5 top tips for Thanksgiving sits

Updated on 15th October 2025

Planning a trip this Thanksgiving? If you're one of the many pet parents heading out of town for the holidays, you’ll want to make sure you find a pet sitter — one who’ll keep your pets safe, loved and happy at home over the Thanksgiving period. 

To help you on your way, our Head of Charity Partnerships & External Engagement, Angela Laws, has pulled together her top tips for Thanksgiving house sits. With over 100 sits under her belt (plus experience as a pet parent), she’s the perfect person to help you find your Thanksgiving pet sitter...

1. Post your dates early

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of the year for both pet parents and sitters. Adding your dates as early as possible gives you the best chance of securing a pet sitter with plenty of time to spare. This will make planing your trip far less stressful, and will also give you and your sitter plenty of time to communicate and prepare for the upcoming house sit.

2. Add a personal touch

Whether your sitter is staying for Thanksgiving weekend or a few weeks, it’s always nice to make them feel at home. Keep your space clean, tidy, and comfortable, and free up some closet and bathroom space for them to use.

You could even add some festive decor or introduce them to your neighbors. After all, Thanksgiving is a time to share and these thoughtful gestures will show your sitter they're appreciated.

Angela’s top tip: “Creating an inviting Thanksgiving scene by adding festive photos to your listing will help draw sitters in. You could also ask ahead of time if there are any groceries they would like you to get in, or simply surprise them with some basic groceries and festive goodies. This isn’t required, of course, but is a wonderful way to give them a warm Thanksgiving welcome.”

3. Consider letting your sitter bring a guest

Although some sitters appreciate a quiet Thanksgiving, if you’re happy to, why not give your sitter the option to bring a partner, friend, or family member? Many couples and families love pet sitting together over the festive season, and welcome a change of scene (not to mention, a furry friend to cuddle on those cold nights!).

Angela’s top tip: "If it's not convenient to have an additional guest stay over, then why not offer your sitter the option to invite a friend or relative for a meal during their stay? Thanksgiving is a time to share meals with close friends and family, and your sitter will surely appreciate the offer."

4. Be flexible with your travel dates

With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, it can be a busy time of year to travel. Leaving and returning a few days either side of Thanksgiving could be your ticket to a less stressful trip – for both you and your sitter.

Travel costs are another factor to consider over the holidays. Making plans early and being flexible with your dates means everyone can take advantage of cheaper travel, rather than booking last-minute (which can be expensive). 

Angela’s top tip: “Be sure to communicate your departure and arrival times with your sitter well in advance. And why not help your sitter by sharing a timetable of the local travel times, or offer to help them find suitable transportation from the train/bus station or airport?”

5. Check for local events and parades

Thanksgiving festivities are fun, but parades and fireworks can be unsettling for pets. Check for any events in the area ahead of time so your sitter can plan outings accordingly.

Angela’s top tip: “Want your pets to look their best? Don't forget to book the groomer in before you leave... everyone wants to look their best for the holidays, even the most discerning of pets!”

Have your own Thanksgiving house sitting tips to share? Be sure to pop over to our Community Forum and share your thoughts and expertise on everything from pets, travel, house sitting and more! 

If you’re planning a trip this Thanksgiving, add your listing dates today and put some of Angela’s expert tips into practice!