May 12, 2009
by Jacqueline Bodnar
As summer peeks over the horizon, many people’s thoughts are turning to vacation planning. If you are one of the millions of pet owners across the country, it’s important to determine the best care option for your furry friend as the family heads out for some summer fun. Read on for some options that are available to you so you can make the best decision for your pet.
Taking them
One of the more obvious options that come to mind is to simply take your pet with you when you travel. However, that may not be such a good idea, depending on where you are going and the temperament of your pet. Some pets are better left at home, especially if they don’t do well in unfamiliar places or have medical problems or any physical impairments.
According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), there are some safety precautions to keep in mind if you take your pet with you. When traveling by car, the HSUS advises that your pet always be restrained in the vehicle. If your dog is familiar with using a pet safety harness you should use that while traveling. Hard-sided kennels that are well-ventilated are also a good choice.
Although dogs seem to love sticking their head out of the car window, the HSUS points out that this should be avoided because the dog could be injured by flying debris. Pets should also never be transported in the back of a pickup truck. Be sure to give your pet frequent bathroom and exercise breaks and avoid leaving them in a car unattended, as temperatures can soar quickly and be deadly.
HSUS recommends that pets only be transported by air if absolutely necessary. The Airline Transportation Association estimates that every year there are around 5,000 animals that are killed, lost or injured on airplanes. Most of these problems are due to the extreme cold or heat in the poorly ventilated cargo holds and by kennel damage. If you do fly with your pet, take small ones onboard with you in a carrier that fits under the seat. Contact your airline carrier for specifics on their pet restrictions.
Most cruise ships and trains don’t accept pets, so you will need to contact them directly if you are considering this. Most lodging facilities also don’t take pets, but there are some hotels and motels that do. The key is to research and reserve well in advance. Be sure to take all the necessary supplies and an emergency first aid kit with you.
Boarding Options
Many people who don’t want to take their pet with them arrange for boarding or a pet hotel. Before making arrangements ask your veterinarian for some recommendations. You should also tour the facility. Many pet hotels give you the ability to log on to their Web site and see your dog through live video stream, which may help set your mind at ease when you are miles away. You may also want to consider taking the pet there for a day before starting the trip, just as a trial run.
Pet Sitters
A great option for those wanting to travel without their furry friends is to get a sitter. You can either find someone to watch the pet in their home so that your pet has more one-on-one attention, or you can opt to have a sitter visit your home, which allows your pet to stay in a familiar place. A pet sitter may visit your home as many times a day or week as you would like, and some will even stay the night in your home.
“We come into the client’s home and walk the dog, take care of the litter box, feed the animals, administer medications, give insulin shots, and do just about anything that would need to be done in the house,” says Wendy Blossom, owner of North Dallas Pet Sitters. “With in-home pet care the animals are kept in their own familiar environments and kept to their usual routines as much as possible. They are not exposed to strange smells, noises, surroundings, or possible exposure to diseases and parasites.”
Home Alone
For many people, especially cat owners, leaving the pet home alone is an option. Cats can usually be left for a few days home alone with an adequate food and water supply. Fish can be taken care of by purchasing an automatic feeder.
According to the SPCA of Texas, some dogs suffer from separation anxiety. This can happen after a vacation for those used to being around their owner frequently. Dogs that suffer from this may display inappropriate behavior when left alone, such as digging, chewing, howling, or urinating in the home. They recommend you gradually get your dog used to being without you by taking it to boarding or dog day care, or leaving it with a friend or relative.
Plan Ahead
Whatever option you choose, be sure to talk to your veterinarian and have all their vaccinations up to date. The key to a good summer vacation with or without the pet is to plan ahead.