May 26, 2007

Leaving Your Pet at Home

Memorial Day weekend is a big travel weekend in this country as many people start throwing back yard barbecues, opening up summer homes, or heading out to the beach. Good times. Do you take your pet with you when you travel, or leave him/her (or them) at home? Perhaps you want a vacation from your domestic duties. Maybe there are no pet accommodations where you plan to visit, or your pet is not particularly cooperative or healthy enough to travel.

Whatever the reason, you may choose to leave your pet at home. If you have helpful neighbors or family members who will take care of your pet (often the easiest solution for cats) count yourselves among the fortunate. In our extended family, we have customarily left the dogs at our good vet's kennel. That is a great solution if it is 1-affordable 2-a well-maintained, kindly facility 3-your pet needs medical care and 4--your dog has the appropriate temperment. Our current doggies would not emerge from a kennel sane, no matter how high the quality. AKC offers tips on boarding your pet.

Another option is a good pet sitter, so your animal can stay in a familiar environment with their routine, very important, not as disrupted. As with all services, recommendation from a trusted source is optimal. Failing that, your vet may recommend a service. Pet Sitters can be found on-line: National Association of Professional Pet Sitters or Pet Sitters International. Don't forget to check for reliable references before letting anyone into your home.

Read More in: Cats | Dogs | Pet Sitting and Services | Travel