Keeping Your Pet Home When You Travel

Many people take their pets with them while they travel during the holidays, but for some, this is not an option. It is important to know how to prepare your pet if you do not take them with you when you travel.  

There are many factors that go into deciding whether your pet stays home, stays with a boarding facility, or goes to someone else’s house. This decision should be made taking into consideration the physical and mental health of the pet, as well as the options in your area. Will they be stressed out at a new location, or will it be more stressful if they are home alone? Where will the pet get enough exercise or environmental enrichment? Do they have a medical condition that requires close monitoring and treatments? Can they be at a place with other pets?

Regardless, it is important to be prepared. Check to see if your pet requires any vaccinations or preventatives before their stay at a boarding facility or with a private home.  If your pet is on any medication, be sure you have enough to last while you are away. If you are sending your pet to stay somewhere else, be sure you send them with enough food. If your pet is an exotic (i.e. reptile or small mammal), be sure the person caring for your pet understands the individual pet’s heat, humidity, and bedding requirements in addition to their dietary needs and medications. Whether your exotic is staying home or going somewhere, make sure the person in charge is familiar with their specific needs.  If your pet is staying home and someone is coming to your house, make sure that person knows how to secure your house when they leave. Some cats will hide if someone comes over, making it difficult to know if they are sick or injured. Have the people check the litter box and food dishes daily and ideally give tips on how to find the cat so they can “put eyes on them”.

Pets can become disoriented or scared when they are in new surroundings or with new people. Be sure your pet can be identified easily. This typically means wearing a collar with your phone number and ideally a microchip. There are even some tracking tags that pets can wear which are monitored by GPS. Being away from home can cause anxiety in many pets. Try to mitigate the stress by leaving something with them that has your scent or brings them joy i.e. a piece of clothing or a favorite toy. Some pets benefit from calming supplements and even medications in certain cases.

We don’t like to think about it, but it is best to have a plan available for whoever is watching your pet should there be an emergency. This is not only leaving your contact information, but the name/contact details for someone who is local that can step in on your behalf to take the pet or make decisions. It is also good to leave written instructions in case of an emergency. Some pet owners will leave an emergency credit card for unforeseen expenses. These are important aspects to consider if you are not reachable during an emergency.

Making arrangements for pets while we prepare for vacation is a common consideration for most people. The duration of the trip as well as the overall behavior and health of your pet will factor in whether they stay home, stay at someone else’s home, or go to a boarding facility. The most important point is to be prepared. Secure your pet sitter or boarding facility in advance. Make sure your pets have what they need while you’re away, are easily identified, and that there is a clear emergency plan.  The last thing we want while on vacation is for our furry family members to become sick or stressed. Talk to your veterinarian to help create a plan if needed.