What To Do When You're Pet Doesn't Travel With You

The Fourth of July is just in the rearview mirror, high temperatures are here to stay and it's smack-dab in the middle of baseball season. That can mean only one thing - summer is in full swing! It's the time to be thinking about an upcoming trip to the beach or lake, or making final preparations before attending that friend's or relative's wedding that you've been looking forward to. But what is a pet owner to do with all of that travel ahead?

As you may know, there are many hotels, restaurants, parks, etc. that are attuned to the needs of a family traveling with pets (and if that's you please don't forget about our guide for making an emergency kit). Still, though, travelers often elect to hit the road without the company of their four-legged friends. Those folks then have to decide how their pet will be cared for while they are away. Whether you favor having a friend, family member or professional pet sitter come to your home to provide care or taking your pet to a boarding facility, there are important things to consider before making a final decision.

When hiring a pet sitter you should:

• Ensure that the sitter has proper insurance in case of an accident. A pet sitter who owns an insured and bonded business is your safest bet.
• Lay out a specific schedule for when your sitter will provide services. You will want to make sure that your pet's daily routine stays as close to normal as possible while you are away.
• Have the sitter produce a written service contract for you both to sign.
• Get a list of references that you can contact.
• Discuss a back-up plan in case your sitter becomes ill, has car troubles, is drawn away by a family emergency or any other situation that might arise.
• Inquire about any job-specific training the sitter has received.

When looking into a boarding facility you should:

• Confirm that the kennel has a policy that all pets must be up-to-date on vaccinations with documented proof.
• Personally check out the indoor and outdoor facilities so that you know they are clean, well maintained and kept at the proper temperature.
• Ask how often the facilities are cleaned.
• If the kennel has outdoor runs or an outdoor play area, ask about what steps are taken to make sure that no animals escape the facility.
• Trust your senses. If you have a bad feeling about a certain kennel then your dog or cat will likely feel the same way.
• Make sure that the kennel allows you to bring your pet's favorite blanket, toy or other comfort from home that will make their stay better.

Once you've found the perfect person to sit for your pet, or the perfect place to board them, there's one last item that has to be covered before you hit the road; what will happen in the event of an emergency? Circle City Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital's own Dr. Amy Rader says that communication is key.

"What I tell my clients is that any time they are going out of town and their pets are either being boarded or cared for by a pet sitter they need to leave clear (written) instructions as to their wishes for 'Fluffy's' care. That includes, in the event of an emergency, whether the owner would prefer their pet be transported to their primary veterinarian for treatment or if they would prefer to have their pet taken to a 24 hour facility like

Circle City Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital."

Pet emergencies are always a stressful situation and the stress only grows if something happens to our pets while we are traveling. The cost of care in an emergency is a big part of that equation and Dr. Rader has important advice for how to ease that burden.

"Contact the clinic prior to your trip and advise them who can authorize treatment for the pet until the owner can be reached, and possibly leave a credit card number on file with the clinic. Also, you can make an agreement with the pet sitter for the initial cost to be paid by them and then the owner reimburse them as soon as they can."

To help guarantee that all the right people have the proper contact information while you travel simply fill out and distribute this Emergency Contact Card.

With all of that information you are ready to make the best arrangements for your pet's care while you are traveling. So get out there and enjoy all that summer has to offer!

Happy Travels with the Family Pet

Summer also means vacation time for many.  Kids are out of school, family reunions are planned, and we even have some built in long holiday weekends that lend themselves to travel.

For those of us with pets at home, additional consideration must be made when planning road trips and many modern families are now opting to take their pets along.  As a result, hotels, parks, and restaurants are increasing their services to meet the demand of those families who don’t want to leave “Fluffy” behind.   An Internet search can give you a head start on locating pet friendly facilities, but not all are created equal.  Some may have limitations on species and size so doing your homework ahead of time can prevent disappointment. 

Leashes, harnesses, and crates should be standard supplies when you travel with your pet and a collar or harness should include a tag with your contact information.  Unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells can be stressful for some animals and trigger a flight response.  In the blink of an eye, a fun adventure can turn to tragedy so make sure you have the means to control your pet at all times.  Speaking of tragedy, leaving your pet in a vehicle (even for a short time) creates a deadly risk for heat stroke and should never be an option whether in town or across country!

Along with your pet’s food, you may want to bring along some water from home.  A slow transition to a new water source can help avoid tummy troubles.  You will also want to bring along a record of your pet’s health conditions, vaccinations, medications, and a current photograph.  Making and carrying an emergency kit is also recommended.  Click here for an emergency travel card and recommended emergency kit items.  If you have a final destination planned, it won’t hurt to know where the nearest 24 hour veterinary emergency center is located either. 

Traveling with your pet can be a lot of fun!  With a little extra preparation ahead of time you will help ensure a safe and rewarding experience for the entire family.  Happy travels!