As the end of another year draws near, many of us are getting ready for a trip or two. Properly planning your pet care over the holidays is important, though, as pets can get anxious and stressed in new environments. Leaving them with a family member or friend is ideal for you, but make sure to plan ahead of time to ensure easy transitions. Here are some tips so you can complete your checklist ahead of time.
Make sure to note/inform of any health issues
Often times pet owners will kennel or hire a dogsitter for their pets. When doing this, it is vital to report any and all health issues, so the person watching them can be prepared. Leaving out information about an unhealthy pet can result in emergency situations. Don’t be afraid to tell kennels or sitters about any issues ahead of time. If the person or place refuses to watch them, there will be others who can still help, and it is better to be safe than sorry.
Book in advance
Planning pet care over the holidays can be a stressful affair, so booking in advance is always recommended. A lot of places can fill up fast, so once you know the dates of a trip, book your pet’s care. Dog sitters should come by the house before you leave, so they can meet your pet(s) and relieve some of the anxiety to come. Leaving your furry friends behind is hard for you, but for them it is a time of stress and confusion. We are their whole world, so assuring them of the person who is stepping in is not only kind, but vital.
Have vet information on hand, as well as back up plans
It might be wise to let another friend or family member know you are going out of town, in case something with the sitter or kennel falls through. Having a backup plan is comforting to you, and means less scrambling to find someone if anything comes up. It may be a good idea to let your vet know, too, if it will be a long trip. Leave emergency information for any pet sitters, so they rest assured if something happens they have the proper outlets to handle it.
Going away for the holidays can be a blast, but planning pet care over the holidays is important. It will not only leave you assured so you can enjoy your trip, but it will leave your pet in the best possible situation. Though they can’t always come with you, their safety and care should be a top priority. For more pet safety tips, visit www.spotledtag.com or check our Instagram and Facebook pages.