Here are some ideas to make our vacation time less stressful for our furry companions.

As summer winds down, and Labor Day approaches, a few of us will sneak in one last holiday hoorah before the weather turns colder. Or maybe we’re planning to see out-of-town family for Thanksgiving. Perhaps visions of tropical sugarplum cocktails are already dancing in our heads – warming up the winter holidays with a trip to the islands. Whatever the season, it’s important to plan for our pets’ “staycations” as we plan for our own vacations.

Whether it’s due to their own preferences, or the logistics of a planned trip, our pets often stay at home while we travel. Few cats would ever want to join the Frequent Flyer Club. And, sadly, not all vacations are canine-friendly.

We try to give our pets the best care we can while we're away. Even with a wonderful pet sitter, though, they will still miss us.

Dexter Sends a Postcard from Home

As pet parents, we want to minimize the stress our companion animals experience when we are away from home for several days.

Finding a Reliable Pet Sitter

One of my neighbors is not only a cat person, but also one of my closest friends. She and I have “cat sat” for each other for years. Needless to say, this arrangement greatly eases my mind when vacation rolls around. I know my furry little imps will be in very good hands while I am away.

If you happen to have a trusted neighbor who can fill the role of pet sitter, fantastic! If not, try to find a close friend or family member who knows your buy cheap finasteride online pets. Make sure they don’t mind dropping by your house a couple of times a day to look after your dogs and cats. Ideally, this will be an individual your pets like.

If a neighbor, friend, or family member is not available to watch over your pets in your absence, look to the professionals. Try to get recommendations from fellow pet-lovers who have used a pet sitter’s services. There are several organizations of professional pet sitters, such as Pet Sitters International (PSI). PSI’s search engine helps you find pet sitters in your local area. Use the icons with each listing to tell at a glance which pet sitters are bonded, insured, and professionally certified. You can see which providers have passed a background check, or are trained in pet first aid. The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) is another resource. Like PSI, NAPPS’ search engine helps you easily find a nearby pet sitter. First, select the different types of pets needing care (cats, dogs, reptiles, etc.). You can also pick desired services or specialties, such as Doggy Day Care, Plant/Home Care, Pet Taxi Service, or Special Needs Pets. Fees will vary, usually based on the services provided. The pet sitter should give you a breakdown of their services, and any extras.

Before you leave on your trip, meet with the pet sitter at home. See how your pets react to this person, and how the pet sitter treats them. If your pets seem uncomfortable with them, keep looking.

Preparing for the Pet Sitter

Whether you leave your pets with a professional, a neighbor, or a friend, make sure they have all the information they need for your pets’ care. Give your pet sitter all the following details in writing:

  • Your itinerary and contact information
    • Your cellphone number
    • Your accommodations (including room numbers)
  • Phone numbers for both your regular and emergency veterinarians
    • The location of your pet carriers
  • A list of your pet’s foods, including how much to feed, and when
  • A list of your pet’s health issues and medications. (This should include a dosing schedule, along with any tips for dosing. Mention any possible side effects, and what to do in response.)
  • How often you let your dog out, or scoop your cat’s litterboxes
  • Any other tips regarding your pets’ preferences for favorite toys, play routines, walking instructions, places to sleep, etc.
  • Heads-up regarding quirks of behavior – such as your pet’s penchant for hiding under the bed, or knocking objects to the floor
Part of your instructions for pet sitters should include the location of your pets' food and favorite toys.

Loki’s Pet SItter Should Know Where His Food Is

Of course, instructions regarding food or toys won’t be useful if your pet sitter can’t find Cujo’s kibble, Fido’s favorite squeak toy, or Fluffy’s favored mouse. You probably know exactly where these items are. However, others may not be able to find them so easily. Pretend you are visiting your house for the very first time, and see if the location of these essentials is obvious.

Many of the daily routines we have with our pets will not be known to others outside our household. If your cat likes to be brushed every day right before dinner, make sure your pet sitter knows just which brush to use. If your dog enjoys a belly-rub while you serenade them with “Who Let the Dogs Out?”, pass this vital information on to the pet sitter. Continuing these small rituals in your absence will reassure your pets.

My cat-sitting friend suggests leaving out a used article of your clothing, such as a shirt or sweater, to carry your scent for your pet while you are away. Cats and dogs experience so much of the world through their sense of smell. This simple gesture will comfort them.

Extra Pre-Vacation Quality Time

Even though he is going to be in the care of a reliable pet sitter, Loki still tries to pack himself in my luggage.

Don’t Accidentally Pack Your Pet!

Your pet may not suspect anything when you first start surfing Travelocity or Expedia. But they will definitely catch on when you bring out the suitcases and start packing.

Planning for a trip can be hectic. You may not have a lot of extra time to spend with your pet. But any time you can spare with your cat or dog reinforces their feeling of security in your care. Remember: A few extra kitty head-butts and purrs, or puppy hugs and kisses, can do wonders for your pets’ pre-vacation relaxation — as well as your own.