Holiday pet care options
School’s out for several weeks over summer and many families pack up and head off on holidays for a week or two during this period.
It can be challenging to work out how to best look after your pets while you’re away but there are a number of options to choose from.
An ideal option is to take your pet with you. There are many pet friendly holiday houses and camp sites and while camping is easier with dogs, cats can share a house or an apartment with you while you enjoy your rest and recreation.
Boarding kennels are a popular choice for holiday pet care. More and more boarding establishments are making their dog and cat accommodation more like home with beds and televisions in their runs. Always visit the kennels and meet the staff before you leave your pet there so you have peace of mind that they’ll be well cared for while you’re away.
You may prefer to have your pet looked after in someone’s home which is a little more pleasant for them than a boarding kennel. Again, do your homework and ask for references before you leave your much loved furry family member with someone. Visit their property and check the security they have in place – do they keep cats securely indoors and are their fences secure for your dog?
Some animals are real homebodies and are happiest in their own environment. There are two ways you can have your pets looked after in their own home.
Firstly, you can have a housesitter stay in your home to care for your animals as well as collect your mail and water your garden. Your pets will be happy in a familiar environment and will have company too, however you’ll need to use due diligence before allowing a stranger access to your home.
The alternative is to have someone pop in once or twice a day to feed them, check their water and play with them. This is probably the most cost effective option but there are risks – your pets will be alone for long periods and if they are ill or injured they won’t be attended to until the next scheduled visit. It’s important that you’re happy with the pet care option you’ve chosen for when you’re away on holiday.
If you are planning on booking your pet into a boarding kennel or they are going to be a guest in someone else’s home, they will need to be up to date with their vaccinations and parasite control. If you’re not certain if they are current on their shots or if you need a duplicate vaccination certificate, please telephone or call in for a chat with our friendly reception staff.
