Things to Consider When Leaving Your Pet for Vacation

Leaving your fur baby behind while you go on vacation can be a troubling experience, especially if you’re doing this for the first time. Depending on the kind of pet you have, animals can be left in the comfort of your home, or someone else’s, while you have your fun for a few weeks. How long you’re planning to be away, and the health of your pet play a part in what steps you need to take before you head to your trip. Here’s what you need to know. 

Duration of Your Holiday 

If your pet does not have special needs, and they only need a place to “go,” as well as enough food and water to keep them sustained, you can rest assured that they’ll be fine for the few weeks that you’re away. Both cats and dogs can manage to stay on their own in the comfort of your home, given that they feel comfortable, and are left in a safe area. However, if you’re planning to be away for more than a couple of weeks, it’s advised that your pet stays under the supervision of someone else.

Other than having enough food and water, pets can become very distressed when left alone for long periods of time. It would only take them a couple of weeks of being alone before they start wondering if you’re ever coming back for them. Leaving them with a caretaker that you trust can help keep them company, and can help provide them with their social needs.

Pet Retreats 

Pet hotels and retreats can offer your pet a safe and comfortable temporary home that cares for it while you’re away. Dogs especially may need a special cottage to live in until you come back to pick them up, seeing as they’re very social creatures that require human interaction. Many dog cottages cover food, water, and playtime in a safe environment. Pet behaviorists at https://www.dogfriendlyretreats.com/ suggest that you take a good look at where your dog is staying before you leave it behind, to make sure that your pet is in safe hands.

This option can be ideal for individuals that tend to travel often, or those that go on long business trips. Cats can also be left in pet hotels, which usually offer them their own room, as well as a designated caretaker that makes sure that they stay active, and keeps them company however long they need. 

Leaving Enough Sustenance 

If you’re only leaving for a couple of weeks or less, you can leave your pet in your home, provided that it’s left with enough food and water to sustain it. Never pile up on wet food, as it can dry out or go spoil in a few days. Buy a couple of bags of dry food, and fill in various feeders in your home. Avoid filling bowls, as dry food can spoil from the moisture in the air when left for too long.

Make sure that you also buy your pet an automatic water fountain to keep them well hydrated while you’re away. If you don’t already own a feeder, buy more than one, and spread them across the rooms in your home with different timings. 

Keep the Lights On 

If you’re leaving your pet behind, you need to make sure to leave a few lights on. Even though felines can see well in the dark, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they like squinting their ways across dark hallways. Leaving your home well-lit can give your pet a warmer feeling, and can make them feel safe until you’re back. 

Hiring a Caretaker 

If you’re not comfortable with leaving your pet behind for so long, it’s advised that you either hire a caretaker or leave a spare key with a trusted friend. Whether you keep your pet at home, or at a retreat, it’s best to have a trusted friend check up on how your pet is doing every few days. This can also reassure your pet that it’s not left behind. When someone familiar visits a pet on a regular basis, this can pacify any separation anxiety that it may be going through while you’re away. 

Leaving your pet behind in the loving hands of a pet hotel is always a good idea if you’re planning to be away for more than a couple of weeks. However, in most cases, you can leave your pet in the comfort of its home with a pile of dry food and lots of water. Always give a spare key with someone you trust before you leave to check on your pet whenever needed.


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