Our pets can certainly keep us on our toes and ensuring you are ready for whatever they throw at you can be a lot of work. All the same, despite the challenges they pose, there are times when we miss them so much. Going on vacation is an amazing thing for us, but leaving our pets behind, who can give us unconditional love, can be very difficult. We can worry that our pet is missing us or is not eating properly, which is why if you are planning on going on vacation, you need to know what to do so your pet is properly looked after. Here are a few things to consider.
Provide Detailed Care Instructions
Whether you decide to have a pet sitter or leave them with a friend or family member, you need to leave clear information so there’s no confusion. These include things like:
How much food your pet has for every meal.
What treats are okay for them.
The times they exercise.
What medicines they need, and how best to give them.
Emergency contacts, such as your pet vet.
You should make sure the carer is aware of the routines and where everything is, but a detailed list is that fail-safe insurance policy that’s easy to follow should the worst-case scenario happen.
Update Their Pet ID Tags
If your pet decides to run away, you need to make sure that their packed ID tags are up to date. There are a number of different pet ID tags you can purchase, including microchipped dog tags that don’t just include their name and contact details, but because they are microchipped, you can get to them in emergency situations.
Leave Them With the Home Comforts
If you are worried they’re going to miss you, you need to give them those little reminders of you. If you’ve got a dog that loves an old T-shirt of yours, put it in their crate or bed so they can feel comforted by your smell. You should also think about a treat-dispensing toy and make sure the pet sitter knows how to refill the treats. You can also find ways to recreate the house environment. For example, if your pet is used to an active house, so ask the pet sitter to put the radio on or play music throughout the day.
Provide the Pet Sitter With Important Behavioral Details
You may have a trusted friend or family spend time with your pet, but they might be pleasantly surprised as to what types of behaviors your dog or cat may indulge in. It’s important to point out your pet’s unique traits so the sitter knows what to expect, so they can keep your pet safe properly. This would include things like how they interact with other dogs that pass them in the streets or if they run after specific animals, like squirrels or cats.
Ensuring your pet is looked after while you’re away is not just for them, but it’s for you as well. When you go, make sure you don’t elongate those goodbyes. Otherwise, the animal could feel more stressed. It can be easier said than done, but if you can make them feel as relaxed as possible, this will work wonders for both of you.
