By Need to See IT News Team 
When it comes to planning a holiday, pet care is often one of the biggest sources of stress for owners. A recent travel survey* by selfcatering.co.uk found that 80% of UK dog owners admit to experiencing acute feelings of guilt when going on holiday without their pets, so much so that 37% of families even change their holiday plans so they can now travel with their dogs.
The emotional burden of leaving pets is leading many to seek better, more compassionate options, according to Homesitters Ltd, the UK’s leading homesitting company, which is why more people are choosing a home and pet sitter when the go away.
Ben Irvine, Director of Operations at Homesitters Ltd said: “Instead of uprooting pets, a professional homesitter stays in your home and looks after your pets. This is far less stressful for dogs and cats as they stay in their home environment. Also, it keeps the house more secure. Homesitters will water the plants or carryout other essential tasks like collecting post — giving people’s homes a lived-in appearance which enhances security.”
Katie Nettleton from Hungerford, who has used homesitters for over 15 years to care for her home and two dogs, a Jack Russel and a Dachshunds, said: “We usually go away two or three times a year, and having a homesitter live in has always been amazing. They’re incredibly reliable and we are always matched with lovely, experienced sitters. We come home and the dogs are so happy, the house is spotless, and the plants are watered. You just can’t put a price on that kind of reassurance. We can go away and properly relax, knowing someone is looking after everything.”
This desire for stress-free travel is even changing how people holiday. The travel barometer from selfcatering.co.uk* also found that holidaying with dogs has increased by 20% in the last decade, and 62% of owners say dog-related conversation (or ‘dog chit chat’) is a big part of their holiday experience — highlighting just how central dogs are to people’s lives, even when they are away.
Homesitters Ltd, winner of the 2024 Great British Entrepreneur Awards Family Business Entrepreneur of the Year, finalist in the 2025 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards, and proud recipient of multiple industry accolades including the E2 Media Award of Excellence 2025, National Family Business of the Year Awards 2025 for London & South East, and the South England Prestige Award for Home and Pet Sitting Service of the Year 2024/2025 — takes time to carefully match each client with the right homesitter.
Many of their homesitters are retired professionals who are thoroughly vetted, experienced, and trustworthy. Most are also former pet owners themselves, bringing with them a depth of understanding and love for animals.
With 40% of the UK’s 23 million households owning a pet**, more people are looking for holiday solutions that are calm, secure, and guilt-free. Homesitters Ltd offers people the chance to go away knowing everything back home is being cared for with love, attention, and professionalism.
No more holiday guilt — just peace of mind.
To learn more about Homesitters Ltd. or to arrange a homesitter, visit www.homesitters.co.uk or call 01296 630 730.