When to Book Your Christmas Pet Sitter: The Ultimate 2025 Timeline

Planning your Christmas getaway? Here’s exactly when to book your pet sitter so you’re not left scrambling at the last minute.

Quick Answer: When Should I Book a Pet Sitter for Christmas?

Book your Christmas pet sitter 8-10 weeks in advance (early-to-mid October for Christmas 2025). Professional pet sitters typically fill their holiday schedules by late November, with the most popular dates (December 23-26) booking out even earlier.

For last-minute bookings, you may still find availability 2-4 weeks before Christmas, but your options will be limited and you might pay premium rates.

Why Do Pet Sitters Book Up So Early for Christmas?

Here’s the thing: Christmas week is the absolute busiest time of year for pet sitters. Everyone wants to travel at the same time, and there are only so many reliable, professional pet carers to go around.

Think of it like trying to book a holiday house at the beach over summer – the good ones disappear fast, and you don’t want to be left with slim pickings (or worse, no pickings at all).

Plus, quality pet sitters can only take on a limited number of clients during peak periods. They’re not just popping by for a quick visit; they’re managing multiple homes, maintaining each pet’s routine, and giving your furry family members the attention they deserve. That takes time and careful scheduling.

The Christmas Pet Sitting Booking Timeline

Early October (8-10 Weeks Before Christmas) – IDEAL TIME ✅

This is your sweet spot. Booking in early October gives you:

• First choice of sitters – You get the cream of the crop, the most experienced and trusted professionals
• Flexibility with dates – Need care from December 20 through January 2? No problem
• Lower stress – One less thing ticked off your Christmas to-do list
• Better pricing – Some sitters offer early bird discounts for advance bookings
• Time for meet-and-greets – You can arrange an in-person meeting without the rush

What to do now:

1. Contact your preferred pet sitter or service
2. Confirm your exact travel dates (or give a range)
3. Schedule a meet-and-greet if they’re new to your pet
4. Pay your deposit to secure the booking

Late October to Mid-November (6-8 Weeks Before) – STILL GOOD ⏰

You’re not too late, but you’ll want to move quickly. Many pet sitters are already 50-70% booked by this point.

What’s still available:

• Reputable sitters may have some slots left
• You’ll likely get your first or second choice
• Popular dates (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day) are filling fast

What to expect:

• Less flexibility with specific visit times
• May need to be more flexible with your dates
• Some sitters might already be fully booked

Late November (4-5 Weeks Before) – BOOKING CLOSES SOON ⚠️

The clock is ticking. Most professional pet sitters are now 80-90% booked for Christmas week.

Reality check:

• Your first-choice sitter is probably booked
• You may need to try several services before finding availability
• Premium or emergency rates might apply
• Limited options for specific care requirements (medication, special needs pets)

Your best bet:

• Call multiple sitters immediately
• Be flexible with visit times and dates if possible
• Ask to be put on a cancellation list
• Consider pet sitting apps with larger networks of sitters

Early December (2-3 Weeks Before) – LAST MINUTE 🚨

Okay, you’ve left it late, but don’t panic. There are still options, just not as many (or as ideal).

What’s left:

• Newer or less experienced sitters building their client base
• Pet sitting platforms with broader networks
• Higher prices due to urgency
• Possibly less convenient visit schedules

Emergency strategies:

• Check Rover, Mad Paws, or similar platforms
• Ask your vet clinic for recommendations
• Reach out to trusted friends or family
• Consider a reputable boarding facility as backup

1-2 Weeks Before Christmas – EMERGENCY MODE ONLY 🆘

At this point, professional pet sitters are fully booked. Your options are:

1. Pet sitting platforms – Try apps where you can find individual sitters with last-minute availability
2. Boarding kennels or catteries – Not ideal for anxious pets, but better than nothing
3. House sitting exchanges – TrustedHousesitters or similar services
4. Friend or family favour – Time to call in those IOUs
5. Delay or shorten your trip – Sometimes the kindest option for your pet

Special Timing Considerations

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day (December 24-25)

These dates book out first – often by late September or early October. If you need care specifically on Christmas Day, start your search even earlier (10-12 weeks in advance).

Why? Many pet sitters want to spend Christmas with their own families, so there are fewer professionals working these specific days, and they charge premium rates.

New Year’s Period (December 27 – January 2)

Slightly less competitive than Christmas week, but still busy. Book 6-8 weeks in advance for New Year’s care.

Extended Holiday Travel (December 20 – January 5)

Planning a longer getaway? Book even earlier – 10-12 weeks ahead. Extended bookings are more complex to schedule and require sitters to block out large chunks of their calendar.

Multiple Pets or Special Needs

If you have multiple pets, senior animals, or pets requiring medication, add an extra 2-3 weeks to your booking timeline. These situations require experienced sitters who book up fastest.

How to Know If Your Pet Sitter Is Booked Up

Most professional pet sitters will tell you straight up if they’re fully booked, but here are some signs they’re filling fast:

• “I only have morning visit slots available”
• “I can do the 23rd and 24th, but someone else would need to cover Christmas Day”
• “Let me check my schedule and get back to you” (then takes 2+ days to respond)
• “I have a waitlist going, would you like to be added?”

If you hear any of these, book immediately or move on to your backup option.

What Happens If You Book Too Late?

Let’s be real about what you’re facing if you leave booking until the last minute:

Limited choices – You’ll get whoever is available, not necessarily who you want

Higher costs – Last-minute and holiday surcharges can add 25-50% to standard rates

Less personalised care – Rushed meet-and-greets mean less time to discuss your pet’s quirks and preferences

Increased stress – For you AND your pet, who might be meeting their carer for the first time just before you leave

Potential cancellation anxiety – If your sitter has an emergency, there’s no time to find a replacement

Christmas Pet Sitting Costs in New Zealand (2025)

Here’s what you can expect to pay for holiday pet care:

Standard rates (booked 8+ weeks ahead):

• Cat visits: $25-35 per visit
• Dog visits: $30-40 per visit
• Overnight stays: $70-100 per night

Holiday surcharges (Christmas Eve, Day, New Year’s Eve/Day):

• Additional $15-25 per visit
• Some sitters charge flat rate holiday fees ($50-100 extra)

Last-minute bookings (less than 3 weeks):

• Expect to pay 20-50% more than standard rates

Premium services:

• Multiple daily visits: Higher rates but better for anxious pets
• Medication administration: Additional $5-10 per visit
• Photo/video updates: Often included, sometimes $5-10 extra

Remember, you’re not just paying for someone to feed your pet – you’re paying for peace of mind, professional care, and your pet’s happiness while you’re away.

The Perfect Booking Checklist

Use this checklist to make sure you’ve got everything sorted:

8-10 Weeks Before Christmas:

• [ ] Decide on travel dates (be as specific as possible)
• [ ] Make a list of 3-5 potential pet sitters
• [ ] Read reviews and check credentials
• [ ] Contact your top choices and request availability
• [ ] Schedule meet-and-greets with available sitters

6-8 Weeks Before:

• [ ] Choose your pet sitter and confirm booking
• [ ] Pay deposit to secure dates
• [ ] Provide detailed care instructions
• [ ] Share vet contact information and emergency protocols
• [ ] Arrange for house key handover

2-4 Weeks Before:

• [ ] Confirm final details and schedule
• [ ] Stock up on pet food and medications
• [ ] Leave written instructions in an easy-to-find spot
• [ ] Do a final walk-through with your sitter if needed
• [ ] Leave emergency contact numbers

Week Before Departure:

• [ ] Final confirmation with pet sitter
• [ ] Ensure all pet supplies are stocked
• [ ] Tidy up and pet-proof the house
• [ ] Leave payment or arrange direct deposit
• [ ] Give your pet extra love (you’re going to miss them!)

What If I Haven’t Booked Yet and Christmas Is Weeks Away?

Don’t panic. Here’s your action plan:

Step 1: Call or email pet sitters TODAY. Literally, right now. Don’t wait until tomorrow.

Step 2: Be flexible. If they can only do morning visits instead of afternoon, take it. If they’re available for December 23-26 but not the 27th, book them and sort out the 27th separately.

Step 3: Cast a wide net. Contact at least 5-10 different sitters or services. The more options you pursue simultaneously, the better your chances.

Step 4: Check online platforms. Rover, Mad Paws, and Kiwi House Sitters often have sitters available when traditional services are booked.

Step 5: Ask for referrals. Your vet, groomer, or doggy daycare might know someone trustworthy with availability.

Step 6: Have a backup plan. Know the closest reputable cattery or kennel, just in case.

Why Early Booking Makes Your Pet Happier Too

This isn’t just about convenience for you – booking early is actually better for your pet. Here’s why:

Time for introductory visits – Your pet can meet their sitter multiple times before you leave, reducing anxiety

Familiar routine – Your sitter has time to learn your pet’s quirks, favourite toys, meal preferences, and little personality traits

Better communication – You can have relaxed conversations about care rather than rushed, stressed exchanges

Less owner stress – Pets pick up on your stress. If you’re calm and organised, they’ll feel more secure too

Consistent care – Your preferred sitter is more likely to be available for future trips if you book them regularly and early

Questions to Ask When Booking Your Christmas Pet Sitter

When you’re interviewing potential sitters, make sure you ask:

1. Are you available for my exact dates? (Be specific: Dec 23 at 8am through Dec 27 at 6pm)
   
2. How many other clients do you have over Christmas? (You want someone who won’t be stretched too thin)
   
3. What’s your emergency backup plan? (What happens if they get sick or have a family emergency?)
   
4. Can you accommodate my pet’s specific needs? (Medication, special diet, anxiety, etc.)
   
5. What’s included in each visit? (Feeding, playtime, litter changes, mail collection, plant watering?)
   
6. How will you communicate with me? (Daily updates? Photos? Emergency protocol?)
   
7. Are you insured and police-vetted? (Essential for professional services)
   
8. What are your Christmas holiday rates? (Get specific numbers, including surcharges)
   

The Bottom Line

Book your Christmas pet sitter in early-to-mid October for stress-free holiday travel.

Your future self (and your pet) will thank you for getting it sorted early. You’ll have peace of mind, the best choice of professional carers, and one less thing on your Christmas to-do list.

And while everyone else is frantically posting in community Facebook groups in mid-December asking “Does anyone know a pet sitter ASAP?!”, you’ll be relaxing with your feet up, knowing your fur baby is in safe, loving hands.

Ready to book? Don’t wait – reach out to your preferred pet sitter today. Your Christmas holiday starts with this one simple step.

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Need a trusted Christmas pet sitter in Christchurch? VIPets offers professional, loving in-home pet care while you’re away. Contact us today to check our holiday availability – but don’t wait, our Christmas schedule fills fast!