(Unfortunately) pets aren’t always allowed on trips. Whether you’re hiring a pet sitter or taking your pet to a boarding house, here’s what you need to do to give your pet the best possible experience.
Cross-border flights and grandmas with delicate ceramic collections don’t always mean pets are ideal travel companions. If you want to know where you can leave your dog when you go on vacation, or how to find a companion for your cat during a weekend business trip, you have several options.
- Take care of your pet: A pet sitter allows your pet to stay at home while you are away. You can hire a daily sitter who will stop by several times a day for walks and feedings as needed, or a home sitter who will live with your pet while you are away and will continue to do their daily routines. You can also hire . Pet sitters are a good option for pets with anxiety disorders or those who don’t get along with other animals.
- Pet accommodation: Leaving a dog or cat means they are out of the house while you are away. This may take place in a boarding kennel or other pet boarding facility, a dog daycare with overnight care, private home pet boarding in someone else’s home, or more luxurious options like pet hotels. . Pet boarding is best for social pets and may include additional services such as pet groomers. Traditional pet custody may not be the best option for pets with behavioral problems or those who have not been kennel trained.
You might find a trusted friend or family member that your pet already knows who can take care of your pet while you’re away. If that doesn’t work, we have experts to help.
there is many With sit-down and boarding services out there and looking for certified providers, you are sure to find someone you can trust.of National Pet Sitter Association Helps you find reputable pet sitters. Professional Animal Care Accreditation Council has a directory of certified pet care facilities where you can leave your dog nearby while on vacation.
Once you’ve found a place to leave your dog when you go on vacation, or a pet sitter that makes your cat happy, it’s time to move on to phase two. Prepare everything you need for your cat’s stay.
Whether your pet is right for sitting or riding, there are a few must-have essentials for your dog or cat. Please prepare the following items to go to the pet sitter or bring with you to your pet’s lodging.
- Identity: Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with a current ID tag. In addition, it would be even better to have a microchip implanted for added safety.
- Care instructions: Does your pet have any special needs? Write down instructions for how to prepare meals, sources of anxiety, lullabies to play before bed, etc., all for your caretaker.
- Emergency contact information: Include a phone number for your pet’s veterinarian or a trusted friend you can contact if you can’t reach them.
- dosage: Do you need to take supplements or medications every day? Make sure your caregiver has enough for the entire stay and knows how to use it.
- Medical records: Provide your pet caregiver with full details of current vaccinations, medications, allergies, medical conditions, and pet insurance information (if you have one).
- Great collars/harnesses and leads: If your pet needs to be walked outside, make sure it has a tight-fitting collar, harness, and a comfortable leash.
You may think that preparing a pet sitter isn’t a big deal since your pet will stay in your home with everything they want, but you still have to prepare your home for both your pet and the visiting sitter. And they may live there while you’re away. Here’s what to prepare and bring for a dog sitter or cat sitter.
- A guide to your home: Instruct your pet sitter where to find pet care needs (food, medicine, grooming supplies, cleaning supplies, etc.) and how to move around the house (alarm systems, exclusion zones, locations, etc.). they will be asleep, etc.).
- A guide to pets: What is your pet’s typical day like? Give your sitter a list of your cat’s or dog’s favorite walks, exciting activities, and when you’d like to do them. The closer you get to your normal routine, the better results you will get.
- Pet-free homes: your pet is usually wonderful I have my manners, but I feel differently when I’m not home or when I’m left alone for a long time. Limit access to food, valuables, and sensitive areas in your home.
- stockpile: Make sure you have enough supplies for everything your pet needs for daily life (food, litter, medicine, etc.) and just in case the sitter doesn’t need them (shampoo, first aid kit, etc.). ,Such)
- Things to keep them busy: From your cat’s favorite toy to your cat’s favorite toy, make sure your sitter knows what keeps your pet happy when she’s bored or anxious. long lasting chews It will fill your dog’s afternoon.
If you want your cat or dog to feel comfortable away from home, you’ll need to pack a little extra to bring home. Luckily, boarding facilities are well stocked with all kinds of pet care supplies, from toys to grooming, making your packing list a lot easier. The following items are required for accommodation of dogs and cats.
- Pet food: Your pet is happiest (and so is his tummy) eating regular food while on the go. Therefore, be sure to prepare dog food when you are away. Make sure you have enough food for your cat or dog for the duration of their stay, plus a little extra just in case. For example, if you leave your dog with her for a week, pack food for 8 days.
- Pet Treats: You can’t go wrong with including some of them favorite snack, especially If you have dietary restrictions such as not being able to eat sweets from the lodger’s house.
- What they like: You don’t have to bring an entire toy box, but if your pet has a favorite toy, bed, blanket, etc. that they feel comfortable with, bring it.
By checking all the boxes on this inventory list, you can leave your dog with a pet or prepare your cat for a comfortable stay with a pet sitter. Breaking up with your best friend can be difficult for both of you, but with the right preparations, you can both feel safe and enjoy your vacation.
PS If you don’t want to leave your dog on vacation, make sure: our tips To take your dog or cat on a trip!