- One in three check in on their pet while on holiday – expert warns video calls with pets may cause more confusion than comfort
- Three ways to ease anxiety when leaving a pet
Pet owners are sabotaging their holidays by obsessively checking in on their animals while away, and experts are now warning this could be doing more harm than good.
Half (49%) of owners have admitted to feeling guilty about leaving their pet behind, while a third (34%) actually video call or watch their pets through cameras whilst away.
The study of 2,000 UK pet owners by TrustedHousesitters, reveals more than half (53%) worry their pets think they’ve been abandoned when they travel, while a third (34%) experience their own separation anxiety.
Rachel Rodgers, Clinical Animal Behaviourist, explains: “Checking in on pets remotely can be a double-edged sword. Seeing that their furry family member is relaxed and coping well in their absence can ease their anxiety. However, if the pet is distressed – showing signs such as pacing, howling, or destructive behaviours – seeing this can actually increase the owner’s anxiety, particularly because they are powerless to intervene immediately.”
Rodgers warns that direct video calls where owners speak to their pets may create more problems. “Dogs, for example, can recognise their owner’s voice but cannot physically locate them, which may increase frustration or distress.”
Why we’re so attached
This emotional burden is so significant that half of owners (48%) worry more about their pet’s wellbeing than their own enjoyment while away.
“For many people today, particularly those living alone or choosing not to have children, dogs and other pets have become their primary sources of companionship and emotional support,” says Rodgers. “Research shows that pets can fulfil similar attachment roles to human family members, offering unconditional love, companionship, and a sense of purpose.
“The feeling of anxiety when apart from a pet is therefore very natural — it stems from genuine attachment, much like the feelings experienced when separated from close family or loved ones.”
3 expert tips to reduce anxiety when leaving a pet
- Test the waters first: Before committing to a long trip, I recommend pet owners test the waters with a short overnight stay somewhere local, like a nearby hotel. This provides an opportunity to monitor how their pet copes with their absence — and, crucially, they can return quickly if needed.
- Choose the right care: Owners should ensure that whoever is caring for their pet understands and can manage their animal’s individual quirks or needs. For example, if a dog has a history of resource guarding, the pet sitter must know how to handle these situations safely and sensitively.
- Leave clear instructions: Provide feeding routines, emergency contact details (especially the pet’s vet), medication instructions, and any important behavioural notes.
Angela Laws, Head of Community at TrustedHousesitters, adds: “We’ve found that both pets and owners experience less anxiety when pets can stay in their own homes with their usual routines while owners travel. It maintains that sense of security and normality that’s so important for pets, while giving owners peace of mind knowing their pet is in familiar surroundings with dedicated care. While we understand the temptation to constantly check in, we encourage owners and sitters to agree on appropriate communication – and we have clear guidelines about cameras in homes to protect sitter privacy. The whole point of having a trusted pet sitter is that you can finally relax and enjoy your holiday!”
For more expert advice for pet owners, visit https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/
