If you are going away on holiday this season, please consider boarding your pets in the SPCA kennels.
The rates are very reasonable, and you will have peace of mind in knowing that your pets are well taken care of and will be seen to every day.
Please book as soon as possible as the kennels get full at this time of year.
If you are leaving your pets at home, please ask a friend or trusted neighbour to check on them daily.
They must see to food, water, exercise if necessary and health – make sure that they have the number
for your vet. Also, have a back-up person in mind in case they cannot make it.
Pets must have clean water and fresh food every day – make sure that water is in a container that is
stable and cannot easily tip over.
Make sure that your pet wears some form of identification, for example pet tags or microchips. If your
pet is an escape artist, contact the SPCA to inform them that you are away, and give them a description
of your pet and your contact details. Make sure that all potential escape routes are sealed, for example
holes in the fence.
Dogs can become destructive due to boredom, stress and loneliness while you are away. Make sure
that ‘naughty’ pets have nothing of value that they can destroy while you are away, and nothing that can
be chewed and become a choking hazard. Also, remove any items that can be harmful to your pet, such
as loose strings that can choke cats, poisonous plants, food that may go off, etc.
If your pet is particularly prone to loneliness, it is best that they are boarded in kennels or be fostered
by friends/family – your neighbours will not thank you for a howling dog over the holidays! If this is
not possible, leave items that smell like you or are calming to your pet in the area that they will be kept
in.
If you have a cat that uses a litter box, make sure that the person checking on your pet knows to clean
the box regularly. Cats that are stressed or lonely can regress in terms of toilet training, and a full litter
box can make the situation worse.
Fireworks
Please keep in mind that there may be fireworks on December 31/January 1. Please make sure that your
pets are well-confined in your home, as many animals get disturbed/disoriented by the fireworks and
run away.
Music that has a strong, repetitive bass beat can mask the sound of fireworks, so pets may be more
comfortable with music playing in the background.
If you are leaving your pets at home and they are sensitive to the noise, please arrange that someone be
with your pets during this stressful time. Provide calmatives (for the pet!) if necessary – consult your
vet.
