when you go on vacation (without your pet)
For many pet owners, a vacation is best experienced with their friends, and we have featured several articles on tips for Pet-friendly travels. However, some vacations cannot be shared with Fido, and unfortunately they must be left behind, and planning for petcare when you go away is necessary.
Leaving your best friend behind can be a challenging time for many pet owners, but with some planning, it can be less stressful for both of you. When you’re heading off on vacation without your furry friend, thoughtful planning for petcare ensures they’ll be well taken care of.
Here are some helpful tips to consider for planning petcare:
Start Early:
Begin planning for petcare when you first decide to go on vacation. This gives you ample time to explore options and make arrangements.
Visit the Vet
- Schedule a pre-vacation vet health care visit.
- Ensure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations, has a health certificate (if required), and is microchipped.
- Make sure your pet is up to date on flea/tick medication – boarding facilities will require this.
- Discuss any concerns with your vet, such as stress or anxiety your pet may experience while you are gone.
- Boarding and change of care routine can cause stress and diarrhea. Ask you vet about treatments for these.
Emergency Planning
Arrange emergency plans with your veterinary team if your pet needs medical attention while you are away. Please provide them with your caregiver’s name and contact information, and let your caregiver know what to do should something happen.
Pet supplies
Before you head out on vacation, ensure you have enough of your pet’s supplies for when you are gone. Check your supplies of food, medications, toys, comfort items, and bedding. Ensure you have proper leashes, collars, crates, etc, that your pet will require.
Check out our tips for Packing for a Road Trip with Your Dog 
Packing a Travel bag for your pets:
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- Food & treats
- favourite toys, clothes, bedding
- Medications and instructions
- Something that smells like you (or home)
- Leash, collar, harness, tags
- Records and contact information
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Pet identification
Ensure your pet’s microchip information is up-to-date and you have recent photos available for your caregivers. This way, if something should happen and they escape, the caregiver can work to get them home.
Budget planning for petcare:
As you plan your vacation, don’t forget to factor in the potential costs of pet sitters, boarding, or other services. Remember that quality care is an investment in your pet’s well-being.
Research Overnight Petcare
Look into local pet care services like boarding facilities or pet sitters. Consider what will work best for your dog’s needs and personality.
Preparing to Board your Pets:
Ask lots of questions of the boarding facility.
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- What doess the daily routine look like?
- Where will the sleep?
- Who will be caring for them?
- What do they recommend you bring for the pet when they stay?
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Choose a Pet Caregiver:
If you have someone you trust, leaving your dog at home with a pet sitter can be an excellent choice. Your dog’s routine will remain relatively unchanged, and they’ll receive personalised care.
Keep Your Pet at Home:
Hire a professional pet sitter to visit your home. They’ll feed, play with, and care for your pet. Look into services like Trusted Housesitters, Rover, or Home Pet Nurse, which connect you with reliable sitters. House sitters can live in your home, providing consistent care. Talk to the staff at your veterinary clinic, perhaps they know someone who offers pet-sitting services as well.
Create a Detailed Pet Care Plan:
Create a comprehensive pet care plan for your care takers. Write down feeding schedules, exercise routines, and any specific instructions and emergency contact information. Make sure your caregiver knows your dog’s preferences and quirks. Include emergency contact information and your vet’s details.
Provide clear guidelines for your caregiver when planning for petcare:
Food:
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- What, when and how much they eat?
- What treats they love, and which to avoid?
- Does your pet have allergies that the caregiver needs to be aware of?
- Planning for petcare means ensuring you have plenty of food & treats on hand so that they don’t run out.
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Exercise:
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- What is there walking schedule, routes, and style?
- Do you have specific training and obedience cues that could be helpful to your caregiver?
- Are your cats indoor only or outdoor as well?
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Love & Socialization:
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- Do your pets have a favourite spot to sleep, or specific comfort items you have for them?
- Is your pet allowed to socialize with other animals? Provide specifics where possible.
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Medical Concerns:
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- Planning for petcare when you go on vacation should always include medical information.
- Advise your caregivers of any known medical conditions your pet’s may have.
- If your pet is on medication – advise which medications, how often, how to administer, and where is the medication located.
- Advise your caregiver of symptoms to look out for with the known conditions.
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Meet-and-Greet:
Schedule a meet-and-greet with your chosen pet caregiver. This allows your dog to become familiar with them and vice versa. It’s essential for building trust and ensuring a positive experience.
Grooming Needs:
If your pet requires grooming, or just a bath, while you are away, discuss this with your caregiver. Regular brushing, nail trims, and other grooming tasks should be part of the plan. Try to have these things taken care of before you go.
Housekeeping:
If you have chosen an in-house caregiver, don’t forget about housekeeping tasks. Ensure your caregiver knows where to find food, treats, toys, and cleaning supplies. Leave clear instructions on waste disposal and any other household matters related to your dog.
Emergency Contact Information:
Provide your caregiver with multiple ways to reach you in the event of an emergency. Share your contact details and those of a backup person who can assist if needed.
You are the care giver:
Do you have a friend who is going on vacation, and they ask you to act as caregiver for their pets? If you are the person caring for a pet, remember to make their stay FUN. We have cared for many friends’ pets, and we take them hiking, on adventures, and out for a treat, whenever we can. This helps reduce stress in the pet, and makes their stay much more enjoyable.
Ensure you are planning petcare for your furry friends, when planning for your vacation. It is crucial to consider your pet’s well-being and safety while you are away. Assess your pet’s needs; explore care options (such as pet sitters or boarding facilities); create a detailed care plan; and budget accordingly.
Remember that quality care ensures your furry friend stays safe and happy while you enjoy your time away!
If you want to take you dog on vacation with you, check out our article on Taking a Road Trip With your Dog.
Follow Roguetrippers on Instagram for more travel and roadtrip inspiration.
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