[2025 Pet Hotel Guide: Prices & Tips] Going on a short trip or long overseas holiday? Here’s everything pet owners need to know about pet hotels, costs, and care!

Heading overseas or on a long holiday? Fluv has put together the latest 2025 pet hotel prices, care options, and sitter boarding comparisons — so you know exactly what to expect and how to choose, giving your pet peace of mind and you a worry-free trip!

1. What to do when you’re away for a short trip?

If you’re going on a short trip, you can find a pet sitter to look after your pet. They’ll handle everything from bathroom needs to feeding. Alternatively, you can check your pet into a pet hotel for a short stay.

1. Pet sitter
   

A pet sitter is someone who specializes in caring for your pet. They can come to your home while you’re away, or you can drop your pet off at their place. For pets that are more sensitive or shy around strangers, having a pet sitter tends to work out much better.

Further reading: 6 things to watch out for when hiring a pet sitter or in-home cat sitter — and how to know if you can trust them

 

2. Pet hotel
   

A pet hotel is a dedicated boarding facility for pets. Professional staff will look after your pet and provide activities and daily meals. That said, it’s worth doing your research beforehand, as some pet hotels can be a source of contagious illnesses like pet flu.

Further reading: Pet boarding guide: how to choose the best environment for your pet — pet hotel prices vs. home boarding compared | 2023 edition

 

2. What to do when you’re away for a long overseas trip?

Now that travel restrictions have lifted, longer trips are back on the table! For journeys of a week or more, you’ll want to think through your pet’s care more carefully so you can travel with total peace of mind.

Choosing a pet hotel

When choosing a pet hotel, always check their policies and services first. Here are the key things to consider:

• Understand your pet’s needs

Think about what your pet actually requires. If they need a special diet or medical care, confirm whether the pet hotel can accommodate that. If they need regular exercise or multiple walks a day, check whether the staff can support that — these kinds of extras usually come at an additional fee.

• Look for reliable reviews

Reading trustworthy reviews is an important part of choosing a pet hotel. Search online for different options and read what other pet owners have experienced — this gives you a real sense of the quality and service on offer. Social media communities can also be a helpful source of information.

• Understand the pet hotel’s policies

Read through the terms and conditions carefully. Check their cancellation and payment policies, and find out what documents you’ll need to bring (such as vaccination records). It’s also worth understanding how they handle emergencies and what measures they have in place for pet safety and health. Some hotels list a “base rate” separately from add-on care services — when comparing pet hotel prices, pay close attention to whether insurance and cleaning fees are included.

• Consider cost and location

Cost is another important factor. Pet hotel prices vary significantly by area — in Taiwan, central Taipei versus suburban areas can differ by more than 30%. Look for hotels that offer transparent, reasonable pricing breakdowns. Of course, your own budget matters too, so choose a pet hotel that fits both your needs and your finances.

• Things to keep in mind when booking a pet hotel

A few more details to keep in mind: book early and arrange for your pet to visit the hotel in advance so they can get used to the environment and get along with other pets. Make sure you’re clear on the check-in and check-out times. And don’t forget to bring your pet’s vaccination records and any other required documents on the day.

Pet hotel prices vary depending on location, care style, whether it’s cage-free, and whether insurance or add-on services are included. Here’s a general price guide:

Things to consider when choosing home boarding for your pet

Home boarding tends to be more flexible with rules and scheduling compared to a pet hotel. Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing this option:

• Understand your pet’s needs
  Most home boarding sitters are happy to offer customized care — whether that’s a special diet, medical support, having someone sleep with your pet, or providing constant companionship for pets with separation anxiety （Further reading: Does your dog have separation anxiety? 8 tips to help）. If your pet needs outdoor exercise or multiple walks a day, that’s typically included in the boarding service at no extra charge.
• Look for reliable reviews
  When choosing a home boarding sitter, past client reviews are incredibly valuable. Reading about other pet owners’ experiences can be one of the most useful guides when making your decision.
• Consider cost and location
  Home boarding prices are generally comparable to pet hotels, but one big advantage is that it’s usually cage-free — your pet gets to roam freely, just like at home. Some sitters also offer pick-up and drop-off services, which is a great convenience for families without pet-friendly transport.
• Things to keep in mind with home boarding
  Just like with a pet hotel, it’s a good idea to arrange a meet-and-greet visit before the stay so your pet can get familiar with the environment. Most home boarding sitters have their own dogs or cats, so letting the animals meet beforehand — with separate spaces available if needed — helps things go smoothly. Drop-off and pick-up times are also more flexible with home boarding; just coordinate directly with your sitter rather than being tied to a hotel’s opening hours.

Beyond pet hotels — cage-free boarding is the new alternative! Dream home in Taipei, cage-free one-on-one home boarding for under NT$1,000?!

Pet parents, there’s a whole new option for your furry ones beyond the traditional pet hotel! Today we’re taking a closer look at cage-free, one-on-one home boarding — where your pet gets to stay in a cozy, free-roaming environment just like being at home. Highly recommended for all pet parents!

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Travelling with your pet: what to do if your cat or dog gets carsick

Cats and dogs can both experience motion sickness on the road. Here’s what to watch out for and how to prepare:

• Signs of carsickness in dogs: drooling, excessive panting, restlessness, vomiting, agitation.
• Signs of carsickness in cats: frequent meowing, drooling, restlessness, vomiting, loss of bladder or bowel control.

What you can do:

• Avoid feeding your pet for 4 hours before the journey.
• Ask your vet about motion sickness medication, or try a pheromone spray to help calm them.
• Carsickness medication for dogs is available through your vet — it’s best to consult them ahead of time.
• Keep the car well-ventilated, minimize bumps, and take breaks when needed.

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