Going Away Without Your Pet?

Summer is finally here which means summer holidays away, both in the UK and abroad. As well as summer weddings and other celebrations which can often mean some time apart from our pets. 

There are so many options available for our pets when we go away. Sometimes deciding on the best option can be difficult, especially if this is your first time apart. 

Both cats and dogs can suffer from separation anxiety. Disrupting their routine can influence this. Which is why you should consider all the options available to you and your pet. 

Going away without your pet

Friends, neighbours, or family members can look after your pets

If you have friends or family who are willing and able to look after your four-legged family member whilst you are away then this could be the easiest option. Especially if your pet has developed a positive relationship with the potential guardian. A familiar face could reduce separation anxiety within your pet. This would particularly benefit the smaller animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs as well as cats. Because these furry friends may not be used to travelling away from home and could find it distressing. 

If possible, having a family member or friend stay in your home would reduce any stress. Because your pet will be in its own environment, helping to keep them relaxed and comfortable. 

A pet-sitter

For those who don’t have the option of leaving their pets with family, friends, or a neighbour. Pet sitters are becoming increasingly popular when people are traveling and can’t take their pets with them. This is someone who can stay in your home with your pet whilst you are away. Again this could reduce their stress because they will be in your pet’s home environment surrounded by their home comforts and smells. 

The toughest part about hiring a pet sitter. Is finding the right person so your pets will feel safe, secure, and comfortable. Be sure to do your research, and ask friends or family if they have any recommendations. 

Before you settle on a pet sitter make sure you and your pet meet them beforehand, this will give you an insight into how they will behave with your pet and most importantly how your pet reacts to them. 

If you decide to hire a pet-sitter to not only look after your pet but also stay in your home, it is worthwhile asking to see a copy of their DBS certificate. Whilst this is not a legal requirement it is still something worth checking, it will put your mind at ease, especially if you are giving them the keys to your home and full responsibility for your four-legged family member. 

The National Association of Registered Pet sitters is an excellent website. Often used by pet parents when away from their pets. Rover is the name of another website dedicated to your pet’s safety when you are away from home. Again they do thorough checks on any potential sitters to put you and your pet at ease. Finding the perfect match is as important to them as it is to you. They keep you updated with photos of your pets enjoying their stay-cations. So you can relax on your holidays knowing your cat, dog, rabbit, or guinea pig is being well cared for.

Pet sitters also offer more one on one attention in comparison to a place with more than one pet holidaying as they will have to divide the amount of attention given to each individual animal unless they have a team that offers one on one attention throughout the time spent there.

Pet sitters don’t necessarily have to stay in your home, some will drop in a few times a day depending on your pet’s routine and your pet sitter’s availability. Other options are for your pet to stay in your sitter’s home but this will depend on the sitter and also you. Make Sure to visit the environment your pet could possibly be staying in.

Dog kennels, catteries, and small animal boarding

Some people prefer to take their pets to kennels, catteries, or animal boarding because they may not have met a perfect match for their pets or have anyone else to look after them. If you have a confident dog or cat then often taking them to a kennel or cattery can feel like a short holiday because they are well equipped as they have lots of visitors throughout the year. Kennels and catteries are now being referred to as cat hotels and dog hotels, especially as the household pet is more than just a household pet. These furry creatures are family and ensuring their comfort when we are away take top priority. 

Checking your four-legged family member into a boarding house should mean your pets are protected. Especially as there are laws and regulations that must be passed to protect your loved ones. 

Also, with technology advancing it means some of these kennels and catteries have video and cameras set up which allow sometimes up to twenty-four-hour access to your pets. For places that may not be advanced in terms of video surveillance, they can offer daily photos of your pets. 

We have a list of some North Wales catteries, dog kennels, and boarding houses for your pets. 

• Nant y Crabbas Cattery is a family-run business based in Denbighshire. With raving reviews this cattery seems like the perfect place for your cat to relax and feel like they are in a home away from home whilst you are away. Providing your cat with the perfect space to play and sleep. As well as some, one on one time with staff. With idyllic surroundings with some amazing views of the outdoors, your cats will be kept occupied. 

• Hafod-y-Bryn, with a team of animal lovers. Is a great place to book your four-legged friend into if you are away from home or visiting North Wales with your pet and want to do an activity that may not be dog or cat friendly. Their accommodation is based in Colwyn Bay with spaces available for both cats and dogs. Creating the ideal environment for your pets is key to the success of this business. Cats and dogs are both kept separate. 

• Tal y Cafn Boarding Kennels & Cattery is located in the stunning North Wales countryside in Colwyn Bay. Any pet would be delighted to stay here. Feeling both safe and secure because they have a wonderful team who are mad about animals. Tal y Cafn not only takes cats and dogs under their wing. But they have also created a great space for your small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, budgies, and chickens. 

• Ewloe Boarding Kennels & Cattery has been in business for over forty-five years and has built up an excellent reputation when it comes to looking after their guests. Their doors are open to dogs, cats, and rabbits with spaces designed to suit their individual needs. With a team of experts, your pets will feel like they are on their own holiday. 

If none of the options above suits your needs or work with your plans then why not try apps such as Borrow My Doggy. Download the app and view profiles of potential people who are mad about dogs as well as set up your pooches own profile with pictures and a description of your four-legged friend including what you are looking for, for example, someone to walk your dog in the day or someone to look after your dog in their own home over a period of time. 

Whether you decide to leave your dog with a family member or friend, a pet sitter, or in a place of boarding for animals. It is important to leave detailed information regarding your pet. No matter how small the detail, especially if they have any underlying health concerns. This will give the person filling in for you a better understanding of your pet which should reassure everyone. Include their daily exercise routine and a bit about their behavior. 

We have compiled a list of things you can do to help your pet relax whilst you are away.

Holiday Checklist for your pet

• Find the perfect place to stay, and a pet sitter to suit you and your pet whilst you are on holiday or away. 

• If choosing a kennel or boarding house. Make sure they hold a valid property license and depending on the location some will require an animal establishment license. 

• Write down your emergency contact details for example your local vet, a nearby friend or a family member who knows you and your pet. 

• Make sure your pet is being fed at the correct time with the same brand. This will reduce adding more changes to their routine. If staying in a boarding house, a suggestion would be to bring your pet’s own food. Perhaps have each portion pre-weighed to ensure you will have a healthy and happy pet on your return.

• Calming products, for example, Pet Remedy Calming Wipes. These are great to have on hand and can be used in so many different ways to help keep your pet calm. If your pet appears to be a little anxious before you leave them or when you are away. Then these wipes are the perfect solution to support calming your pet. They can be used directly on your loved one or placed onto their bedding.  As well as being kind to your pet these wipes are eco-friendly making them kinder to our environment. If you are packing your pet off for their own little holiday, place these in their travel bag. 

• If your dog is staying at home or with a pet sitter. Why not plug in Pet Remedy’s natural calming and de-stressing plug diffuser. Like the wipes are perfect for keeping pets calm including natural oils such as valerian and clary sage. The diffuser will keep pets relaxed, especially if they find it difficult to be alone or suffer from separation anxiety. 

• If your pet is not staying in your home then pack a travel bag including some of their favourite and familiar things. Like their favourite toy, a blanket with your scent, and treats, depending on the time of the year you might want to include a cooling mat or coat, pet-friendly sunscreen, their lead for walks and any other accessories you might need when on a walk like poo bags for dogs. Litter trays, scratching posts, and collars.

• Any medication if your pets require it.

• A pet-friendly toothpaste and toothbrush if you do this daily. Or dental sticks to ensure their oral hygiene standards don’t slip.

• If choosing a place where your pets may come into contact with other furry guests. Have they all been treated for worms and fleas before arrival? 

• Will there be enough members of staff for the number of animals they have boarding? 

If you have any questions regarding products that may help ensure your pets are calm and relaxed when you are away. Call one of our stores to speak to a member of our team or contact us via our website or any of our social media channels.