you go.
Pet Care Options While You’re Away
Every pet is different and when it comes to choosing a place for your beloved pet to stay, there are a few things to consider. If you haven’t used a particular place before, we’d always advise that you have a look around before you make a booking – as well as wanting your pet to feel happy and comfortable it also gives you peace of mind that they’re safe and being looked after while you’re away.
Here’s a few different options:
Boarding Kennels or Catteries
Many owners choose kennels or catteries because they offer structured care and supervision.
Typical UK costs:
- Dogs: £20–£40 per night
- Cats: £15–£25 per night
Before you book, visit the facility and ask:
- Do you hold a local authority licence?
- Which vet do you contact in an emergency?
- Do you require vaccination and parasite treatment records?
- How many staff care for the animals?
- How much exercise and enrichment do pets receive?
- How do you manage special diets or medication?
As you look around, check that staff engage with the animals, water is always available and the environment looks clean and calm.
Watch for warning signs:
- No licence or insurance
- Poor hygiene or strong odours
- Overcrowded spaces
- No vaccination checks
Pet Sitters and Home Boarding
Some pets feel more relaxed at home or in a quieter, more relaxed setting. In these cases, a pet sitter (a trusted family member or a professional sitter) or home boarding service may suit them better.
You can choose:
- A pet sitter who stays in your home – lets your pet stay in a familiar environment with access to all their usual toys, smells and favourite sleeping spots.
- A home boarding provider -gives your pet a more relaxed, home-from-home environment
The RSPCA advises owners to choose sitters registered with the National Association for Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers – you can find a local approved sitter through their database.
Before you book a pet sitter, make sure you:
- Check insurance and a recent DBS certificate
- Ask about pet first aid training
- Read reviews and request references
- Arrange a meet-and-greet with your pet
Always watch to see how your pet responds – this often tells you everything you need to know about whether a sitter or home boarding is the right option for them.
Holiday Health Essentials for Pets
Regardless of the arrangements you make for your pet’s holiday care, you also need to make sure your pet’s health is in check before you travel. The Beehive Vets team can help you get everything organised in good time.
Vaccinations
Reputatable boarding facilities will require up-to-date vaccinations.
Dogs usually need protection against Kennel Cough. Despite its name, Kennel Cough isn’t just found in kennels and this highly contagious respiratory infection can spread wherever dogs interact.
There is effective vaccine protection, but full protection is only achieved 2-3 weeks after the vaccine is administered and so your dog will need to have this done well before you are due to go away. If you aren’t on top of your boosters and a vaccine course has lapsed you will need to restart the course, which need to be administered 3-4 weeks apart, meaning speak to us at least 3 months in advance.
Parasite Protection
Critters like fleas, worms and ticks spread quickly in shared environments like kennels and catteries – a flea infestation in particular is one souvenir you really don’t want to be bringing home from your holiday!
Protect your pet by:
- Keeping treatments up to date
- Choosing the right products for their lifestyle
- Covering the full duration of your trip
Medication and Diet
If your pet needs medication or a specific diet:
- Write clear instructions
- Provide enough supplies for the entire stay
- Pack extra in case plans change
Our team can prepare everything in advance and make sure you don’t run short, but make sure to get in touch with us a few weeks before to make sure we can dispense or prescribe the amount you need to keep your pet healthy whilst you’re away.
Emergency Planning
Before you leave, make sure you:
- Share your contact details
- Provide a UK-based emergency contact
- Leave your vet’s details
These steps help carers act quickly if your pet needs treatment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We regularly treat pets with preventable issues after holidays. Most problems happen when owners:
- Book care too late
- Miss vaccination deadlines
- Forget to organise enough medication or food
- Choose unlicensed or unverified carers
We often see pets develop illness after boarding when owners have skipped vaccines or not planned ahead. Most of these problems can be avoided with early preparation.
Of course, members of our Healthy Hive Club have the added peace of mind of knowing that their pet’s vaccination and preventative healthcare schedules will always be up to date, giving you one less thing to worry about.
Holiday Pet Care FAQ’s
Can I leave my dog in kennels without vaccinations?
No. Most licensed kennels require full vaccination cover to protect all dogs in their care. This usually includes core vaccines and protection against Kennel Cough, which spreads easily wherever dogs mix. You should arrange vaccinations at least 2–3 weeks before boarding to ensure your dog develops full immunity.
Is a pet sitter better than kennels?
It depends on your pet’s personality, health and routine. Pet sitters tend to suit animals that prefer familiar surroundings or find new environments stressful. Kennels and catteries often work well for more social pets or those used to structured routines. If you’re unsure, our Beehive Vets team can help you choose the best option based on your pet’s behaviour and medical history.
What happens if my pet becomes unwell while I’m away?
A reputable carer will contact a vet straight away and follow your instructions. That’s why you should always leave your vet’s details, your contact information and an emergency UK-based contact. Many boarding facilities have a nominated veterinary practice they work with in urgent situations but having your own vet’s contact details on hand makes things much easier should your pet become ill.
What should I pack for my pet if they’re staying away from home?
Provide everything your pet needs to stay comfortable and settled, including:
- Their usual food (with clear feeding instructions)
- Any medications with written guidance
- Bedding, their favourite toys or a familiar item from home
- A lead, collar or harness
Keeping routines consistent helps reduce stress and supports your pet’s wellbeing while you’re away.
Do indoor cats need boarding or a sitter?
Most indoor cats cope best with a pet sitter who visits them at home. Cats often feel stressed in unfamiliar environments, so keeping them in their own space helps maintain normal routines. A sitter can feed them, clean litter trays and monitor their health without disrupting their environment.
Need Help Getting Your Pet Holiday-Ready?
Whether your holiday plans involve taking your pets with you, leaving them with family, booking a pet sitter or arranging a stay in kennels or catteries, ultimately the choice is yours and you need to feel comfortable with whatever arrangements you pick.
Planning early will give you the most choice and ultimately help keep your holidays stress-free, just the way they should be!
Book a pre-holiday health check with Beehive Vets today to ensure your pet has everything they need before holiday season hits.
Written by the team at Beehive Vets
