Holidays need careful planning; which includes making plans for the caring and well-being of your animals – even if you are only going away for the shortest time.
This includes your fish, birds, mice, guinea pigs, hamsters, dogs and cats – actually any living being that requires food, water and shelter.
You have a few options to consider when it comes to caring for your pet in your absence.
Your options are:
1. Taking your pets to a boarding kennel or cattery.
2. Make use of a house sitter or pet care service.
3. Taking your pets with you (not recommended).
Make use of a house sitter or pet care service:
A few questions to consider are: Will the house/pet sitter be living with your pets in your home while you are away? Will your dog be walked on a leash? Have you left enough food for the duration of your stay?’
Make sure the house/pet sitter is a professional service and is known by your vet.
Make sure to check references with previous clients, and ensure that your service provider has knowledge of your pets.
Give clear written, as well as verbal instructions for the care of your pets.
Ensure that you have arrangements in place if your animal becomes sick or injured while you are away.
An emergency back-up plan is needed in case for some unforeseen reason, the house/pet sitter is unable to continue performing their duties through illness or accident.
Taking your pets on holiday with you (not recommended):
Make sure your vaccinations are up to date, and your pet is micro-chipped and wearing a collar and ID tag.
Do you have a cool place in the vehicle (not the boot) where your pet can lie?
Ensure you have enough water for your pet to drink during the journey and stop for toilet breaks.
It is not recommended that you take a cat on holiday, as it can take up to 14 days for a cat to acclimatise to a new environment before they can be let out on their own.
But, if your only option is taking the cat, ensure that the carry cage is large enough that the cat won’t lie in their own faeces or urine.
Never leave your pet inside a vehicle, even if it is parked in the shade with the windows open.
The heat inside a car is dangerous.
