You took off time from work, you're just starting to get your vacation plans settled, and then you remember a very important factor...your pet! You still need to figure out what you're going to do with for your precious pooch or friendly feline while you go away.
Pets are just important as family, and if you're planning on taking a long trip, leaving them at home just isn't an option. Don't panic. There are still several things you can do.
Have a friend of family member watch them
The people we trust most are usually our friends and family, so there is no better option than to ask a loved one to watch a pet while you're away. Since they're close to you, they are probably already familiar with your pet and know how your pet behaves, so they are more prepared to watch over your animals. An even better aspect of this is that they're more likely to do it for free, but it would be nice to pay them a little something or to at least promise them a future favor in return.
Ask a neighbor
If your friends and family can't watch over your pet, ask someone next door. Your neighbor doesn't have to keep your pet in their house. They can stop by your house just to feed and walk your pet a few times a day, and if they're willing to do that, they probably won't mind taking in your mail either. If you're friendly with your neighbors, this may be a perfect choice. Just provide them with enough food, litter, and any other of your animal's necessities and be sure to explain to your neighbor about how to care for your pet. Make sure to offer your neighbor payment or a favor in return.
Board them in a kennel.
If you need a last minute plan, find information on your local kennel and look into boarding your pet. Check out the kennel, ask questions, and make sure that you can trust them and feel like they'll keep your pet in good hands. If you're an animal lover and don't like the idea of your pet being kept in a cage, surrounded by several other animals, and being fed food that they're unfamiliar with, then this may not be the most desirable option. Boarding can also be pricey.
Hire a pet sitter.
This may be a desirable option because you can be comfortable knowing that your pet is in your own home. Look at classifieds or do a search online to find professional pet sitters. Plan to sit down and interview this person so that you know that you can trust them with your pet and alone in your house. Lay out a set of terms that both you and the pet sitter can agree on. Make sure your pet is comfortable with this person. Establish a fee to pay them. Pay a bit up front and agree to pay the rest upon your return, when you know your pet is safe. Make sure to leave them with a list of contact numbers of friends, family, and a vet in case of an emergency.
Send your pet on vacation!
Why should you be the only one to enjoy a trip? DogVacay.com lists pet-sitters around the country that will watch your pet in their homes while you are away. The site screens members, provides insurance and a money back guarantee in exchange for a percentage of the dog sitting fee. Rates start at around $15 a day. Check out some profiles of local sitters and get in touch with one to start making an arrangement.
Take your pet on vacation!
If leaving your pet while you go on vacation is an unheard of option, take your dog along with you! DogTrekker.com provides information about pet-friendly hotels and destinations. If you're staying in a hotel, see what their pet policy is. If you'll be flying, make sure to find out how much it would cost to bring your pet on the plane and where they'll be required to stay while on the plane. If you're going to one destination, you may want to consider renting a house instead of staying at a hotel. House rentals may be more tolerant of pets than hotels. This way, you can get away but also have your pet with you.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
