Leaving Pets Behind While Going on Vacation

Is there anything better than going on vacation after you’ve been working hard for months? You and your family are looking forward to spending some quiet time at the beach and soaking the sun in. On the other hand, while you’re counting the days until you leave, your pets are slowly starting to panic. They probably understand that something is going on and sense that they will be left alone for a while. Like any parent, you probably hate leaving your furbaby behind, but this separation doesn’t have to be so traumatic. Read on to find out what you should do to make this less stressful for both of you.

Leave something behind

While you’re away, your pets will miss you a lot, but there is a way to make things a bit easier for them.

You can leave a piece of your clothing (for example an old T-shirt) near the place where they sleep so that they can sense your smell which will calm them down.

This way, they will have the feeling that you are close and will not be too sad that you’re not actually with them all day.

If you’re sending your pets to a kennel for a while, make sure that you pack a piece of your clothing with them because it will make the experience less scary.

This simple trick tremendously helps pets who suffer from separation anxiety.

When moving them isn’t an option

Sometimes, a pet will see the change of surroundings as a traumatic experience that can actually worsen their separation anxiety.

If you hate the thought of boarding them at a kennel and taking them with you on vacation is not an option, you might want to consider hiring a pet sitter.

There are agencies that offer house-sitting services and are also willing to take good care of your furry friend while you’re away.

This way, your pet will be more comfortable as they will be able to stay in familiar surroundings and stick to their routine while waiting for you to come back.

You should note down a list of daily activities of your pet, so that sitters know when to take them for a walk, when to feed them, when to play with them, and when to let them rest.

Leave them with family or friends

It’s wonderful if you can drop your pets over at your friend’s home or leave them with your family.

This is particularly good if the pet already knows them well and likes spending time with them.

Still, you should be careful when choosing the household you want to send them to.

Older dogs who like to sleep will be confused if they find themselves surrounded by a lot of kids who want to play all day long.

Similarly, active pets that like to go for long walks and are used to big yards will not be comfortable in a small apartment.

Pick a household that has a daily routine similar to yours. Your pet will be happiest there.

You will probably worry a lot about your pets, but you should know that there are many ways in which you can ensure that your pets stay safe and sound while you’re away.

Of course, a lot of it depends on the type of animal you have. Fish, ferrets, cats, and dogs are all very different and you will need different approaches for each of them.

It’s important to be patient and responsible, and make sure your pets are in good hands while you’re away.