Holidaying With Pets A Complete Checklist 1 Holidaying With Pets: A Complete Checklist Planning a holiday when you have a pet can be a daunting task. If you want to leave your pet behind while you are on vacation, there are a number of things to look into, such as finding a boarding and care facility, setting a budget, making reservations, having your pet’s medical records updated and so on. If you cannot afford or find a boarding facility for your beloved pet, you will be tasked with locating a friend or family member who is willing to babysit them while you are away.

Most pet owners are not comfortable with leaving their pets in the care of other people. If you cannot bear the thought of leaving your furry friend behind while you are on vacation, your only option will be to bring your pet along. Here is a checklist of the things you need to do to make sure it is a comfortable experience for both you and the pet.

To begin with, have the vet take a look at your pet. If it has been unwell anytime recently, traveling might not be the best idea. If your pet is hale and hearty, you will still have to take it for a check-up. If there are any vaccines or shots due, have them updated now. This step is especially important if you are traveling abroad.

Speaking of, when you are taking a pet along overseas, there is a lot of paperwork involved. Just like you need to get permits to travel yourself, you will have to obtain the same for your pet. Start the process as early as you can because there will be a lot to learn and take care of.

Once you have all the paperwork out of the way, start looking into pet-friendly hotels that are within your budget. Most cities have pet-friendly accommodation available but this isn’t a consideration you want to leave till the last minute. The Internet is your best source for information in such cases, and should turn up a number of options that you can then shortlist and choose between. Make sure you speak with the hotel staff before you book your stay because you will want to be satisfied with the kind of service and attention they offer.

Make an effort to make the transition an easy one for your pet. Regardless of how happy the pet is to be with you, they will feel some amount of unease or anxiety at being in a Holidaying With Pets A Complete Checklist 2 Holidaying With Pets: A Complete Checklist new place. Familiar things can be of great comfort during this period. Make a point to pack a kit for your pet with all the things you will need: food and water bowls, a traveling crate, blankets or a soft bed to sleep in, toys, litter box etc. Not only are these things useful, they are also a ‘piece of home’ for the animal, and this effort will go a long way in making your dear pet feel more comfortable in its new surroundings.

You must, at all times, keep a collar on your pet, regardless of how big or small they are or how prone they are to getting loose. You do not want your pet to get lost on your vacation but sometimes accidents happen, and it is best if you prepare for the same. Proper ID tags with your name and contact number (preferably a mobile number that can be reached during your vacation) should be mentioned on the tags. If your budget allows it, consider investing in tracking chips. These might be expensive at the onset, but are a lifelong investment and the only sure-fire way of finding a lost pet.

Filed under: All About Dogs

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