Your pet can't always come with you when you travel (unfortunately). Whether you're hiring a pet sitter or taking them boarding, you should prepare to give them the best experience possible.
Pet care options
Cross-country flights and grandmas with delicate china collections mean pets aren't always ideal travel companions. If you're wondering where to leave your dog when you go on vacation or how to find your feline companion during your weekend business trip, you have a few options:
Pet Sitting: A pet sitter lets your pet stay in your home while you're gone. You can hire a daily sitter who stops by a few times a day to walk and feed as needed, or a house sitter who will stay with your pet in your home while you are away permanently. shall be. To provide companionship and carry on with their daily routines. . Pet sitting is a good option for pets that have anxiety issues and do not sit with other animals.
Pet boarding: Boarding your dog or cat means they live outside your home. This can be a boarding kennel or other pet boarding facility, a doggy daycare center that does overnights, private in-home pet boarding at someone else's home, or a more luxurious option like a pet hotel. Pet boarding may be perfect for very social pets and may include additional services such as pet sitting. Traditional pet boarding may not be the best option for pets with behavioral issues or pets that are not kennel trained.
It's possible to find a trusted friend or family member who knows your pet to take on the responsibility of pet sitting or pet boarding in your absence! If that doesn't work for you, there are professionals ready to help.
There are many sitting and boarding services out there, and finding accredited providers will help ensure you find someone you can trust. The National Association of Pet Groomers can help you find a reputable pet groomer and certified pet grooming facilities with the Professional Animal Grooming Certification Council. There is a directory where you can take your dog. Can go on vacation near you.
Once you know where you can leave your dog while you go on vacation or to keep your cat happy, it's step two: Get your cat everything they need for their stay. to prepare.
What to Always Pack
Whether you decide that sitting or boarding is right for your pet, there are some essentials you should always pack for your dog or cat. Make sure you have the following items ready to bring along for your pet-sitting or pet-boarding stay:
Identification: Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with a current identification tag — even better, have them microchipped for added security!
Care Instructions: Does your pet have any unique needs? Whether it's instructions on how to prepare their meals, what causes them anxiety, or the lullaby they need to hear before bed, write it all down for your caregiver.
Emergency contact information: Include the phone numbers of your pet's vet and a trusted friend in case you can't be reached.
Medication: Do they need to take daily supplements or medications? Make sure their caregiver has enough for their entire stay and knows how to use them.
Medical Records: Provide your pet's caregiver with all the details of their current vaccinations, medications, allergies, and medical conditions, as well as their pet's insurance information (if you have one).
Good collar/harness and leash: If your pet needs to be walked outside, make sure they have a well-fitting collar or harness that they can't slip off and a leash that they can use. can use I am so comfortable.
What to Prepare for Your Pet Sitter
You might not think that you have to do much to prepare a pet sitter because your pet will live in your home with all of their favorite things, but you will need to prepare your pet and the sitter. needs to be developed. You have to prepare your house for the two who are coming. And possibly stay there in your absence. Here's what to prepare and pack for your dog sitter or cat sitter:
Guide to Your Home: Provide your pet sitter with instructions on where they can find everything they need to care for your pet (food, medicine, grooming supplies, cleaning supplies, etc.) and how to get to their house (alarm system, off-limits areas, where they may be sleeping, etc.).
Your Pet's Guide: What does a typical day in the life of your pet look like? Give your sitter a list of your cat or dog's favorite walks, enrichment activities and more — and when they like to do them. The closer they can stick to their routine, the better.
Pet-safe home: Your pets may be generally well-behaved, but things feel different when you're not home and if they're left alone for long periods of time. Limit their access to food, valuables and any sensitive areas of the home.
Stocked Supplies: A healthy supply of everything you need for your pet's daily life (food, litter, medicine, etc.) and things your sitter hopefully won't need (shampoo ), first aid kit etc.)
Things to keep them busy: Make sure your sitter knows things that will keep your pet happy when they're bored or anxious — from your cat's favorite toys to treats for your dog. Long lasting chew. The afternoon will be full.
What to Pack for Pet Boarding
When you're trying to keep your cat or dog away from home, you'll need to pack a little house to take them with you. The good news is that boarding facilities are well-stocked with all kinds of pet care supplies, from toys to grooming, so your packing list will be a breeze. Here's what to pack for dog boarding and cat boarding:
Pet food: Your pet will be happiest (and so will their stomach) if they eat their regular meals while away, so be sure to pack dog food for boarding. Adjust the amount of food during your cat or dog's stay and add a little extra joist if necessary. For example, if you're boarding your dog for a week, pack eight days worth of food.
Pet Treats: You can't go wrong with adding some of their favorite treats, especially if they have any dietary restrictions that prevent them from chowing down on a boarder's selection of homemade treats.
Their Favorite Things: You don't have to bring their entire toy box, but if your pet has a favorite toy, bed, or blanket that comforts them, bring it along!
Check all the boxes on this packing list and you'll be on your way to getting your dog ready for boarding or your cat comfortable with their pet sitter. Parting with your best friend can be difficult for both of you, but with the right preparation, you'll both be able to enjoy your vacation carefree.
PS If you decide you don't want to leave your dog on holiday, check out our tips for bringing your dog or cat on your trip!
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