Ok, so you decide to go on a summer vacation. You start researching the areas with the best beaches or the largest shopping malls. You check out hotel prices and search for new outfits to buy. But then you realized that you forgot something… Your furry friend.
You can’t leave them at home alone. So, what do you do?
Here are some tips for how to best care for your pets during the vacation season.
Find a local Boarding Kennel
When choosing any type of housing for your pet, it is important to do your research. These facilities are specially designed for your furry family member; but, there are good ones and not-so-good ones. To guarantee that a boarding kennel is right for you, there are a few things that you can do:
- Ask your vet, dog trainer and/or an animal shelter for any recommendations
- Make sure that your kennel of choice can meet your dog’s specific needs (i.e. health problems)
- Check to see if the kennel displays a license or certification, if your state requires it
Hire a Pet Sitter
Consider keeping your pet comfortable in their own home. Hiring a professional pet sitter can save you the anxiety of worrying too much about your animal’s comfort or loneliness. Professional pet sitters can be directed to feed, walk and play with your pet. You can request your desired pet sitter to visit your home daily or multiple times a day and some can be requested to stay in your home with your pet until you return.
When deciding on the right pet sitter, try websites such as rover.com—which has locations in over 10,000 cities—or petsitter.com.
Check with Your Vet
Some veterinarian hospitals have boarding services. This can be ideal if you have an older pet or one with medical issues. Check with the animal hospitals in your area to find a good fit.
Take Your Pet with You on Vacation
If you just can’t bear leaving Tootsie or Bernard at home, then consider taking them with you. Depending on your preferred destination, your pet can accompany you on your journey. Some airplanes allow small animals as carry-ons or you can check your pet. If you’re cruising in a car, you can try bringing your pup along for the ride. But, before you pack up and go, here are some tasks to put on your to-do list:
- Confirm that your hotel/resort of choice allows pets and carefully review their pet policy agreement. Call to make sure that all information is current and correct.
- Check your hotel/resort’s weight and breed/pet type requirements
- Schedule an appointment with your vet
- Gather all vaccination information and ensure that your pets ID tags are up-to-date
Vacations are a time for you to relax and unwind, so why shouldn’t your furry friend have one too?