Everybody deserves a good vacation, away from every possible stressor. We’ve all been working hard, and with how the past few years have turned out, any break from it all is a well-deserved rest. But if you have pets, it’s not as easy as booking a flight to a remote island and then just heading on with your plans.
Even if pet owners would really like it if their pets could go with them on trips and vacations, the simple truth is it’s not the wisest thing to do. You can most probably travel with your pets if they’re well-trained, but even then, there are many hazards that you need to protect you and your pets from when traveling. That’s why before you rent a private boat for a getaway or board a plane to the Maldives, it’s essential to take care of your furry friend first. Below are some tips to help you plan your trip while keeping your pet safe.
Hire a Trustworthy House and Pet Sitter
Of course, the first suggestion would always be the most convenient one. If you’re going on a trip that will take you weeks to return from, it’s best just to go ahead and hire a professional house and pet sitter to take care of both things for you. By hiring qualified personnel, you’re ensuring that they can handle both your home and your pets. They’d most likely have experience managing both while the homeowner or pet owner is away, so you’ll have very few things to worry about.
Talk to Your Pet-friendly Neighbors
If your neighbors have some pets, maybe they can look after yours for a while. Try asking your pet dog’s playmate’s owners. Since they’re already familiar with your dog, they’re most likely going to have an easier time looking after them. And why not make it an exchanging affair while you’re at it? Ask them to look after your pets while you’re away, and offer to look after theirs when they take their vacation. Pet parents need to stick together, which is a great way to get help and offer help at the same time.
Rent at a Pet Hotel
You’ve probably seen those viral videos of lavish and comfortable pet hotels. They’ve been popular very recently, as more people have begun to realize that they can’t just leave their pet inside their locked home until they get back. Pet hotels are a great way to make sure that your pets will be looked after and even have friends along the way! However, it’s essential to book at a highly reputable or highly rated pet hotel as the last thing you want is for your pet to contract a disease from irresponsible pet hotel owners.
Check With Your Vet
Things are a bit difficult if you have a special needs pet. It doesn’t mean that it’s the end, though. You simply need to talk to your vet if they’re familiar with any pet hotel or shelter where they can be looked after. It has to be specifically a veterinarian-managed one, as your pet will need medication and proper treatment while you’re away. Make sure to look at your local area and check the reviews to see any good veterinary boarding services available nearby.
Ask Your Friends and Family Instead
It goes without saying that you can just ask your friends and family for a favor. Of course, it’s not as easy as it sounds, because they all have lives to live too. But if you have a family member or a friend who is inclined to take care of your pets while you’re away, then take advantage of that by all means.
Prepare Your Pet for the Stay
You can’t just put your pet in a cage and send them to where they’ll be staying. That’s just irresponsible, and you’re subjecting your pet to ill experiences that may traumatize them.
- Leave a significant amount of pet food. Having too much will always beat having too little pet food, in this case.
- Make sure that your pets acclimate first, so don’t just request to have your pets moved immediately. Take it slow so that they can get used to the change first.
- Leave medicine for your pets if necessary.
- Give your pet’s favorite toy and other safety blankets. Your pets want a cuddle buddy while you’re away, so at least let them have their favorite toy.
Final Thoughts
You also need to take a break from taking care of your pets. And you can get that sweet respite if you follow the tips provided here. The moment you return, you can immediately play with your pets.
