Pet owners across London may be sabotaging their holidays by obsessively checking in on them while away, and animal behaviour experts are now warning this could be doing more harm than good.

With 8 in 10 Londoners taking a trip aboard this year, over half (55%) of pet owners in the city have admitted to feeling guilty about leaving their pet, while 4 in 10 (41%) actually video call or watch their pets through cameras while away, which experts are saying can cause more confusion than comfort.

The study of 2,000 UK pet owners by TrustedHousesitters reveals 6 in 10 London pet owners (61%) worry their pets think they’ve been abandoned when they travel, and surprisingly, 57% say their pet looks sad when they’re packing their bags, which makes them feel guilty.

This emotional burden is so significant that over half (61%) worry more about their pet’s wellbeing than their own enjoyment while away. Surprisingly, over a quarter of parents (27%) say they feel more guilty leaving their pet than their child with a sitter when they go away.

Rachel Rodgers, Clinical Animal Behaviourist, explains why we’re so attached and why video calling may not be a good idea:

“For many people today, particularly those living alone or choosing not to have children, dogs and other pets have become their primary sources of companionship and emotional support. Research shows that pets can fulfil similar attachment roles to human family members, offering unconditional love, companionship, and a sense of purpose.

“The feeling of anxiety when apart from a pet is therefore very natural — it stems from genuine attachment, much like the feelings experienced when separated from close family or loved ones.”

“When it comes to checking in on pets remotely, it can be a double-edged sword. Seeing that their furry family member is relaxed and coping well in their absence can ease their anxiety. However direct video calls where owners speak to their pets may create more problems. Dogs, for example, can recognise their owner’s voice but cannot physically locate them, which may increase frustration or distress.”

3 expert tips to reduce anxiety when leaving a pet

Test the waters first: Before committing to a long trip, dog owners may want to test the waters with a short or weekend stay somewhere local, like a nearby hotel. This provides an opportunity to monitor how their pet copes with their absence — and, crucially, they have the option to return in the unlikely event that they’re needed.
Choose the right care: “Owners should ensure that whoever is caring for their pet understands and can manage their animal’s individual quirks or needs. For example, if a dog has a history of resource guarding, the pet sitter must know how to handle these situations safely and sensitively.”
Leave clear instructions: Provide feeding routines, emergency contact details (especially the pet’s vet), medication instructions, and any important behavioral notes.

Angela Laws, Head of Community at TrustedHousesitters, adds:

“We’ve found that both pets and owners experience less anxiety when pets can stay in their own homes with their usual routines while owners travel. It maintains that sense of security and normality that’s so important for pets, while giving owners peace of mind knowing their pet is in familiar surroundings with dedicated care. While we understand the temptation to constantly check in, we encourage owners and sitters to agree on appropriate communication, and we have clear guidelines about cameras in homes to protect sitter privacy. The whole point of having a trusted pet sitter is that you can finally relax and enjoy your holiday!”