What to do with Schoomtsipoo while you’re away
Many pets find it difficult to adjust to other people and being away from their family.
We love our little furry friends, but after a long year of work, havoc and stress, we sometimes love holidays more.
However, it is always important for pet owners to make sure their friends are well taken care of before leaving their homes.
Photo: Get up Kids
With the holiday season around the corner, the Pet Food Industry Association of Southern Africa (PFI) has urged community members to provide adequate and reasonable care for their pets while taking a trip away from home.
Many pets find it difficult to adjust to other people and being away from their families, so ensure they are comfortable and safe. Remember: for you it is one day away from them, but for dogs one day can seem like a week (one year for humans, seven for dogs).
Photo: expertbeacon
Here are some tips provided by the PFI to keep your pets happy and safe:
1. Get a pet- or house-sitter. Keeping your pets in an environment they know reassures and comforts them. It also gives you peace of mind if someone checks on the house every now and then. Keeping your pets’ normal routine will ensure they are happy. It is also the cheaper option compared to kennels.
2. Take your pet to a kennel. Do your homework on this option first to ensure you leave your four-legged child with reputable people. Also consider your pets’ personalities when it comes to this option. If your pet becomes aggressive or aroused when taken to a kennel, rather consider another option. Also vaccinate your pet before taking it to a kennel.
3. In-home pet boarding. If you look hard enough, you might find someone who is willing to take your pets into their home and care for them during your holiday. This allows your pet to socialise with other pets while still being taken care of. Do your homework on this option too and see how your pets’ behaviour changes if taken to a pet boarder. Find someone who will take care of your pets as if they were family members too.
4. Travel companion. You might also consider taking your pet travelling with you. More and more holiday destinations are accepting animals onto their premises, and having someone with you might make the trip more enjoyable. A quick check online to make sure the accommodation is pet-friendly is also an important step to take if you are considering travelling with your pet.
5. Family, friends or neighbour care. If all else fails, why not ask a family member or friend to regularly pop into your home to feed your pets and give them water? Depending on your relationship with them, you might find it easy to instruct them to watch over your furry angels during your holiday.
No matter which option you choose, you can only learn what is best for your pet by trial and error. Use your pets’ behaviour and appearance after your holiday as an indicator as to whether or not the option fits their personalities.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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