Vacations away from home are important for your mental and physical health — and this is especially true for people like managers who often experience higher-than-normal levels of stress throughout their workday — but it can be hard to fully relax when you’re worried about your pet back at home. This is why it’s important to have someone you trust watch your pet while you are away, but how can you be sure your pet will be adequately taken care of? Presented by sunsethillky.com, here are some ways you can ensure your beloved pet will be perfectly happy and content until you return.
Hire a pet sitter to check in
Many pets become anxious when they are away from their owners or when they have to stay in new places. If you have an anxious pet, one of the best things you can do is to hire a trusted local pet sitter to watch your cat or dog each day. Depending on your budget and the level of care your pet needs, you can acquire a range of services. Pet sitters will stop by your house at predetermined times throughout the day to give your pet food and water and walk him. They’ll also clean litter boxes and play with your pet to prevent them from acting out due to boredom. Pet sitters are generally the least expensive option and are perfect for more self-sufficient animals, like cats. To find a pet sitter, you can ask your veterinarian for suggestions or use word-of-mouth sources like social media. Be sure to research your prospective pet sitter thoroughly to ensure their trustworthiness. Most qualified, responsible pet sitters will have references and testimonials from prior happy customers. Finally, be sure to introduce your pet sitter to your pet well in advance.
Hire a house sitter to stay the night
Animals more prone to anxiety and boredom, like younger dogs, birds, and rabbits, may benefit most from a house sitter. In addition to taking care of your pets, house sitters will actually stay at your home while you are away. Not only is this useful for mundane chores, like taking out the trash or watering plants, but it also can significantly deter crime because your house will be occupied. When hiring a house sitter, be sure to do your research and choose someone you trust. This can be a family member or close friend, but you can also use a variety of online sources to locate professional house sitters in your area. Many of these sources require background checks for an additional level of security.
House your pets with a friend
For more social animals, like gregarious dogs, you may consider housing them with a friend. If your friend has pets of his own, make sure that all the animals are familiar with each other before throwing them together in the same house. It may be useful to organize several doggie play dates beforehand. This can double as time to spend with your friend, but the main objective should be to make sure your animals get along. Be sure to put together a list of instructions for your friends with information about your pet’s diet, medication, and habits.
Board your pets at a reputable facility
Another option is to board your pets at a reputable facility. This will ensure they are taken care of each day, but you should make sure your pet is comfortable being away from home before deciding to board them. Always take a tour of the property before deciding to board your pet, checking that each kennel space is secure, clean, and free of fleas, the animals have plenty of food and water, and that there are no sharp objects or exposed wires that could be dangerous to your pet. You can also check for awards or certifications that show the facility is recognized on a statewide or national level. Depending on your budget, you can upgrade to more spa-like boarding “hotels,” which can provide grooming, group play sessions, and more. For a more convenient option, some veterinarians provide temporary housing, and some pet sitters also offer boarding services.
Being away from your pet is difficult for both of you, but it can be made simpler with adequate preparation and care. By hiring someone you trust to personally take care of your pet, your mind can rest easy while you’re away.
When you return from your trip, you might decide that it’s time for your four-legged loved one to have a pal at home. Contact Sunset Hill Farm at 270-776-0292 or sunset.hill.farm@gmail.com for information on adopting a Goldendoodle puppy.
Photo Credit: Pixabay.com
Article by Jessica Brody