If you’ve got fur babies, no trip is completely guilt-free until you’ve made sure that every detail regarding your pet’s care has been covered. This requires careful planning and consideration for their individual personalities, comfort, and well-being. Here are some tips and ideas to help make the process smoother for both you and your pet.
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1. Choose the Right Type of Care
- Pet Sitting: Hiring a pet sitter to come to your home can be less stressful for pets since they remain in their familiar environment. But looking for someone experienced and with good references can be a challenge. Check with friends and family to see who they have used in the past or look online for highly rated services, such as rover.com.
- Boarding: If pet sitting isn’t an option, find a reputable boarding facility. Ask your veterinarian or groomer for reputable boarding kennels nearby. Visit in advance to check for cleanliness, safety, and the overall environment. Some places offer “luxury” boarding with more space and individual attention.
- Family or Friends: Sometimes, having a trusted friend or family member take care of your pet can be the best option. Bring them over in advance if your pets don’t see them often so they can have “get to know you” time. Or have them handle a daily pet task with you still home so your animal can see they are ok. This also ensures they are familiar with your pet and their routine.
2. Ensure Comfort and Safety
- Leave detailed instructions about feeding, medications, and daily routines. This should include contact numbers for the local vet in case of emergencies.
- Make sure your pet’s bedding, toys, and other comforts are easily accessible.
- If boarding, bring a familiar item from home, like a blanket or toy, to help comfort your pet. Find out if they allow outside treats that your pet is familiar with so that can be a part of their routine that does not change.
3. Prepare for Medical Needs
- Leave contact information for your vet and make sure the caregiver or facility knows about any medical conditions or medications. Call your vet in advance and let them know you have given this caregiver their contact info.
- Consider setting up a pre-approval with your vet in case emergency treatments are needed while you’re away. If you are comfortable with it, give the veterinarian decision-making power if you are unreachable.
4. Maintain a Routine
- Pets thrive on routine, so try to keep their feeding, walking, and playtimes as consistent as possible with their normal schedule.
5. Communication and Safety
- Arrange for regular updates on your pet’s well-being. Some pet sitters and most boarding facilities can provide daily texts or emails with photos.
- Ensure your pet’s microchip information is up to date and that they have a collar with ID tags.
- If hiring a pet sitter or boarding, make sure you have a clear understanding of costs and everything arranged regarding payments in advance.
6. Comforting Departure
- When it’s time to leave, try to keep your goodbye calm and cheerful to avoid causing any stress or anxiety for your pet.
- If checking in with your pet during the trip is necessary, consider pet cameras. These tiny cameras allow you to interact with your pet remotely, which can be an ongoing comfort while you’re away for both you and your animals.
By planning ahead with just a few simple steps, you can enjoy your travels knowing your pets are in good hands and as comfortable as possible.