If you are going on vacation, you want your pet to be as comfortable as possible. Pets should not be left alone for long periods of time, especially social animals like dogs. There are several options to make sure your pet is safe when you're out of town on vacation. The best choice will depend on your pet's needs.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Preparing the Pet
Step 1. Assess your pet's needs
All pets have different and unique personalities. Some will be able to be left alone for long periods and some will not. Pets that are more social, have health problems, or are used to interacting with other animals can't be left alone for long.
- Also consider the feeding schedule for your pet or whether your pet likes to explore and make a mess of the house in your absence.
- Younger pets will not be able to live alone as well as adult pets.
- If your pet has a tendency to be anxious about separation, a pet keeper or pet caretaker may be a good option.
Step 2. Organize your pet's schedule
Two weeks before the holidays start, start leaving your pet alone in the house for long periods of time. If you usually leave your pets at work, don't come home until a few hours after work each day. If you normally see your pet every day, leave your pet at home when you go to work.
This will prepare the pet to spend time alone
Step 3. Write down detailed instructions
If you leave your pet in the care of someone else, it is very important to provide him with sufficient information to care for the pet. Leave your contact and the vet's phone number in case of an emergency. If your pet has certain dietary needs or likes certain treats or toys, write down this information as well. Include information about your pet's routine, toilet habits, schedule, and medications. Also, write down information about the pet's personality that the person should know. Does your pet get excited when someone is at the door? Does your pet have a favorite hiding place?
Write down the instructions as detailed as possible. It is better to provide too much information than too little
Step 4. Discuss with the veterinarian
It's important to make sure your pet is vaccinated and healthy before you go on vacation. Now is also the time to ask about the best options for leaving the pet while you are away. Your veterinarian may have recommendations for pet care. Leaving your pet in a safe and trusted place will stop you from worrying about him while he's away.
Method 2 of 4: Taking Care of the Dog on Vacation
Step 1. Try a pet sitter
Asking someone to come to your home will make your pet feel comfortable in their usual environment. Determine how often the sitter will visit your pet. Will it come once a day or several times? It's best to choose a professional nanny. If you live in the US, you can find a professional pet sitter at the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) or Professional Pet Sitters Inc.
- Pet sitters are perfect for cats who prefer to stay at home and away from stress.
- Also find a backup sitter just in case.
Step 2. Ask a friend or neighbor to check on your pet
Leave your pet at home and have a neighbor or friend come over and check on your pet from time to time. Take a walk with your pets and friends or invite your friends over for a meal.
- Find out how much experience your friend or neighbor has with pets.
- You can also make your pet stay at your friend's or neighbor's house.
- If you take your pet to someone else's house, bring something from your home that will make him or her feel comfortable (such as a blanket and a favorite toy).
Step 3. Take your pet to a daycare center
You can make an appointment to take your dog to the daycare. Make sure the place has a certificate from the International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA). Other questions to ask about a daycare are: staff to pet ratio, clean and safe facilities, controlled climate, frequency of exercise the animals are there, treatment options, where your pet will be kept (for example in a kennel or private room), and how much interaction the pet will have with other animals.
- Dogs will be suitable to be left there because dogs are social animals.
- It's a good idea to visit the daycare before you make arrangements for your pet to stay there. You need to be comfortable with the place your pet will be living in.
- Leave your and the vet's contact with the staff at the daycare.
Step 4. Try home care
Some people will offer small in-house pet care. This is great for animals who want to socialize and be with other animals. The atmosphere will be more intimate than the usual day care. Ask your vet for advice. Evaluate the home care as you would any other.
- Dog Vacay and Rover is a good place to find a home pet dog daycare.
- Go and check the facilities before sending your pet there.
Method 3 of 4: Taking Care of Other Animals
Step 1. Move your pet in the cage
Animals in the cage such as hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, reptiles, and amphibians can be brought to a friend's or caregiver's house. Keep a record of the animal's feed and water requirements, schedule for cleaning the cage, and controlling the temperature of the cage. Include all the things that mimic the environment your pet is in in your home such as bedding, heaters, and decorations.
If the cage is not movable, someone should come to check it every day
Step 2. Choose the same neighborhood as your home
Rabbits, ferrets, or guinea pigs are game animals in the wild. Moving a pet into a home with a dog or small child can be stressful and dangerous for the animal. If your pet is used to living in a quiet house with only adults, find a place that resembles that situation.
The new environmental conditions are very important. Your pet may feel confused and sick from a sudden lifestyle change
Step 3. Hire animal sitters who come to the house for birds and cats
Birds and cats like to live in the same and familiar environment. Birds will be restless and pluck their feathers if they are in an unfamiliar environment. Likewise with cats who will be stressed if they are in a different environment. It's a good idea to find a nanny to stay at your house or visit you every day.
- If you have birds, make sure the sitter is comfortable and understands how to care for birds.
- Cats should never be left in other people's homes. Cats love to walk around, run away, and try to get back home.
Step 4. Take your pet to a daycare center
Pet care should be a last resort for this breed. Make sure the pet daycare you choose can take care of your pet. If your pet will be in a daycare center that also cares for dogs and cats, it's a good idea to have your pet cared for in a separate place. Always check the daycare before making your pet live there.
Ask your vet about accommodation options for this breed of pet. Some veterinarians also offer pet care services
Method 4 of 4: Leaving Pets at Home
Step 1. Make your home feel comfortable
If your pet will be living in the house alone, keep the temperature control at a room temperature that is comfortable for the animal. Keep the temperature as it was when you were at home. Close doors to all rooms where your pet is not allowed to enter. Make sure your pet has a good bed and a path to the bathroom (dog door or litter box).
Provide food and water for your pet in a familiar place
Step 2. Make your home environment pet safe
Your home should be safe if you have pets who like to walk around the house. Cover trash cans, toilets, and air vents or heaters. Move pet poison plants, household cleaning supplies, medications, and chemicals to the very top of the cupboard. Keep away toys, games, magazines, artwork, craft supplies, food, and household knick-knacks or decorations that tempt your pet.
Hide clothes and shoes from your pet
Step 3. Use the automatic feeder
If you have to leave your pet alone for a few days, use an automatic feeder. This eatery will serve pet food several times a day if necessary. This will prevent the pet from overeating. Also, some pets, such as cats, prefer to eat fresh food and will not like large bowls of leftover food.
There is an automatic feeder for food and water
Step 4. Consider a pet camera
If no one can check on your pet while you're away, a pet camera will allow you to monitor your pet. Some of these tools even allow you to interact with your pet. If you can't afford the camera, there are more affordable surveillance apps.
Tips
- If you're not sure whether to leave your pet alone or what options you can make, ask your vet for advice.
- It's best not to leave your pet alone at home without anyone checking. If you must leave your pet, make sure he has plenty of food and water. Again, this step is not recommended.
