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You consider your pet as part of the family, and you treat it like your very own kid or best friend. However, when it’s time to go on vacation, bringing your pet along is not always an option. Perhaps your dog can tag along when you go camping, but if you travel overseas, it’s almost impossible to get your pet onboard too.
What options does a loving yet worried pet owner have? A lot, actually. Here’s a rundown of things you need to do to find reliable pet care before you leave for vacation.
Ensure your pet is healthy before your trip
Talk to your pet’s veterinarian before you take off for a vacation. You need to ensure that he has gotten all the shots he needs and have enough medication for while you’re gone. If your pet suffers from separation anxiety, ask the doctor for the best possible solutions. Also, some veterinarians offer boarding services, which is a very reliable pet care option when looking for someone to temporarily care for your fur baby.
Consider all options for pet care
Whether you’re going away for the weekend or a couple of weeks of vacation, it is important to arrange your pet’s housing and accommodation.
- Get a pet sitter
You may want to start looking for a pet sitter a couple of weeks before you leave to assess her or his attitude through an interview and interaction process before you finalize the arrangement. The sitter could come to your place a couple of times a day to feed, clean, and play with your pet. Another option is leaving your pet at your sitter’s home. It is essential that your pet connects well with the potential sitter and that the sitter has great interactions with animals.
- Ask for help from family and friends
If you have family, friends or neighbors nearby who have compassion for animals, you can try to ask them for help. Make sure to return the favor to anybody who agrees to take care of your pet while you’re away, and perhaps bring home a token from your trip to show your appreciation.
- Choose a kennel
Kennels are like boarding homes for pets. It can be a good option because most kennel operators are very experienced with pets. They can feed, groom, and play with your furry friend. Always check the condition of the kennel and take a tour around the facility before making arrangements. The cost increases if you opt for a private suite, and some pet owners believe that it is a necessary expense. Whatever the case, you want to leave your pet knowing that he’s in good hands while you’re away.
Write down instructions for your pet caretaker
Whether you’re leaving your pet with a friend, a sitter or at the kennel, you must write down detailed instructions with regard to the care for your pet. Indicate your pet’s essential medications if necessary and its play, feeding, and grooming schedules. It is also best to leave your contact number and that of your pet’s veterinarian for an emergency.
If you’re leaving your pet at home, make sure that he is comfortable.
- Prepare his bed and automatic feeder.
- Close all toilet and garbage lids, and hide any hazardous material away from reach.
- You might also want to invest in a pet camera so you can see and even talk to your pet even when you’re away.
It won’t be easy to leave your pets behind even for just a few days. Your pets feel the same way, too. He might stick too close to you or sit on your luggage as the trip draws near. He may even look and feel sad. But don’t beat yourself up. If you make arrangements before you leave, and find reliable pet care while on vacation your pet should be just fine. Just be ready for lots of kisses when you return!
