The Holiday Pet Care Crunch: Why Chicago Owners Should Book Early

People love their dogs and cats like family members. Maybe that’s why almost 95 million homes in the U.S.A. have at least one pet. Every dog and cat deserves good health, attention and happiness. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other seasonal holidays are fast approaching, and here’s some advice on choosing the best pet sitting services during these peak-demand times of year.

Why Book Your Chicago Pet Sitting Early for the Holiday Season

Scheduling in advance is the best first step in a busy metro area like Chicago, because it means  you and your pet can meet the professional caregiving service well in advance and schedule socialization sessions or walking visits ahead of time as needed. This reduces any anxiety your dog or cat may have around meeting new people and allows them to get to know the person who will be taking care of them. Also, booking early is key during the rush because pet sitting during holidays is always in high demand, and you want to secure those specific dates as soon as you know them and have your tickets booked in order to guarantee availability.

Average Pet Sitting Holiday Rates in Chicago

One’s furry friends can’t accompany their owners on every trip, and professional pet sitting services during the holidays can become the perfect option for your treasured dog or cat.

Pet sitting during the holidays in the Windy City will be more expensive because of the season’s high demand and limited availability. According to the latest figures, Chicagoans can expect to pay an average overnight rate of $200 to $500 for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.

Pet sitting holiday rates are determined by the combination of weekdays, weekends, holidays, and peak demand days included in your range of dates as well as whether the service includes someone staying overnight in your home versus “tuck in” service and how many daytime visits are included.

Why Choose Pet Sitting Instead of Pet Boarding?

This is an excellent question, and every pet has a unique personality and needs. However, pet experts believe pet sitting in your home offers your dog or cat some amazing benefits, with the most important reason being a familiar home environment and no risk of becoming infected with a communicable disease in an environment filled with many pets from many homes. When it comes to dogs in particular, pack dynamics must also be considered. Some pups need special care and don’t thrive in group settings. Pet sitting provides a personalized approach and more one-on-one attention.

An unchanged routine is another advantage that an expert pet sitting service brings to the table. In other words, it’s a consistent schedule that your pet already knows, understands, and expects, including normal feeding times, walking schedules, and play habits. It’s already stressful enough their pet parents being gone. Staying in your home gives your pets a constant in your absence, lowering their anxiety levels and keeping them as comfortable as possible.

And, of course, kennel conditions can also expose your pooch to conditions like kennel cough, internal and external parasites, and canine influenza: When cats and dogs are housed in high-density environments like boarding kennels, catteries, or shelters, the combination of close proximity, shared airflow, and stress-induced immunosuppression makes them highly vulnerable to these contagious pathogens.

Many homeowners prefer in-home pet sitting services during the holidays because it can create a more secure home environment. Mail may be brought into the house, or the blinds and lights may be adjusted to keep neighbors unaware of your absence from the home. The sitter’s presence can show that the lights are on, letting passersby know that someone’s home while creating the often desirable appearance that you’re not away on vacation.

Having an experienced overnight sitter stay in your own home is especially important for pet parents with special needs dogs and cats. Whether it’s separation anxiety, a need to prevent running and jumping, or another issue requiring one on one attention, hiring a pet sitting company like Green Paws allows your pet time to get to know their sitter before you leave on vacation, helping them relax more than if they were left with a complete stranger. This also helps your pet build trust in their sitter, making it easier for them to accept medication or mobility assistance when needed. 

Choose Green Paws Chicago for your Holiday Pet Sitting

You have choices when it comes to pet sitting during the holidays. However, not all companies are licensed, bonded, and insured. Green Paws Chicago is an outstanding pet care service with screened, vetted, and trained employees. These are highly dedicated, trustworthy pet lovers who enjoy their time with every dog and cat they meet on the job.

The holidays will be here soon. Get peace of mind and book early!