What do you do with your dog when you go on holiday? We look at the options for taking care of your pet while you go on holiday including bringing your dog with you.
Tips For Leaving Your Dog While On Holiday
It can be difficult, but leaving your dog in someone else's care while you travel is occasionally inevitable.
While it's true that your dog may experience tension at this time, good preparation and training ahead of time can enable them to be secure and at ease.
Research
Whether you leave your dog at a boarding kennel with friends, family, or a sitter, make sure they are with someone you know and trust.
Before you depart on a trip, always look up the company ratings of a kennel or sitter and take your dog there.
This allows you to get to know the individual and ensure that you enjoy the facilities while also allowing your dog to meet new people and explore their surroundings.
You must also ensure that your dog is fully insured to cover any potential hazards.
ID Tag & Microchips
If your dog goes missing while you're gone, the ID tag on its collar will be the first thing examined. While you are away, consider temporarily updating their ID.
Even if updating it with information about your dog's temporary abode is not a good idea, you should make sure that your current address and a phone number where you can always be reached are included in your dog's microchip information.
Distracting Your Dog
Maintaining mental stimulation for your dog may help them to forget that you're not there. You may design a variety of entertaining games and challenges for your dog using toys and food.
Try out what they enjoy first, and then get some mental exercises ready for them to do while you are gone. Although eating can be a wonderful diversion, try not to overfeed your dog.
Sticking To A Routine
A lot will be changing for your dog, so keeping their routine regular will be useful. Share your dog's normal routine with whoever is caring for them, including when they go for walks, bathroom breaks, and meals.
Keeping Things Familiar
Consider your dog's preferences and whether any special things normally put them at ease. During their stay, their favourite toys, snacks, and bedding will make them feel a bit more at home.
Crate Training
Transporting your dog's crate to their temporary new home is worthwhile if they are already crate-trained. This might give them a secure and comfortable setting while they adjust to their new surroundings.
If your dog isn't accustomed to utilising a crate, you'll need to train them by creating a favorable connection by doing so first.
If you're worried about your dog, check out these tips for dealing with stress and separation anxiety. Consult your veterinarian and a canine behaviorist if your dog displays signs of extreme anxiety when left alone.
Checklist for People Looking After your Pets
It's crucial to make a thorough checklist of your pet's routine as well as their regular food and feeding instructions for anybody caring for your pets.
Your contact information and objects with a familiar scent (such as a blanket or a piece of clothing from you) might help them feel more at home in a strange environment.
Clear instructions on how and when to take medications should be supplied with any health information and prescriptions. When your dog is residing with someone else, their behavioural requirements and exercise should also be taken care of.
Options for Your Dog When on Holiday
When travelling, it could appear as though dogs have a sixth sense - especially if they aren't invited.
Your cat could cuddle up to you as soon as the baggage is packed, while your dog might start acting down amid the commotion leading up to the trip.
What to do with your pets is one of the greatest considerations pet owners have to make before leaving.
In-Home Pet Boarding
In-home pet boarding is an excellent alternative to hiring a pet sitter. Before departing on holiday, you bring your pets to the house of a local pet sitter for in-home boarding.
Your pet's demands will determine whether you should offer in-home boarding or invite a pet sitter to stay at your house.
In-home boarding offers dogs more daily connection, specialised attention, and the chance to mingle with other dogs while being watched over by a competent pet owner.
Additionally, the added security of keeping your house keys with you makes in-home boarding potentially more cost-effective than hiring a pet sitter to come to your home; you may look for nearby in-home boarding pet sitters using national services.
Take Them With You
Travelling with your pet may be enjoyable in certain settings, and it is becoming increasingly realistic as the number of pet-friendly hotels increases.
If you want to go camping, your dog may love being with your family in the great outdoors. However, double-check that your trip is pet-friendly, as many areas, including parks and beaches, have "no dogs allowed" laws.
However, if your pet enjoys travelling, a pet-friendly holiday might be a welcome change of pace.
Pet Sitting
One approach to combine the personal and the business is by hiring a pet sitter.
Having a seasoned pet sitter come over for feedings, walks, and playtimes is an excellent alternative because many cats and dogs feel at ease in their habitats.
Choose whether you want a sitter to just drop by your house every day to spend some quality time with your pet or to stay there while you're away.
Family Friend Or Neighbour
When your good friends or neighbours see your pet, they go crazy. Consider inviting them to pop over and feed and play with your four-legged family member the next time you are on holiday.
Confirm, of course, if this individual is responsible and educated about the fundamentals of pet care. Similarly, be careful if your dog is eccentric.
Dog Kennels
A common approach is to board your dogs while you are gone; dog-only boarding facilities must be sought out by pet owners.
Canines need a lot of time to run around and play with other canines because they are pack animals and social creatures.
Choosing An Animal Boarder
It is critical to take the time to choose a good spot for your pet, as each one will differ, and the surroundings might be stressful.
If this is your first time looking for an animal boarding facility, contact your veterinarian or friends for advice. You can also contact local governments or conduct an internet search for nearby locations. Always get to the border before making a decision.
Choose a boarder that has a license, insurance, and excellent facilities. Your dog requires regular exercise and socialisation.
Monitoring, immunisation evidence, and an adequate staffing level are also required. Most essential, the board must be able to handle any medical difficulties your pet may be experiencing, such as parasite treatments.
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