If you’re going on vacation without your pet, you need to make sure they’re well cared for when you’re gone. You can have a relative or friend look after them, take them to a pet hotel, or choose a kennel or cattery near you. We describe all these options as well as what to look for to make sure your pet is in good hands.
Pet Hotels, Kennels, Catteries
One good option is to find a quality pet hotel, kennel, cattery, or pet border. Ask friends and your vet for advice if it’s your first time choosing a service of this type. Look at different websites and get in touch with local councils. Before committing to a facility, always visit in advance.
What to Look for in a Care Facility
· Insurance coverage for emergency care
· Licensing and certification
· Dry, clean, and safe premises
Ask the staff whether they will spend time with your pet and how long. Your pet needs space and the ability to move around. Inquire into the availability of a monitoring system. Ideally, one should be available around the clock. The facility should have a sufficient number of employees to be able to look after the animals well.
The service of your choice should ask for proof of vaccination. If they don’t, it’s highly suspicious. Lack of an up-to-date vaccine card can result in contagious diseases spreading quickly. On the subject of medical conditions, ask if the boarding service or hotel can accommodate your pet’s medical issues if any.
Another thing to look for is how the animals in their care actually look. They should look healthy and clean. The way in which they answer your questions can be telling of their organization. Sites like Pet Stay will help you find an appropriate pet hotel in your area if needed. The site will help you find the right place, as they tend to vary in terms of amenities, price, and other factors.
Getting Help From a Friend or Relative
Your pet will suffer in your absence. This is not just because you’re not there; but also because their routine will change. The best option may be to get a friend or loved one to look after your pet in your home. This will ensure things stay familiar for your pet. Cats, rabbits, and hamsters don’t especially like visiting new places. Some dogs don’t either.
If you have a friend or family member who can help out, give them all the information about your pet that they would need to look after them in your absence.
Pet Sitting as an Option
Maybe you’ve been unable to get a friend or family member to help. Your next option, and in some cases a better one, is a pet sitter. Ideally, you’ll find a qualified professional who charges reasonably. This is no easy task. Before hiring someone, meet them in person and have your pet meet them too. You need to make sure they’re able to care for your pet’s needs. Check their references and ask about insurance. Like you would a friend, relative, or neighbor, provide them with all the details they need to care for your pet. This information includes details of your pet’s customary everyday routine. Ask them if they can stick to it to avoid stress for your pet. Tell them to feed them their usual food along with any specific instructions, such as where to buy it. Of course, let them know how they can contact you in an emergency. Give them a vet’s contact details, including where and how they can be reached outside regular office hours.
Any health-related information is important. If your pet is taking any medication, leave them with a generous supply of it as well as easy-to-understand instructions on administering it.
Making Them Feel More Comfortable
If you’re taking your pet to a boarding facility, a hotel, or the sitter’s home, provide a piece of clothing, a blanket, or something else that smells familiar to them. Rabbits and hamsters will feel more comfortable with some of their nesting material if they’re in an unfamiliar place – clean material, of course.
Provide any staff or care provider with information about your pet’s personality and behavior, including what they like and don’t like doing. If possible, provide supplies such as toys, leashes, collars, posts for scratching, and litter trays.