Away for the holidays? Pet Sitting and RSPCA’s Home Alone

Taking a holiday this festive season? Sometimes we can’t take our pets with us and will have someone minding our pets while we’re away. But what if your pet accidentally escapes on your minder’s watch, or a neighbour reports your pet as being abandoned or forgotten? RSPCA’s Home Alone service is a free service which can give pet owners peace of mind while they’re away.

If your pet is reported to the RSPCA or comes into our care while you’re on holiday, being registered with our Home Alone service means we know who to call in case of emergencies.

RSPCA Home Alone is a free service. You can register here.

Every year, we investigate over 17,000 animal welfare complaints. During the holiday season, pet abandonment calls can escalate with families leaving pets behind in the care of friends and neighbours. The good intentions of neighbours looking out for the welfare of your pet can often lead to an unnecessary investigation.

If you don’t have family or friends able or willing to care for your pet, consider booking a pet setting service while you’re on holiday. You can search for a network of trusted pet sitters with PetCloud.

Pet sitters can offer pet care services for your companion in your home, or at theirs. PetCloud is part-owned by RSPCA Queensland, so a portion of proceeds go towards RSPCA Queensland, to help animals in need.

The advantages of pet sitting at your home:  

1. Pets are happier and experience less stress in their home environment
2. Your pet’s normal diet and exercise routines can continue
3. It’s a great option if your pet doesn’t like to travel

Before you head away on holiday, make sure your pet as a microchip, the microchip is registered, and your details are up to date! This way if they get displaced, they can easily be reunited with you. Learn more about microchipping here.