Three key points
1. Planning your pet’s care in advance means you can book at the right time and choose the option best suited to them.
2 The type of care should always be chosen according to your dog’s or cat’s individual needs.
3. A complete information pack with instructions, routines and useful documents makes care easier to provide and reassures the person looking after your pet.
Going on holiday with peace of mind means arranging care for your dog or cat in advance, taking their temperament and your usual routine into account. In Luxembourg and the surrounding area, several options are available: specialist boarding, at-home care from a pet sitter or day care, each with its own advantages and constraints. Choosing the right type of care, preparing your pet’s stay and taking out suitable pet health insurance can help you make the most of your holiday while ensuring your pet is well cared for.
At-home care: pet-sitting and home-sitting
Having your pet cared for at home helps preserve their familiar surroundings and daily routine. It is often a reassuring option for both dogs and cats, particularly if they do not cope well with travelling or unfamiliar environments.
Pet-sitting involves having someone come to your home to feed your pet, take them out, play with them and look after their wellbeing while you are away. Home-sitting goes a step further, with a longer presence in the home, sometimes both day and night.
Prices depend on the frequency of visits, the amount of time spent with your pet and their individual needs. As a guide, care in the sitter’s home often costs between €25 and €40 per day, a home visit around €18 to €26 per hour, while continuous care can cost €40 to €60 per day. (source: Dog-sitting in Luxembourg 2026 — €20 to €45 a day | Fynd)
To find the right person easily, you can use platforms such as Yoopies, Pawshake or Yoojo. They allow you to view profiles, read reviews from other users and check the services offered before making your choice. It is a useful way to compare several options and leave your pet in someone’s care with greater confidence.
Good to know: Leaving your pet with family
Leaving your dog or cat with someone close to you can be a simple and reassuring option, especially if your pet already knows them and feels comfortable around them. Make sure the person has enough time and a safe environment. A simple checklist covering meals, walks, any treatment and your vet’s contact details is always helpful.
Pet boarding: supervised accommodation
Boarding is a good option for pets that cope well with being around other animals and changes in their surroundings. Your dog or cat is cared for in purpose-built facilities, with supervision provided by professionals.
Depending on the establishment, accommodation may consist of individual kennels or more comfortable rooms, with daily walks, suitable meals and regular supervision. In Luxembourg, facilities such as Déierepensioun Lassie in Itzig, Lucky Dogs and Maison Dog offer stays ranging from a single day to several nights, sometimes with additional services such as grooming or 24-hour care.
Day care: for highly sociable pets
Day care is particularly suitable for dogs that enjoy company and spending time with other animals. They can be looked after for a few hours or a full day in an environment designed to keep them occupied and stimulated while providing regular human interaction.
Some Luxembourg boarding facilities also offer a “nursery” or day care service, charged by the day. This may be useful if you want to leave your dog in a supervised daytime environment, collect them in the evening, or combine day care with an overnight stay depending on your needs.
How do you choose the right type of care for your pet?
Your pet’s individual needs should guide your choice. A very sociable dog may enjoy boarding or day care, whereas a territorial cat or an anxious pet will often feel more comfortable with at-home care in their usual environment. Several criteria can help you make the right decision:
- Age: an older pet, a very young pet or one requiring particular attention will often be more comfortable with at-home care.
- Social behaviour: a dog used to being around other dogs may enjoy boarding or day care, whereas a more reserved pet may prefer a quiet setting.
- Health: if your pet is receiving treatment or needs regular monitoring, make sure the sitter or facility can meet their needs.
- Routine: meal times, walks, playtime or the need for company. Preserving familiar routines as far as possible supports their wellbeing.
- Budget: prices vary depending on the option chosen, the duration of care and the services included. Compare services carefully before booking.
| Type of care | Advantages | Points to consider | Ideal profile |
| Pet-sitting or home-sitting | Allows the pet to remain in familiar surroundings and maintain their routine more easily. | The quality of care depends on the pet sitter’s availability and experience. | Territorial cats, anxious or older pets, or those not used to change. |
| Boarding | Offers supervised accommodation, professional care and sometimes additional services. | The environment is unfamiliar, and the presence of other animals may not suit every pet. | Sociable, independent dogs that are comfortable away from home. |
| Day care | Provides activities, interaction and human company during the day. | Generally suits dogs that are comfortable around other animals. | Active, sociable dogs accustomed to being around other animals. |
Tips for preparing to go away
During holiday periods, it is best to book several weeks, or even several months in advance. You will have more choice and time to visit the boarding facility or meet the pet sitter. You should also arrange an initial meeting or a short settling-in period, especially if your pet is new to boarding or a new carer. This allows them to become familiar with the place, the people and any other animals before a longer stay.
Before you leave, check that your pet’s vaccinations, European pet passport and microchip details are all up to date. Also prepare an information pack with your vet’s contact details, feeding routine, any treatment and safety instructions.
Consider leaving a familiar blanket or toy in their basket to help them feel more secure in your absence. If necessary, draw up a written agreement setting out the duration, price and each party’s responsibilities. It is a simple way to leave with greater peace of mind.
Good to know: Go away with peace of mind with happy pet
With Foyer’s happy pet insurance, your dog or cat benefits from comprehensive health cover in the event of an accident or illness. This allows you to arrange their care knowing that they will be looked after if something unexpected happens.
The pet-care options available in Luxembourg can now meet the needs of almost every pet. Supervised boarding, at-home pet-sitting or day care: each offers a different level of comfort and social interaction, which should be considered with regards to your dog’s or cat’s character and needs. By booking early, checking admission conditions and preparing a complete information pack for the person or facility looking after your pet, you can help ensure that your pet’s stay is as stress-free as your own holiday.
Frequently asked questions about pet care during the summer holidays
How do I choose between boarding, pet-sitting and day care for my pet?
The choice mainly depends on your pet’s temperament. A sociable dog that is used to other animals may do well in boarding or day care, whereas a cat, or a more anxious pet, will often feel more settled with at-home care.
What documents and information should I provide to the boarding facility or pet sitter before I leave?
Prepare your vet’s contact details, feeding routine, any treatment and safety instructions. Also make sure your pet’s microchip details, vaccinations and European pet passport are up to date.
Does happy pet insurance for dogs and cats cover my pet while they are being looked after during the holidays?
happy pet insurance protects your dog or cat in the event of an accident or illness, including while they are in someone else’s care. Before you leave, simply take the time to check the cover provided and any exclusions in your policy.
