Vacations did arrive? Is it time to visit the family? Or do you need to make a business trip? Now what shall we do with the pets? It is possible to take the animals to a kennel, but this is not always a viable solution. The best option would be to leave the pets at home. Specialists in animal behaviour sustain that, during the owner's absence, animals feel better when they are left in their territory. You can ask for a family member or a friend's help but you still need to make some arrangements prior to your departure.

Home or kennel?

The best option is to leave the pets at home providing you have a family member or a friend who do not mind looking after them. By staying home the pets don't run the risk of catching diseases (as kennel-cough), nor will they be locked in a small cage during long periods of time.

Keep the daily routine

Your animals will suffer less stress if their daily routine is kept as far as possible. The person who will be looking after the animals should try to carry the same activities that the owner usually does with them (for instance, the morning or afternoon walk).

The owner is irreplaceable

The person that will look after the pets during the owner’s absence should be informed about any possible changes in the behaviour of his dog/cat. An animal that is very attached to his owner can loose appetite. If this behaviour persists for more than three days, the person should feel free to take the animal to a vet. Needless to say that the person should be somebody in whom the animals trust completely.

Plan the visiting hours

Generally cats tolerate better their owners’ absence periods, providing they have access to fresh water and food and to their litter-box. A daily visit is enough.
 
Pet-proof your home!

Remember that your pets will be alone during long periods of time. Some objects that have never caught their attention can become irresistible toys. Prepare your home trying to protect everything that they can destroy (or that may be dangerous for them).

The Surprises Box

Put inside a box all the items that the person who will be taking care of your pets may need. Include medicines, treats, leaches and lots of toys.

Reduce the anxiety

Pets feel when their owner is preparing for a trip. Why? The owners put his clothes in suitcases that smell to places strange to Fido and Kitty and walks constantly into and from the house instead of watching TV. Whenever possible, reduce the animals’ stress by packing one or two days in advance. Then you can return to your routine and calm your pets.