Irish holidays are all about time off, good food, and reconnecting with friends and family. Whether it’s Easter, the June Bank Holiday, Christmas, or a spontaneous long weekend away, there’s something special about holiday time in Ireland.
But while we’re enjoying the break, it can be a stressful time for our pets.
Holiday travel, fireworks, busy households, and changing routines can unsettle even the most laid-back cat or dog. At Pet Angel Sitters, we’ve supported hundreds of North Dublin families through holiday seasons with in-home pet care that keeps pets safe, relaxed, and happy.
Whether you’re heading out of town or hosting at home, here are our top do’s and don’ts for pet care during Irish holidays—straight from the perspective of professional pet sitters who’ve seen it all.
✅ DO: Keep a Consistent Routine (As Much As You Can)
Pets thrive on routine. The more you can stick to your pet’s usual meal times, walk times, and sleep patterns, the better they’ll handle the disruption of a holiday.
If you’re going away and booking a pet sitter, share a detailed schedule during your meet & greet. A good sitter will follow your pet’s rhythm closely to reduce anxiety.
💡 Pro tip: Write out a “day in the life” for your pet—feeding, meds, walk preferences, likes/dislikes—and keep it handy for your sitter or family members.
❌ DON’T: Leave Pets Alone for Long Periods
It might be tempting to leave your cat or dog alone “just for a couple of days,” especially if you leave out food and water. But this can lead to serious risks—especially during holiday periods.
Unexpected things can happen: food runs out, pets become anxious, or something in the house malfunctions. Even cats (who seem independent) need daily check-ins for safety and emotional wellbeing.
🚫 Leaving a pet alone for 48+ hours without a sitter is a big no-no. Book professional visits or ask a trusted person to stop by daily.
✅ DO: Prepare Early (Especially for Busy Seasons)
Pet care services get booked out fast around holiday times—especially Easter, summer, Halloween, and Christmas.
At Pet Angel Sitters, we always recommend:
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Booking your sitter at least 2–4 weeks in advance
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Scheduling your free meet & greet early (before availability tightens)
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Communicating any medication or special needs clearly
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Providing emergency contacts in case of vet needs or unexpected events
✍️ The earlier you book, the more likely you are to get your preferred dates and your regular sitter.
❌ DON’T: Give Pets Holiday Treats from Your Plate
We know—it’s hard to say no when your dog is eyeing the Christmas turkey or your cat is curious about the gravy bowl. But many human foods are dangerous for pets.
Common holiday hazards include:
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Chocolate
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Onions and garlic
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Cooked bones
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Raisins and grapes (in mince pies and puddings)
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Alcohol (even in desserts)
🐾 Stick to pet-safe treats or festive chews from your local pet shop. Better yet, treat them with extra playtime or a special walk instead!
✅ DO: Create a Safe, Quiet Space for Your Pet
Holidays can mean noisy guests, unfamiliar faces, and new smells. Some pets love the excitement—but many just want a calm, secure spot to retreat to.
Set up a quiet room with:
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Their bed and favourite toys
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Fresh water
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Soft music or white noise (to muffle fireworks or loud parties)
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A note on the door so guests don’t enter
🐶 Nervous dogs and cats especially benefit from a designated “safe zone” during gatherings.
❌ DON’T: Forget to Update Tags and Microchips
Holiday time means more distractions, open doors, and higher chances of your pet sneaking out.
Before the holidays:
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Double-check that your pet’s ID tag is up-to-date
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Ensure their microchip information reflects your current contact details
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Secure fences, doors, and windows
🐕 Lost pets are sadly common during busy holidays—but a working chip and clear tag can get them home fast.
✅ DO: Hire a Professional Pet Sitter for Peace of Mind
If you’re heading away for a holiday, professional pet sitting is one of the best things you can do for your pet—and your peace of mind.
At Pet Angel Sitters, we offer:
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Daily visits for dogs, cats, and small pets
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Feeding, walking, litter cleaning, and medication as needed
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Home security checks and light watering (if requested)
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Regular updates and photos so you know your pet is doing well
Whether it’s a two-day weekend or a Christmas getaway, your pet stays in their own home and routine—safe, secure, and cared for by our Garda-vetted team.
❌ DON’T: Assume Fireworks Are Just for Halloween or New Year’s
In Ireland, fireworks often pop up around Halloween, New Year’s Eve, and random summer nights (especially in urban areas). For pets with sound sensitivity, this can be a terrifying experience.
To help:
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Close windows and curtains
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Play calming music or turn on the TV
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Stay with your pet during known fireworks times (or arrange a sitter who knows how to handle it)
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Avoid walks after dark on high-risk nights
🧨 Remember: pets don’t understand fireworks—they just know something loud and scary is happening.
Enjoy Irish Holidays—Without Stressing Your Pets
Holidays should be joyful—for both people and pets. A little preparation, a good routine, and the support of a professional pet sitter can make all the difference in how smoothly your pet handles the season.
Whether it’s Easter, the June bank holiday, or a summer break abroad, Pet Angel Sitters is here to help keep your pet safe, comfortable, and cared for.
Planning time away? Book your pet sitting early with Pet Angel Sitters and relax knowing your pet will be in loving hands. Contact us today for a meet & greet!
