If you’re like most people, you probably want to spend as much time with your four-legged family members as possible. They feel the same way about you. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening at home, running errands, or spending time in the great outdoors, they may be happily tagging along right by your side. After all, they’re part of the family, right?
That being said, if you’re going on vacation, taking your pet with you may not be the best idea. Sometimes, it’s not even possible. Traveling can be stressful for pets. It may cause an array of problems from digestive upset to anxiety. It increases their risks of being exposed to illnesses and parasites as well, and there’s always a chance that they could get lost or injured. Besides that, not all places are pet friendly. With all that being the case, finding a trusted place for pets to stay while you’re traveling is generally a safer option. Where can you leave your pet while you’re away, though? The following options are among the best.
At Home
One possibility is leaving your pet at home when you go on vacation. That way, they’re in an environment they’re familiar and comfortable with. Obviously, you’ll need to make sure they have plenty of food and water along with other provisions while you’re away. That generally means having a friend, relative, or neighbor stop by to take care of them from time to time. If the person is someone your pet already knows, that’s a nice bonus for them. Of course, it’s often difficult to find someone who’s willing and able to look in on your pet when you can’t be there.
Alternatively, you could hire a caretaker to look in on them. If your pet suffers from separation anxiety, though, you might have a few unpleasant surprises waiting for you when you return with intermittent care. Furthermore, risking your pet getting into things they shouldn’t in between visits from a caretaker can be dangerous or even deadly.
Pet Sitters
Another option is leaving your pet with a sitter or having one stay at your home around the clock while you’re on vacation. Professionals are available, and they’re generally well trained in pet care. One downside to having a sitter come to you would be leaving someone you don’t know with full run of your house. On the other hand, if you leave your pet with a sitter, even if they’re a friend or family member, there’s a risk of them getting lost. Numerous pets escape from sitters every year in America. If your pet is determined to go home or find you, even the most diligent sitter may not be able to keep them from bolting.
Pet Boarding Facilities
Finally, there are boarding facilities for pets. They’re popular choices for pet parents, and they offer a range of benefits. They give pets around-the-clock care and supervision in a secure area. They also give boarders socialization with other animals and humans, so there’s less risk of separation anxiety while you’re away. These facilities take great care to ensure the safety of their boarders as well. On top of that, their staff members are well trained in handling emergencies, and many of them have ready access to vet care should an emergency arise.
Giving Your Pet the Best Care Possible While You’re on Vacation
Taking a pet along with you on vacation isn’t always the best idea. If you need to leave them behind, you undoubtedly want to leave them in the best possible hands. Though hiring a pet sitter, leaving them with a trusted friend or relative, or having someone look in on them a couple times a day are common options, each one has its own potential problems. In many cases, leaving your pet in the care of a trusted boarding facility is the best choice. It ensures your pet will have everything they need to stay safe, healthy, and happy until you return.
