If you are taking one last vacation this summer and your pet cannot join you then ensuring the best care possible for Fido or Fluffy is important. Here are seven tips for making the most of your pet's "staycation".
1. Right Place at the Right Time
Some pets will be happier in a small, quiet, home setting or in a private room at a kennel while others will thrive in the open, energetic group environment of a kennel. Assess which environment will work for your pet: is he/she a highly social animal; does he/she get anxious when left alone; how easily does your pet bond with humans and other animals; how much exercise does your pet need and can the sitter/kennel provide an adequate amount of exercise?
As pets get older their needs and preferences can change, so look for behaviors and cues from your pet.
2. Word-of-Mouth
Personal referrals are usually best, so ask friends and neighbors where they board their pets. Check out the sitter or kennel through online review sites like Yelp. Read the good, bad and in-between reviews to get a full picture of the place and whether or not it might be the right for your pet.
3. Get Insurances
If you are hiring someone to come into your house to feed and care for your pets, is the care provider bonded and insured? If not, check with your insurance agent to see if and how you are covered in case something goes wrong while you are away.
4. Check It Out
Call the sitter or kennel to set up a visit with your pet. At the visit, check out the following: is the place clean; how does it smell; how do the other animals seem to be behaving? Make sure that the care provider has insurance coverage and request proof of insurance. Ask about the staff and their training. Inquire as to how they screen other pets for diseases such as rabies and bordetella.
Talk about what your pet needs. List any and all special needs or unique behaviors. Find out what the sitter does in case of an emergency. Get details on drop off and pick up times. Inquire about costs and payment methods accepted. Some pet care providers charge for administering medicines or lotions.
5. Slowly, But Surely
If your initial visit goes well, you may want to arrange to have your pet spend a morning or an afternoon at the sitter's/kennel. You might want to increase the time to a whole day or overnight, including having your pet fed by the sitter/kennel.
Talk to the staff or sitter after each visit to get details on how your pet did during their stay. If they cannot tell you in detail how your pet did during the visit, this might be a red flag.
Most importantly, see how your pet seems after each visit and observe your pet's reaction to going back to the sitter's/kennel. Is your pet anxious or excited to walk through the kennel/sitter's doors? Keep in mind that overtime your pet will develop a relationship with their caregiver. Monitor how this relationship evolves.
6. Give Instructions
Write your pet’s name on the food container with directions on how much food your pet needs and when. Provide a measuring cup just to be on the safe side. Also, leave treats for your pet with instructions for when your pet can have them. Make sure to give the care provider your local vet's name and number as well as information about how you can be reached while you are away.
7. Returning to Normal
Upon returning to home, your pet's behavior might be a little unruly. It is up to you to "retrain" your pet regarding the behaviors you expect of him/her. Reestablishing order and routine will be of great comfort to your pet.
Planning for your pet to enjoy his/her staycation will help you to relax and enjoy your vacation.