Finding the Best Type of Pet Care while you Vacation

Vacation season is just around the corner. While you are deciding where to go and what adventure you and your family will enjoy, don’t forget to make arrangements for your pet’s care while you’re away.

Just like there are different dogs with different personalities, there are a variety of choices in vacation pet care.

Some things to consider when choosing the best care for your pets:

1. Are you looking for someone to come to your house to feed, walk or play with your pets several times a day?

2. Do you want someone to overnight “house sit” to not only care for your pets, but also care for things around the house? For example, gathering mail, packages, taking out the trash, and keeping the home lived in while you are away.

3. Small facility boarding offers a more personal one -on- one experience and is more like staying at home.

4. A larger boarding facility is a possible option for dogs that like to interact with other dogs and are not overwhelmed by dogs in large numbers.

There are pros and cons to each option.

Having an individual come to your home allows your dogs, cats and other pets to stay together in their own environment and they can maintain their usual routine. An additional option to this type of at -home care is having the individual stay at your house overnight. Most house sitters can take care of daily needs of the house: mail, trash, packages, and keeping the house lived in while you are away. You want to make sure this individual is insured and has passed a criminal background check.

If your dog has separation anxiety, using a drop- in service probably is not the best choice for them.

An option to consider for dogs with separation anxiety is a small home boarding facility. Typically, home boarders limit the number of dogs they have at any given time. This allows each dog to get one on one time and exposes them to less stress and anxiety from other dogs.

With a home boarder there is staff available overnight to attend to the dogs needs past the usually closing time seen at larger facilities.

For the dog that is not bothered by a busy atmosphere, a large boarding facility may be the best choice. Most large facilities offer group and individual play times but may charge extra for that as well as other requested services. They most likely will have preset play time, feeding time and bedtime. This could be a stressful change for some dogs.

Even if the facility offers to provide food for your dog, it is always a good idea for you to take your dog’s usual food and treats. Changing a dog’s food quickly can cause gastrointestinal problems.

Professional facilities will require your dog to be up to date on their vaccinations. Depending on the state regulations the required shots could differ.

Core vaccines for dogs are (DHLPPC) Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Corona and Rabies. Other vaccines to consider are Bordetella (kennel cough), lyme disease and canine influenza. Your vet can provide the benefits of all the vaccines.

No matter which type of care you prefer for your pets, remember to start your search early. Allow time to do your research on the individual facility, check references, and schedule a meet -and- greet for your pet and the person who will be attending to them in your absence.

Next month, look forward to my article on Dogs of the Supreme Court Justices!