Your Pets and Your Vacation

One of the things a lot of people leave to the last minute when preparing their vacation is what to do with their pet while they’re away. It’s never an easy decision and most people are always doubtful about the best solution. To help you make up your mind, here are a few tips on different options available to you.

Bringing your pet along

This can be an attractive option since your pet is part of your family. Leaving it behind can seem so wrong! Traveling with your pet is becoming more and more feasible as more motels are becoming pet-friendly.

However, having your pet along can limit what you do on your vacation. Your pet may spend too much time alone in your hotel room. As well, traveling can be stressful for the pet.

Boarding your pet at a kennel

When pet owners decide to leave their pet behind during vacation, they often think of boarding their pet at a kennel. There are many types of kennels to choose from. Some are mom and pop operations and others are more like luxury hotels. Your vet may even offer boarding services. Kennels are popular choices because they offer different price ranges, and are a simple solution if you don’t have a friend or neighbor to help, or if you can’t afford a pet sitter.

On the flip side, boarding your pet can be very stressful for the animal. They usually have only a small cage to themselves with limited exercise time. They are surrounded by other animals they don’t know. Though kennels can provide very good care, the staff won’t give your furry friend the quality care and attention they’re used to.

Pet sitting

Another option is to hire a pet sitter to come into your home and care for your pet. This is a desirable option because your pet can stay in its home, and not deal with the stress of having to leave. As well, a professional pet sitter can follow your pet’s normal routine and schedule. The pet sitter can also water your plants, pick up the mail, and give your house that lived-in look while you’re away.

There are professional pet sitters for hire, or you may want to hire a student or friend. On the downside, hiring a professional pet sitter can be expensive. Even if you choose to use a student or a friend, it can be stressful for you to have someone stay in your home while you’re not there.

Neighbors

If you have a neighbor who likes pets, or who at least likes your pet, enlisting them to care for your pet while you’re on vacation may be an option. Your pet can stay in its own home while your neighbor comes by on regular basis to walk, feed, and let the pet outside.

One thing to consider before asking a neighbor to help is that this type of situation can put a strain on your relationship with your neighbor. When they need a favor later on, they may expect you to help them because they helped you out. Also, it can be uncomfortable having your neighbor in your home while you’re not there.

While you’re making your travel plans, remember to carefully plan what to do with your pet while you’re on vacation. No one option is the best for every pet owner, and what works for you this time may not be the best option for your next trip.