We’re all feeling the call of the wild: the urge to take a vacation, holiday, or long weekend away. If you’re including your pet in your travels, make sure you check out last week’s blog to ensure that both you and your pets enjoy the trip. If, however, your pet has to sit this one out, you’ve come to the right place. In this week’s blog, we’ll discuss where to leave your pet while traveling.
Asking Friends and Family to Care for Your Pet
Many new pet parents turn to friends and family in the hopes to save money and put their minds at ease while traveling and leaving their pets behind. For many, there is peace of mind in leaving their pet with a loved one.
Friends and family can be great resources in these cases. Our recommendation is to make sure the friend or family member does multiple trial runs before you depart. In some cases, pets will be comfortable with their owner’s social circle when the owner is present but may not recognize individuals outside of that context. Also, make sure your loved one isn’t just a “pet lover,” rather they should be an experienced pet parent. We can tell you from experience, things can go wrong in pet care and you want your friend or relative to have the life and pet experience to do right by you and your pet when you’re miles or continents away.
Leaving Your Pet at a Local Boarding Facility
Another popular option for pets that are staying behind while their family travels is a boarding facility. As you might imagine, not all boarding facilities are created equal. There are kennels, which are lower-end facilities that do not offer any extras, boutique facilities that offer individual guest rooms, playtime, and amenities, as well as endless options in between.
When considering a boarding facility, choose the highest quality facility your budget will allow. You won’t regret it. Once you’ve chosen the facility and confirmed their availability for your travel dates, make sure you discuss vaccinations and potential illness with your veterinarian. Also, if you have a dog that suffers from anxiety of any kind, discuss ways in which the facility will put your pet’s mind at ease during their stay. The last thing you want is to have to cut your trip short because your pet isn’t adjusting well or, worse, has colitis due to significant distress.
Choosing an In-Home Pet Sitter
If you ask most pet experts, in-home pet care is truly the best option for pets while their families are away. In-home pet care allows pets to remain in the comfort of their home, which is always their favorite place to be, especially cats and senior pets. It also prevents possible exposure to pathogens and the threat of fights in group-based boarding facilities.
In addition, in-home pet care allows you to customize the number and timing of visits according to your travel itinerary. In a boarding facility environment, you will likely have to drop off and pick up your pet according to their schedule, which often results in additional nights and extra costs. Not to mention, the convenience of avoiding drop-offs and pick-ups entirely when you opt for in-home care is a treat for busy travelers.
Working with Shoreline Happy Paws
Our team works tirelessly to ensure that pets never feel left behind while in our care. Our pet sitters understand that having their family leave for a few days or weeks, while inevitable, can cause pets stress. For this reason, we work with families to ensure that pets receive the care, engagement, and exercise they need to make the transition most comfortable whether it be with daily visits or overnight care. Because they are home, pets adjust very quickly to in-home pet care and their pet care providers. Plus, in-home pet care is an excellent opportunity to socialize your pet while you’re away.
To learn more about Shoreline Happy Paws and our service areas, contact us via our online form, call 860-964-0464, or email info@cthappypaws.com.
