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Vacations are fun and pretty important for your mental health too. But when you have a pet and you have to leave them behind, vacationing becomes a source of constant worrying and concerns. Many hotels and other tourist accommodations let pets board these days but there aren’t enough of them. Secondly, it also becomes pretty difficult to travel long distances with pets as it becomes too physically and mentally distressing for them.
Thus, to have a good vacation while simultaneously ensuring your furry companion’s happiness, safety and comfort, there are certain measures that you can take.
Here are some tips and tricks to make it better for you and your pet.
- Updating your pet’s ID
Your pet’s ID is very important and their collar should have it all the time anyway. When you are leaving for a vacation, it becomes even more that your pet has all the updated versions of ID related information like their name, your name and your phone number and address is neatly and rightly on their collar. This will cut down on the scenario where you constantly worry that your pet will get lost if they somehow manage to break out of the place they’re boarding in.
You can buy more secure and customized pet IDs online or in brick-and-mortar pet stores. Some collars with ID also feature a GPS chip or sensor for tracking your dog in case they escape the pet care facility or the temporary carer’s house.
- Keep things simple and normal
Saying a proper goodbye is important, but only when saying goodbye to fellow humans. You may get emotional before leaving your dog behind, but becoming too emotional and showing them intense distress, crying, etc can affect your pet. Your pets have the ability to understand your mood and your emotions. This may make them very worried, and as a result, may make it difficult for them to cope in your absence. Rather than being very emotional and intense, make the parting more simple and normal. Play a little with them, show them affection, and behave as if you’re going to the nearby grocery store. This acts to let them know that you will come back eventually without adding to their stress level.
- Make arrangements for boarding or hire a pet sitter
Certainly, dogs need more care when compared to other pets. They need constant checking up and a properly maintained routine. Because of this, consider professional help in light of keeping them with a family member or a friend. Commercial boarding facilities are an option, but private boarding in the home of a pet specialist is a better solution. A full-time pet sitter in your home is another great option. Either way, you have the best care available for your pet eliminating the worry about your pet’s wellbeing while you’re on a relaxing vacation.
If you choose a boarding facility for your dog, they can provide everything your dog needs while you’re out of town or abroad, from feeding and bathing to training and support. However, it is advisable to leave your pet at a trusted dog care facility, preferably one located in your area. For instance, a Phoenix dog boarding facility can attend to your dog’s needs while you’re away from home by communicating all the things the carer needs to know about your pet.
You can arrange to leave your dog for a couple of days or a week or two. By entrusting your pet to a dog boarding facility, you have peace of mind because an expert takes good care of your furry friend. Most pet care facilities may have in-house veterinarians and other staff members with experience in animal training.
Skepticism or concern about a boarding service or pet sitter is a very normal thing. Your pet’s safety and comfort are your biggest priority which is why it is important to thoroughly vet those who you’re entrusting your pet’s care to. An example of a gold standard are the professionals at ESP Pet Care Specialists in New Jersey offering personal pet care including pet sitting, private pet boarding, and pet walking.
- Leave a piece of you for them
Your pet loves you so much and they are going to miss you a lot. Knowing this might make you a bit worried about how they will be comforted when they miss you intensely. The best way to handle this is to leave a piece of you with them. This piece can be anything; For example, a blanket that has your smell. This will comfort your pet and save them from extreme mental distress.
Dogs have unique senses that make them know their owners’ scent and presence. If you’re leaving for a business trip or a vacation getaway without pets allowed, it’s crucial to reassure your dog. They can experience stress and anxiety when apart from their owners for a long time.
- Fix them their favorite toy
While you are away, your pet might not get as much physical exercise as they need. So, you have to encourage playtime for them. Arrange for them to have their favorite toys at their disposal while you’re away. This will help maintain an active lifestyle and get the most out of the physical exercise they need.
Conclusion
Leaving your beloved pet behind can be difficult for most of us. However, when it can’t be helped, it is best to take steps to ensure that your beloved pet can enjoy a comfortable time while you’re gone. We hope that these tips will help you achieve exactly that.
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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