When you have cats or dogs as companion pets, you likely spend much of your day attending to them. They must be fed, kept clean, exercised and loved. You likely worry over your pets, making sure they're safe and happy. All of this work can make vacation season slightly more stressful.
If you choose a pet-friendly vacation, you can take your animals with you and ensure that they receive the care they're accustomed to. But if you leave them in pet hotels, you can take longer trips without worrying over the safety of your pets. Some pet owners choose to skip the hassle and avoid going on vacations where they can't take their pets. Pets and vacations needn't be mutually exclusive, however. Your pet may enjoy a trip more than you thought, or your pet may enjoy receiving some quiet time with a caring pet sitter. The key is to balance the needs of your pet and your own needs.
When discussing pets and vacations, the biggest concerns tend to be with dogs--perhaps the largest and neediest of all household pets. Any dog owner knows it's hard to leave your pooch at home. Luckily, it's become culturally acceptable for dogs to go nearly everywhere with their owners, and many dogs are comfortable riding in cars, sleeping in new surroundings and exploring new neighborhoods on the end of a leash. Before you book your trip, your dog should be up-to-date on all vaccines. If your dog is hyper or loud, consider leaving her at home with a sitter. No matter where you are, barking dogs can be disruptive, and can quickly turn a vacation sour.
Before you plan a pet-friendly getaway for your cat, take a few moments to assess your animal. Most cats dislike abrupt changes in scenery and can be miserable in unfamiliar surroundings. However, there are always exceptions to this rule. Some cats who have moved frequently during kittenhood and young adulthood are quite familiar with taking over a space and making it their own. Think hard about how your cat will enjoy a car trip, and how your cat will adjust to an unfamiliar temporary home.
Due to the popularity of pets and vacations, many hotels and motels allow animals for a small additional fee. Before you book your trip, look over the pet policy carefully. Some pet hotels will allow you to leave your pet in the room while you're out. Other hotels expressly forbid this. Some hotels allow dogs and cats, while others just allow dogs. Some hotels will remove you from your room, without a refund, if your animals disturb other guests. Before you stay in a hotel with a restrictive policy on noise, make sure your pet has the ability to keep quiet.
If you choose to stay with friends or relatives while on vacation, the same pet rules should apply. Your animal must keep quiet and keep clean, so you'll be invited to return again.
Additionally, if your friends or relatives have animals of their own, you must ensure that your animals will get along with the resident pets. No matter where you stay, your animal should wear a collar and identification at all times. This can help reunite you with your pet if it becomes startles and bolts in the unfamiliar surroundings.
If you can't bring your pet with you, a pet sitter can provide care for your animals in your home. This is a particularly welcome option for elderly pets that may become ill when subjected to big changes. Cats who are reluctant to leave the home also may benefit from pet sitters. By choosing a close friend or family member to provide pet-sitting care, you'll add an extra layer of comfort for your pet. Animals tend to respond better to people they already know.
If your pet is very old or very young, you may need to provide live-in care while you're away. Older animals often need medications and added attention to stay healthy. Younger animals often need several exercise sessions per day, so they don't destroy your home with their pent-up energy. Animals that are mellow, relaxed and accustomed to being home alone for long periods of time may only need a daily visit from a sitter.
Before you leave, write down all of your contact information for the pet sitter, along with detailed instructions about the care your animals need. Ask your pet sitter to watch you feed your animals at least once, so he or she knows exactly how your animals expect each step to be performed. Make sure to leave behind twice the amount of food you expect your animals to eat in your absence, and make sure their pet beds are clean and dry.
If you're heading out on a long trip, you may consider placing your pet in a kennel for the duration. This will allow you to close your house up completely and ensure that your animals are well taken care of during your entire trip. Young dogs may truly love a kennel, especially if they're allowed to play with other dogs throughout the day. Booking a pet kennel isn't as easy as making a few phone calls, however. There are dramatic differences between kennels, and you must do your homework to ensure that the kennel you choose is appropriate for the needs of your pet.
Tour the facility before you board your animal. Inspect play areas, if any, as well as the sleeping area. Make sure the areas don't smell of urine or feces, and that the animals that are currently housed there seem healthy and happy. Find out how long your animal will stay in a cage, and how often the animal will be brought out for play sessions. Make sure the cat area is quiet. If it's possible, board your dog in the facility during the day, to make sure your dog enjoys the facility and seems well-tended that day. Your pet will likely need a series of vaccinations before the stay, so make sure to schedule a trip to the veterinarian well before your departure.