Plan pet care early for Christmas: pet sitter warns bookings fill fast and there’s more to organise than availability

Availability is the immediate issue. Bird says the team receives a lot of last‑minute enquiries and will try to help, but cannot guarantee a sitter will be free for specific dates during busy holiday periods. The practical advice: if you know the dates you'll be away, submit them early to give the sitter the best chance of covering the job.

There's more to arranging pet care than finding someone who is free

Birddog Catwalk requires a meet‑and‑greet before any new sit or walk. The purpose is to:

• confirm the pet's routine and behaviour,
• note allergies and specific needs,
• record access instructions and vet details,
• allow both owner and sitter to assess comfort and safety with the arrangement.

Clients also complete an agreement and a veterinary release form to authorise emergency treatment if needed. Bird's point: turning up for the first sit without prior introductions and paperwork is not acceptable for a professional service.

What to ask a sitter before you book

Bird encourages first‑time users of pet sitters to check a few concrete things:

• insurance status, so liability is covered if something goes wrong
• DBS checks, particularly when sitters will be in your home
• written procedures for emergencies, including vet care and communication protocols
• how personal data (like access instructions and vet details) will be handled

These checks help owners move beyond casual arrangements toward reliable, documented care.

• cover a wider geographic area,
• provide backup if a sitter has an emergency,
• match animals with sitters suited to their needs,
• ensure consistent procedures, software and training across the team.

• Decide your travel dates now and contact your preferred sitter or service.
• Ask about meet‑and‑greet availability and what paperwork you must complete before travel.
• Verify insurance, DBS checks, emergency procedures and data handling policies.
• Request regular photo or text updates while you're away.

The service offers pet sitting, dog walking and home visits across Wiltshire, Bath, Bristol and the Cotswolds. For details, the business website is listed in the original press release.

If you'll need pet care over Christmas, don't wait. Booking early gives you time to meet the sitter, complete forms, share emergency contacts and ensure the person coming into your home is vetted and prepared.