Caring for your pets while you are away on holiday

Caring for your pets while you are away on holiday

Here are some handy tips to ensure your pets are happy, relaxed and safe while you are away on holiday:

1. Hire a pet sitter.

A  great solution is to hire a pet sitter or arrange for a family member to take care of your home and pets while you are away, so your pets can stay in the comfort of their own environment with all their toys, beds and food .

2. You can leave your pets at a boarding kennel.

Can’t arrange a pet sitter? Keep your pets safe and taken care of while you are away by keeping them at a boarding kennel.  The SPCA provides boarding services for your pets while you go on holiday. Ensure your pet is fully vaccinated  and remember to leave small comforts for your pet. Put an old T-Shirt or something with a familiar smell for your dog’s bed or crate so they will be comforted by your scent. Pets love to curl up with stuff that smells like you and it can be incredibly comforting to a stressed animal.

3.  If your pet is going to be alone at home throughout the day, leave enough toys and treats to keep them occupied. Also ask your sitter to leave the radio or TV on if your pet is used to an active household.

4. Leave as much detailed information as possible with the pet sitter, such as your cell- phone number and the number where you will be staying, as well as emergency numbers for friends and family and the number for your vet.

5. Make sure your dog or cat has an updated pet ID tag and microchip with your cellphone number.

6. And lastly, don’t make a big deal when you are saying goodbye. This will leave your pet anxious. Try to treat it like any other time you are leaving the house and keep it short and relaxed to keep your pet in a relaxed frame of mind.