Who can look after my pet while I'm on holiday?

Friends or neighbours: The cheapest option and often the least stressful for your pet. Cats usually prefer to stay in their own home; someone coming in once or twice a day can be enough. You can arrange mutual help with neighbours or with women in the BACIM community.

Pet sitter (Tiersitter): People who, for a fee, come to your home or look after your pet in theirs. You can find them on online platforms and in neighbourhood groups. Meet first, ask for references and try a short stay first.

Boarding (Tierpension, Hundepension, Katzenpension): Businesses that look after animals for a daily fee. They need a permit from the veterinary office under the Animal Welfare Act (§11-Erlaubnis). Most ask to see proof that vaccinations are up to date. Visit beforehand.

Plan early: In the summer and Christmas holidays, boarding places and pet sitters are booked up months in advance.

Leave with the carer: A written note about your pet's food, medication and habits; your vet's phone number; and a copy of the EU pet passport or vaccination record. Also leave a short written authorisation so they can take your pet to the vet if needed.

If you take your pet with you: If you're going to Turkey, have the rabies antibody test done before leaving Germany so you can return without a waiting period.