How to Help Your Pet Adjust After Boarding or House Sitting 🐾🏡

Coming home after a trip is exciting—but for your pet, the transition can sometimes feel confusing. Whether they’ve been staying at a boarding facility or with a trusted sitter, it’s normal for pets to need a little time to readjust to their usual environment and routine. Here’s how to help them settle back in smoothly after being cared for by Alissa’s Pet Services or any trusted pet care provider.

🐶 1. Give Your Pet Time to Readjust

After being in a different environment, pets may act clingy, tired, or even a bit distant. This is completely normal. Allow them space to relax, rest, and reacquaint themselves with home scents and surroundings before expecting normal behavior.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep your return low-key. Avoid overwhelming excitement or loud greetings—it can heighten their stress.

🏠 2. Re-Establish Routine

Pets thrive on structure. Reinstate their regular feeding, walking, and bedtime schedules as soon as possible. Familiar patterns help pets regain confidence and a sense of stability.

If your pet was on a slightly different schedule with a sitter or boarder, ease them back into their usual times gradually to avoid stomach or sleep disruptions.

🍽️ 3. Monitor Eating and Drinking Habits

Some pets may eat or drink less for the first day after coming home—this is often just part of readjusting. However, if appetite loss continues for more than 24–48 hours, contact your vet to rule out any issues.

Make sure your pet always has access to fresh water and a quiet space to eat without distraction.

🐾 4. Allow for Rest and Downtime

Boarding and sitting often involve more activity or socialization than pets get at home. Once they’re back, they might need extra rest. Give them cozy, familiar spaces to nap and recover.

If your dog seems extra tired, it’s likely due to excitement or stimulation—not illness. Let them rest before scheduling playtime or walks.

❤️ 5. Offer Comfort and Reassurance

Spend quality one-on-one time with your pet. Gentle cuddles, brushing, or playtime can help them feel safe and loved again. Avoid leaving them alone for long periods during the first few days home, if possible.

🩺 6. Observe for Any Behavioral or Physical Changes

Keep an eye out for anything unusual, such as:

• Persistent lethargy

• Coughing or sneezing

• Upset stomach

• Changes in mood or bathroom habits

If you notice symptoms that don’t improve within a day or two, check with your veterinarian. Boarding and travel can sometimes trigger mild stress reactions.

🎾 7. Reinforce Positive Associations

Reward calm behavior and independence with treats and praise. This helps rebuild their confidence that you always come back—and that staying with a sitter or boarder is a positive experience.

✅ Final Thoughts

Coming home should feel comforting, not chaotic. With a little patience, reassurance, and structure, your pet will quickly return to their happy, balanced self. At Alissa’s Pet Services, we work hard to ensure that every dog or cat feels loved and secure while you’re away—and ready to greet you joyfully when you return.