How to choose holiday care that keeps your pet's routine

When you book time away, your pet's welfare hinges on the person you leave behind. But "good with animals" isn't enough to separate the right carer from someone who'll feed the dog at 9am instead of 6am, forget the cat's medications, or skip the evening walk because it's raining. The real question is: who will preserve the rhythm your pet depends on, not just keep them alive?

Your pet thrives on predictability. A dog used to breakfast at 6.30am and a walk by 7am will fret if those times slip. A cat with anxiety may spray if routines fracture. A rabbit that eats hay in a particular corner and a budgie that needs specific quiet hours—these details matter more than a carer's general competence. Before you shortlist anyone, nail down what your pet's actual routine looks like: feeding times, walk lengths and routes, play sessions, medication schedules, sleep patterns, and any quirks (does your dog panic in the dark? Does your cat need the bedroom door shut during the day?). Write it down in detail. This becomes your filtering tool.

Trust through specificity, not just likeability

A carer who remembers your dog's favourite park and the exact handful of treats you use is worth more than one who says "I've looked after hundreds of dogs." Ask prospective carers to describe how they'd spend a typical day with your pet. If they give you vague answers or seem to wing it, they're not the person for a week away. Push for specifics: What would they do if your dog refused breakfast? How would they handle your cat's anti-anxiety medication if it's hidden in food? What's their contingency if they're sick or stuck in traffic? A carer who's thought through these scenarios—and asks clarifying questions about your pet's history—demonstrates they take routine seriously.

Experience with your pet's particular needs

Not all pets are the same, and neither are their holiday needs. A high-energy border collie needs a very different carer from an elderly greyhound with joint pain, or a shy rescue cat that took months to settle. If your pet has specific behavioural, health, or temperament traits—anxiety, arthritis, a tendency to escape, or recovering from illness—you need someone with proven experience in that territory. Ask carers directly: Have you cared for a dog with separation anxiety before? How did you manage it? Have you given injections to pets? Have you handled a pet that doesn't like being touched? Their answers reveal whether they can adapt to your pet's needs or will default to a generic routine.

Willingness to keep you in the loop

Most carers offer photo updates, and that's standard. What matters more is how they handle the unexpected. Will they message you immediately if your pet seems off, or will they assume it's stress and wait until day four to mention it? Will they text if they're running 20 minutes late and your dog's bladder is tight? A carer who communicates proactively—not just when you ask—is someone who respects your pet's routine as non-negotiable. During your initial chat, ask how they'd handle a change in your pet's behaviour or appetite. If they say they'd "monitor and see," that might not be reassuring enough. You want someone who escalates concerns quickly and keeps you informed without sensationalising.

The dry run before you leave

Never hand your pet over to a carer you've only met once. Arrange a trial—a couple of days, or even a full day if possible—before your actual holiday. This isn't just for you to vet them; it's for your pet to adjust to them, and for the carer to prove they can follow your routine under real conditions. During this trial, resist the urge to micromanage. Instead, observe: Did they arrive on time? Did they stick to feeding times? Did your pet seem calm or stressed? Did they handle any curveballs (your dog pulling on the lead, your cat hiding)? A solid trial reveals far more than references or promises.

Choosing the right carer means finding someone who sees your pet's routine not as a checklist but as the foundation of their wellbeing during your absence. Strove's verified pet carers include reviews and profiles that help you spot who's detail-oriented and routine-focused. Prioritise candidates who ask about your pet's habits as much as you ask about theirs.