How to Prepare your Pet for Vacation
Having a pet is a responsibility and a privilege that doesn’t end just because you plan to take a family vacation. Some people take their pets with them when they go on vacation, but others like us prefer to travel without our dog. That means that if we are traveling, we have to decide what to do with our pet. There are several options available for pets when the family and owners go on vacation but no matter what you choose, there are a few tips to help prepare your pet.
How to Prepare Pets for Vacation
Boarding at a Kennel:
Some people choose to board their pets at a kennel or boarding club. Although this can be an expense, many people think it is the best option so their pets will get professional care while they are away.
Hire a Friend:
Other pet owners prefer to leave their pets at home and have someone come to check on them. We have done this in the past when we were gone for a brief amount of time. We found a friend who already loved our dog, gave her a key to the house and had her feed and walk our dog.
Send your dog to a friend’s house:
Another option when you are going to be gone for an extended amount of time is to let your pet go on vacation to a friend or family member’s home. This option works well if your pet is comfortable and able to adjust to new surroundings for the time while you are gone. Some pets do better with this option because they have one on one human interaction on a regular basis and potentially keeps them from grieving your absence.
No matter what option you choose, make sure you do a trial run before you actually leave on vacation. With a little planning, your pets can have a great vacation just like you!
Plan a play date:
If there are other pets in the home where your dog will be staying, then you need to make sure that they can get along. Not only does this allow the animals to be comfortable, but it also gives people a chance to know the animals better.
Prepare for food and snack:
When you take your pet to a new situation for vacation, take their familiar food as well. Bring their snacks and regular food and make sure you tell the caregiver their food schedule.
Some pets go into a brief state of grieving when their family goes away on vacation. Although this is normal, this is not an ideal situation. By packing their favorite food and snacks, they will be able to maintain their regular feeding schedule. Make sure you tell the caregivers how much they typically eat for meals and snacks so they won’t be hungry or eat too much while you are gone.
Take a familiar bed or blanket:
Where does your dog usually sleep? Our Yorkie has two different dog beds
Trust the caregivers:
Just like new parents often have a hard time leaving their brand-new babies or toddlers with grandparent or caregivers, pet parents also experience some anxiety. Once you have determined that you can trust the caregivers, then walk away and enjoy your time on vacation.
People need vacations and pets are not always had a good addition for the vacation. Take some time before you leave to prepare your pet and yourself so that you can enjoy your time away.
How do you plan for vacation without your pets? I’d love to hear!
We’ve got a great thing going! We did have several meetings with our two great dogs and they got along very well. First vacation was a great success. Then we reciprocated and both doggies thrived. It was so much fun to have them both together. A picture or two sent to the “parents” made a good arrangement even greater!