Is Pet Sitting the Most Expensive Part of Your Trip? New Data Says Yes

by Britt

Published: October 16th, 2025

Photo credit: Yanya / Shutterstock.com

Vacations are an exciting time, but for many pet parents, the thought of packing a suitcase and leaving their furry friend behind can be a significant source of stress. But can this stress also impact your vacation budget?

A recent study commissioned by MetLife Pet Insurance reveals just how much American pet parent prioritize the well-being of their best friends, often making sacrifices in their travel plans and finances just to ensure they are given the best possible care.

The “ Pet Sitter Trust Index,” released in August 2025, surveyed 1000 American pet parents to better understand their mindset (and spending habits) when it comes to vacation time. They found that 37% of respondents admitted to canceling or changing their travel plans because they couldn’t find trustworthy pet care options.

This insight doesn’t just highlight a minor inconvenience; it’s a reality that takes both a financial and emotional toll. In fact, 76% of pet parents reported that a bad pet-sitting experience is more stressful than missing a flight. That’s more than three times the level of anxiety!

Trust, it turns out, is the most important factor. When faced with the decision of who will care for their pet, credibility is more important than familiarity. Nearly a third of pet parents (30%) would trust a highly-rated stranger from a pet-sitting app over a well-meaning friend. This speaks volumes to the level of professionalism and reliability they are searching for.

Pet parents are proactive, too! 61% always meet potential sitters in person before trusting them alone with their pups, and nearly half (49%) interview multiple sitters before making a choice. Detailed written instructions and emergency plans are also standard practice for the majority surveyed (82%).

Despite these precautions, negative experiences are not uncommon. Over one in four Americans (29%) have dealt with issues when leaving their pet with a caregiver. Pet-sitting platforms, while popular, were also the source of trouble for 40% of pet parents across the country. Common complaints ranged from suspected neglect and failure to follow instructions to pets showing signs of stress or behavioral changes after returning home to their families.

In some concerning cases, pets were left alone for too long, improperly fed, or, in rare cases (9%), even escaped or went missing.

Beyond the emotional investment, pet parents are also making significant financial sacrifices to prioritize care for their loved ones. The study found that 11% of Americans have spent more on pet care for a trip than on the actual vacation itself. 7% of pet parents have even downgraded their travel plans to afford better pet care!

This trend is most noticeable among millennials, Gen X, and Gen Z.

Another notable finding was that 41% of pet parents are willing to pay more to ease their anxiety while away, showing a strong preference for pet sitters with professional credentials, such as those with veterinary backgrounds (50%) or licensed and insured providers (49%).

Let’s not forget the guilt associated with leaving a pet. Of those surveyed, 41% of pet parents reported feeling more guilty about leaving their pet than about leaving a friend or partner. This deep connection often leads to a search for unique solutions, such as 28% of people video-calling their pets during a trip. Some go further, with 20% skipping trips entirely and 16% cutting vacations short to return home to their furry family members. Interestingly, almost half (48%) would even consider trusting an AI-enabled device to monitor their pets.

These findings paint a clear picture of the immense responsibility and deep love pet parents hold for their furry friends. For them, peace of mind isn’t just a perk; it’s a driving force behind every decision they make.

Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 3 cats – Pippen, Jinx, and Theia. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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