6 Ways To Know Your Pet Is Well Looked After If You Can’t Take Them With You On Holiday *

*This is a collaborative post.

Going on holiday is great but if you’ve got pets, you need to think about what to do with your pet. Are you going to take them with you, or will you have to look at other options to care for your pet while you’re away? In some instances, like a staycation, for example, you may be able to take your pet with you if your accommodation is dog and cat friendly. However, if you can’t find one, or your pet would be best left at home where they’re comfortable, then take a look at these ways to know your pet is well looked after if you can’t take them with you on holiday.

Ask a family member or friend 

When you’re planning a holiday and need to find care for your pets, you may turn to a family member or friend first of all to help take care of your pets. Whether this means they come to your home every day to feed and give your pet some attention, or your pet goes to stay with them for a few days, you can rest assured that your pet is in safe hands. Don’t forget to include a rope dog lead if your pooch requires walking!

Arrange feeding times

If you’ve got a pet that doesn’t necessarily need much attention, or you’re only going to be away for a few days, then you might consider setting up time controlled feeders to ensure your pet has the food they need while you’re away. If you’ve got a cat, for example, as long as they are still able to roam in and out of your home as they please and have fresh water available, an automatic feeding station will give you the peace of mind that your cat is getting everything they need while you’re away.

Ensure they have plenty of space

Any pet, whether you’ve got a dog, a cat, a hamster, or even a bird need plenty of space to roam around, so if you’re going away, make sure they have lots of space to get the exercise they need each day. Secure your garden so that your dog or cat has plenty of space to roam without the risk of getting out, or buy your hamster a larger cage so they’ve got lots of room to wander while you’re not there handling them.

Consider a kennel

Leaving your pet at home is risky, not only do you need to worry about feeding them, but there’s also the risk of them escaping or becoming lonely. If you’re going to be away for more than a few days, you might consider a kennel to help take care of your dog. Remember when looking at potential kennels to look out for:

• An up to date license
• Their insurance coverage in case anything should happen to your pet
• How much space will your dog have?
• Will they get the attention they need?
• Are all of the animals clean and dewormed/deflead?
• Can they cater to any medical needs your dog has?

If they can’t do any of the above, and anything else you’d like for your pet, it’s best to keep searching until you find a reliable kennel for your dog.

Hire a professional pet sitter

Asking family members or friends to look after your pets may not be ideal due to allergies or lack of time, but don’t worry! There are professional pet sitters available that can come and stay at your home so your pet is most comfortable, and you don’t have to worry about your dog being unhappy away from home. Be sure to leave detailed instructions about your pet’s diet, exercise regime, favourite toys, habits such as barking at the mailman, and anything else that could help your pet sitter take care of your pet to the best of their ability.

Leave comfort items

Your pets are just as attached to you as you are them, and when you’re suddenly not around, it’s not unusual for them to miss you and feel unhappy about the situation. To help prevent your pet from becoming lonely while you’re away – even if they have the company of other people – leave behind some comfort items such as a tshirt with your scent on it, their favourite toys, and even a picture of you so they can see you. Many people also take the time to arrange video calls to speak to their pets while they’re away to help avoid them feeling lonely.

With these tips, you can enjoy your holiday without worrying about your pet.