Give Your Pet the Gift of Good Care While You’re Gone
By Brandon Butler
So you’re headed out of town again. Whether it’s business or pleasure, you’ve certainly spent some time looking for a nice place to stay with a soft bed and all the modern conveniences so you can get the rest and relaxation you need. But what about your pet? If they can’t come with you, your four-legged friend should be well cared for at the very least, and there’s no reason you can’t deliver. Here are some of the options available.
Have a Neighbor Check-In
It’s wonderful if there’s someone nearby who loves animals and doesn’t mind popping over to throw some food in the bowl and open the door so your critter can run around the yard a bit. Things will likely go swimmingly if your dog or cat is mild-mannered and free of health problems that require special treatment. After all, they’re in their own element. However, all sorts of problems could arise if your pet is on medication or suffers from separation anxiety as your neighbor will likely do things according to their own schedule rather than your pet’s.
Hire a Pet Sitter
A dog or cat sitter someone who would stay at your home or visit frequently to take care of your pet. There are numerous advantages to this arrangement, say the folks at Wild Things Pet Services. For one thing, your dog or cat would feel less stressed in familiar surroundings where they can keep the same exercise and feeding routines. Also, their risk of catching an illness is greatly reduced. As for the sitters, they’re generally well trained and experienced professionals who know if your pet needs special treatment or medical attention from a veterinarian.
Hand Them Over to a Loved One
They’re likely familiar with your critter and their habits, while your critter knows them by scent. That makes your friend or relative a top candidate to look after your cat or dog while you’re away from home. It’ll most likely be an enjoyable experience if the human doesn’t have an animal of their own to play with but understands the rudiments of pet care. Be sure that you leave clear instructions, especially for feeding, along with all the equipment and medication the critter needs, writes an expert with BarkPost.
Board Them in Style
Though it’s usually cheaper than hiring a sitter, there are some other benefits to dog boarding that you may not have considered. Your pet will get much more physical and social interaction here as there are so many other dogs to play with, often in a large yard or pools just for them. As for the cats, they can flex their feline skills on climbing trees and winding walkways. Chances are it’s more fun than your home, but that doesn’t mean they don’t miss you.
Check In at a Pet Hotel
Now you’re at the luxury end of the market. First off, your pet has much roomier accommodations than a cage — and sometimes even their own room depending on the establishment. Ample playtime with other dogs, while supervised by a trained professional, is a must, as well as a balanced meal plan that includes whole grains and lean meats. As you can probably guess, these services do not come cheap, often rising into the hundreds of dollars.
Your dog or cat may be a little anxious before you leave, and they’ll show it by pacing, making a racket, and urinating or defecating in all the wrong places. You can soothe your pet’s nerves by giving them treats or just wearing them out with exercise. If you’re suffering from anxiety of your own, just remember all the fun you’re going to have together when you get back.
