Leaving your pet behind—whether for a quick work trip or a week-long vacation—is never easy. Will they be safe? Will they feel anxious? Who’s going to stop them from counter surfing or chewing the furniture?

At Knoll Animal Hospital in Glen Ellyn, IL, we regularly help pet parents plan for time away. Whether you’re boarding your pet, hiring a sitter, or just heading out for long workdays, a little preparation goes a long way in preventing stress for both of you. This guide will walk you through the essentials of keeping your dog or cat healthy, happy, and secure while you’re away from home.

How Pets React to Being Home Alone

Some pets are independent introverts. Others? Not so much.

Dogs are pack animals and can struggle with separation—especially those with a close bond to one person. Cats tend to be more self-sufficient, but they’re creatures of habit who don’t take well to change or disruption.

Signs your pet may experience separation stress include:

Excessive vocalization (barking or meowing)
Destructive behavior (chewing, scratching)
Accidents in the house
Pacing, drooling, or shaking
Loss of appetite
Withdrawal or hiding (more common in cats)

Understanding your pet’s normal behavior helps you recognize when they need a little extra support during your absence.

Pet Sitting vs. Boarding: Which Is Better?

Both options can be excellent with the right fit—what matters most is your pet’s comfort level, health needs, and routine.

In-Home Pet Sitters

Best for pets who dislike change, get anxious in new environments, or need medical monitoring in a familiar setting.

Pros:
Your pet stays in their home environment
Reduced stress and exposure to unfamiliar animals
Can maintain routine for meals, walks, and play
Often includes extras like mail collection and plant watering

Cons:
Finding a reliable, qualified sitter can take time
May be more expensive for multiple visits per day
Less direct supervision than a boarding facility

Boarding Facilities

Great for social pets or those who thrive with structured attention.

Pros:
Professional care and supervision
Around-the-clock monitoring at some facilities
Extra services like playgroups, grooming, and enrichment
Emergency support if health concerns arise

Cons:
Stress from new surroundings or other pets
Risk of exposure to contagious illnesses (though vaccinations help prevent this)
Less individualized attention in some cases

Questions to Ask Before Boarding or Hiring a Sitter

Are vaccinations current and required?
How are medical issues handled?
Will pets be supervised during play or exercise?
What’s the emergency protocol if something goes wrong?
Can I bring my pet’s food, toys, or bedding from home?
Will the sitter or facility follow specific feeding or medication schedules?

At Knoll Animal Hospital, we’re happy to provide recommendations for trusted sitters and facilities in the Glen Ellyn area.

Preparing Your Pet (and Their Caregiver)

No matter who’s watching your pet, be sure to prepare with the following:

Create a Care Plan

Include:

Feeding instructions and diet restrictions
Medication schedules and dosages
Emergency contacts (your number, a backup, and your vet)
Household rules (no dogs on the couch? Tell them!)
Walking and potty routines
Your pet’s quirks, fears, or favorite toys

Stock Supplies

Before you go, make sure there’s enough:

Food and treats
Medications (including extras in case of delay)
Litter or waste bags
Toys and comfort items
Leashes, harnesses, or carriers

Do a Trial Run

If it’s your pet’s first time with a sitter or at a new boarding facility, schedule a meet-and-greet or half-day trial. This builds familiarity and gives you peace of mind before the big trip.

Special Considerations for Cats

Cats are often most comfortable staying in their own environment. Even if you’re only gone for a night or two, they still need daily check-ins to ensure they’re eating, drinking, and using the litter box.

Tips for solo-cat households:

Leave multiple water bowls
Keep blinds or curtains slightly open for visual enrichment
Use a pheromone diffuser (like Feliway) for calming support
Provide interactive toys or food puzzles to reduce boredom
Ensure your sitter scoops the litter box daily—cats are famously picky

Special Considerations for Dogs

Dogs may require more frequent attention depending on age, breed, and temperament.

For anxious or high-energy dogs, consider:

Pre-visit exercise to reduce nervous energy
Leaving on white noise or classical music
Frozen treat toys (like peanut butter in a Kong) for enrichment
Crate training if your dog feels safe in confined spaces
Pheromone collars or vet-recommended calming supplements

If your dog is prone to separation anxiety or destructive behavior, talk to us in advance—we can help tailor a care plan and even prescribe short-term anxiety medication when appropriate.

Technology That Helps

Today’s pet parents have more tools than ever for peace of mind. Consider:

Pet cameras with two-way audio
Timed feeders
Smart treat dispensers
GPS collars for dogs (especially if being walked by a new sitter)

Even a simple text photo update can help ease your worries while you’re away.

Tips for Long Workdays

Even if you’re not traveling, many Glen Ellyn pet parents have long commutes or irregular hours. If your dog is alone for more than 6–8 hours, consider:

Midday dog walker
Interactive treat puzzles
Comfortable crate setup
Pet-safe toys to burn energy and reduce boredom

Cats may do fine on their own for a full workday, but they’ll still appreciate vertical space, cozy windows, and toys to engage their natural instincts.

Final Thoughts from Your Glen Ellyn Veterinary Team

No one likes to leave their furry family members behind—but a little planning makes all the difference. Whether your pet thrives in a social boarding environment or prefers solo couch time, the team at Knoll Animal Hospital is here to help you prepare, prevent anxiety, and make time away as smooth as possible.

Planning a Trip? Call Knoll Animal Hospital First

Heading out of town? Let’s get your pet ready. Call Knoll Animal Hospital in Glen Ellyn, IL at [INSERT PHONE NUMBER] or schedule an appointment online. We’ll ensure your pet is up to date on vaccines, stocked with medication, and ready for a stress-free stay—wherever that may be.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making major changes to your pet’s care or routine.