Leaving on a Jet Plane: Tips for Preparing Your Pet for Your Vacation
Traveling is one of life's great pleasures. Whether it's a weekend getaway to a nearby city or a month-long adventure in a foreign country, travel gives us the opportunity to break out of our routine, learn new things, and gain a broader perspective on the world.
We all crave a chance to relax, have fun, and immerse ourselves in unique and enriching experiences that we wouldn't have otherwise.
Perhaps a trip is on your horizon! Your bags are packed, and you're ready to go, but have you prepared your pet?
Preparing your pet for your departure is an important step to ensure their comfort and well-being while you're away. Pangel™ has advice on planning for pet care and ensuring safety and security for your pet while you're away.
Travel Pet Care Preparation
Here are some tips to help prepare your pet for when you're leaving town.
Spend some quality time together. In the days before you depart, dedicate some extra playtime or cuddle time with your pet to strengthen your bond before you leave.
It's also helpful during that time to stick to their routine. Keep feeding schedules, walking, and play times as usual to help keep a sense of normalcy.
It's most likely that you'll need to arrange for pet care. Whether it's hiring a pet sitter, boarding your pet, or asking a trusted friend or family member to help, make sure your pet's care is taken care of in your absence.
Let's look at what to do when leaving your pet with a trusted guardian while you're gone.
Finding the Right Pet Care
According to the American Kennel Club, “Choosing a trustworthy kennel is a multi-faceted process. It’s more than typing “dog boarding near me” and seeing what comes up. You’ll need to consider many factors to make a well-informed decision, on top of your dog’s temperament and the kennel’s reputation.” (1)
When looking for the best pet sitter or boarder, there are many things you must consider in order to find the best fit for your pet. Here are some of our suggestions:
Reach out to your social circle, including friends, family, and your veterinarian, to gather personal recommendations. Recommendations from people you trust are invaluable in this process. You can also get valuable insight into the experiences of other pet owners by using online resources to research reviews and ratings for pet sitters and boarders in your local area.
Prioritize pet sitters or boarders who are certified in pet first aid and CPR, as this demonstrates a commitment to the welfare and safety of the animals in their care. Once you've narrowed down some options, schedule a meet-and-greet with potential pet sitters or boarders to observe how they interact with your pet. This face-to-face meeting can help you assess their demeanor and approach.
Inquire about the professional's experience, including the types of pets they have cared for and any special skills or training they have received. You'll also want to verify that the pet sitter or boarder has the appropriate insurance and bonding to safeguard your pet and your home.
Have a detailed discussion about your pet's routine, any special needs they may have, and any medication requirements. Confirm that the sitter or boarder can accommodate these needs effectively.
Most importantly, trust your instincts when evaluating potential pet sitters or boarders. If you feel uneasy or unsure about a candidate, continue your search until you find an individual or service that aligns with your expectations and your pet's needs.
Staying With a Sitter
If you're able to select a sitter, here are some ways to make the stay more seamless for you and your pet.
1. Leave familiar scents: Leave an unwashed piece of clothing or bedding with your scent on it to provide comfort and familiarity for your pet while you're away.
2. Ensure plenty of supplies: Stock up on food, treats, medications, and any other supplies your pet will need while you're gone.
3. Pet-proof your home: Remove any hazards or items that could potentially harm your pet while you're away.
4. Stay calm and reassuring: Your pet may pick up on your stress, which can add to their apprehension of staying with someone other than you. Try to remain calm and reassuring during your departure.
Pet Boarding Safety and Security
Preparing your pet for boarding is important to ensure their comfort and well-being while you're away. Here are some tips to help prepare your pet for boarding:
1. Schedule a vet check-up: Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations and in good health before boarding.
2. Pack familiar items: Bring along your pet's favorite toys, blanket, or bed to provide comfort and familiarity in the new environment.
3. Provide feeding instructions: Inform the boarding facility about your pet's feeding schedule, dietary restrictions, and any special instructions.
4. Share medical information: Provide the boarding facility with any relevant medical history, medications, or special care your pet may need.
5. Familiarize with the facility: If possible, schedule a visit to the boarding facility beforehand to familiarize your pet with the surroundings and staff.
6. Leave emergency contacts: Provide the boarding facility with your contact information and that of a trusted emergency contact in case they need to reach you.
Emergency Pet Care Any Time You're Away
Whenever you have to leave your pet, it's important to have a plan for their care if you can't provide it. Sometimes, circumstances keep us from getting to our pets; it's reassuring to know there's a person who can. That's where Pangel™ comes in.
The Pangel pet safety app allows you to arrange for care by a trusted, chosen guardian in the event that you're unable to reach your pet as planned.
When you use Pangel™, any time you leave your house, there's someone ready to step in and care for your pet if needed. How does it work?
Using Pangel™ is as simple as:
Setting up a profile.
Designating a guardian.
If you're unable to return to your pet by the time you originally planned, the Pangel™ app will alert your pet's guardian.
Once you've completed the setup, there's no more work for you. In mere minutes, you've arranged emergency care for your pet.
The Pangel™ pet safety app is also a fantastic way to keep veterinarian contacts and other pertinent pet information at your fingertips. You can organize everything you need for pet care so it's ready at a moment's notice.
Trust Pangel™ When You Travel
We know it's hard to leave your precious pets, so it's our priority to advise you on the best way to make the time without your pet safe and secure.
Pangel™ is your trusted source for pet care, especially when you have to be away from your pet for an extended amount of time. You can trust the Pangel™app for pets to provide you with the best solution, ensuring consistent care even when you can't be there.
Curious about how Pangel™ could become an integral part of your pet care routine? Download it today for a free 14-day trial. Get connected care and travel carefree with Pangel™ as your pet's guardian!
Dodd, Colt. "What To Know and Look For When Boarding Your Dog." American Kennel Club, 8 May 2024, www.akc.org/expert-advice/travel/dog-boarding-tips/.
