When flying with animals, making sure the kennel they're transported in is well-ventilated — smaller pets may even be taken on-board instead of travelling cargo
lost or injured on airplanes. Most of these problems are due to the extreme cold or heat in the poorlyventilated 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’re 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 website 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 petsitter 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’re 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. Some dogs do suffer from separation anxiety though. This can happen after a vacation for those used to being around their owner frequently. Dogs that suffer from this may display inappropriate behaviour 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 doggie-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. n
55 QH August 2015 - July 13 FINAL.indd 55
7/25/15 3:30 PM