Holiday travel is exciting, but finding someone to care for your pet can become stressful when you leave it until the last minute. Popular dates can fill quickly, especially for overnight boarding, house sitting, and pets with specific care needs.
In 2026, Thanksgiving falls on Monday, October 12, and Christmas Day falls on Friday, December 25. Ontario school holidays run from December 21 to January 1, making the second half of December an especially important period to plan for. View the official 2026 holiday dates.
Planning ahead gives you more time to compare local sitters, arrange a meet and greet, and find care that fits your pet’s routine.
When should you book a Thanksgiving pet sitter?
Try to begin searching three to four weeks before Thanksgiving. Start even earlier if:
- You are booking a sitter for the first time
- Your pet requires medication or additional supervision
- You have more than one pet
- Your pet is anxious or needs time to become comfortable
- You need overnight boarding or house sitting
Starting early gives you time to review profiles, discuss your pet’s needs, and arrange a meet and greet before your trip.
When should you book Christmas pet sitting?
For Christmas and New Year’s travel, begin searching six to eight weeks before your departure.
If your travel dates are already confirmed, there is no need to wait. December bookings often cover several nights and may overlap with Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Eve. Sitters may also have their own travel plans or accept fewer bookings during this period.
You may still find care closer to the holidays, but your options could be more limited.
Which type of holiday pet care should you choose?
The right service depends on your pet’s routine and comfort level.
Pet boarding may suit social pets that are comfortable staying in a sitter’s home.
House sitting can help pets remain in their familiar environment while receiving overnight care.
Drop-in visits may work well for cats, rabbits, birds, fish, and other pets that can remain safely at home between visits.
Daycare and dog walks can provide companionship, bathroom breaks, and exercise when you are away for the day or managing a busy holiday schedule.
Before deciding, consider how your pet handles unfamiliar places, people, and other animals.
What should you include in your booking request?
A detailed request makes it easier for a sitter to decide whether they can provide the right care. Include:
- Your exact service dates and times
- Your pet’s age, size, and temperament
- Feeding and bathroom routines
- Medication or health needs
- Behaviour around people and other animals
- How long your pet can be left alone
If your pet needs specialized care, mention it before the sitter accepts.
How should you choose a holiday pet sitter?
Do not select someone based only on availability. Review their profile from the perspective of whether you would feel comfortable leaving your pet with them.
Ask questions about the sitter’s schedule, home environment, and any other pets that may be at home.
Whenever possible, arrange a meet and greet before confirming a first booking.
Remember to confirm your booking
A request does not automatically reserve your dates. On Hello Marshy, the sitter must accept your request, and you must then accept and complete payment through the platform before the booking is confirmed. Hello Marshy does not charge pet parents booking or payment-processing fees.
Find holiday pet sitting in Toronto and the GTA
Whether you need Thanksgiving dog boarding, Christmas house sitting, or drop-in visits while you are away, Hello Marshy lets you search local sitter profiles, compare services and rates, and request care directly through the platform.
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