What to do with your pets during the holidays

Newcastillians are well-known for their love for pets. With the holiday season fast approaching, pets are often a constant source of worry if your family is planning to go on vacation. Here are a few tips for what to do with your beloved pets during the holiday season:

Leaving your pets unattended at home is not an option. Lonely animals often escape when the boredom of solitude hits. Stray pets are prone to accidents and could get lost.

• Taking your pet with you:

If you can’t bear to be without your pet when off on vacation, it is possible to take your pets with you; they will enjoy the change of scenery just as much as you. If you are travelling with your pet this summer, check with your vet if you are going to a tick prone area and ensure you are adequately prepared. Know how to search for ticks and what to do if you find a problem. Get the number of the local vet in the area you are travelling to, and check out their location so you are prepared in an emergency.

• Booking your pet into a kennel:

Sometimes it is impossible to take your pet with you. Consider booking your dog or cat into a boarding kennel. Many boarding kennels and catteries book out for the holiday periods in advance, so book early. Remember, your pet will need to have its vaccinations up to date before being admitted into a kennel. Vaccinations should be given at least 10 days before the date of boarding as the vaccines won’t cause immunity immediately. Visit the kennel personally; enquire about feeding, playtime, and the procedure in the event of your pet falling ill.

• Hire someone to keep an eye on them:

Some people offer a home visit service for pets. With these services, pets are left at home and a caregiver visits periodically to feed and exercise your pets. This is a good alternative for pets with a good temperament. However, be aware that your pet will still be alone for most of the day and many pets do not take well to the seclusion. If your pet is very attached to you, it may be not be a good idea to leave it alone for lengthy periods. A close neighbour is the ideal person for the task and may even do it for free.

• Have someone house-sit for you:

House-sitting is a common and easy solution. Have someone stay in your home while you are away. Pets often enjoy new faces or small changes in routine. Any house-sitter will, naturally, have to be a familiar person with good credentials; try enlisting a friend or relative. This is the also best option for fish and birds. Birds need daily care and are best cared for in their home environment. Leaving your fish for the weekend might be fine, but leaving them for longer periods with feeder blocks usually end in disaster. A blackout might lead to a filter staying off or running dry; a check each day prevents this. Needless to say, you will have to show someone what to do – it is no myth that people feed fish without removing the tank lid and end up starving them.

• A holiday with relatives  

If possible, sending your pets to be cared for at the home of a friend or relative is a good idea.  Why not take your pet to visit the friend or family member a few times beforehand, letting it acquaint itself with the house and garden? Make sure to check the walls and fences to prevent your pet escaping.

• Boarding with pet-lovers

Worried about sending your pet to a kennel or leaving it home alone? How about having your dog minded by a caring family, so you can enjoy your holiday? As an alternative to kennels, house sitters and relying on friends or neighbours, finding a willing, pet-loving family with no pets of their own to take care of your pets is easier than it sounds.

Regardless of how you plan to care for your pets when you’re away, fully identify your pet with tags, collars or a microchip. Should your pet roam while you are away, identification will assist in its return to you.