Vacation and down time is very important in today’s world and you need not leave town just to be consumed by guilt and worry over your furry children. Here are some tips to make your life, and theirs, better in your absence.
Most Animals Prefer to Stay in Their Home
The least disruptive choice for pets is to stay in their own home while you are away. With so many capable people in the pet sitting business nowadays this is pretty doable. Also check with your vet as many techs and assistants house sit on the side. This is a smart option for special needs animals that require medication or special care. The next best way to go is staying with a friend or family member that they are used to visiting followed by boarding at a kennel, vet, or doggie day care center.
If your dog already visits a day camp on a regular basis, it will be a joy to let them know they get bonus time. If not, it is a good idea to introduce your pet slowly to the new environment with a few trial visits before your vacation. This gives the facility a chance to become familiar with your pet’s unique needs as well as an opportunity for your animal to gain confidence in your return.
YOUR PETS ALWAYS KNOW
Before you even think of pulling out the suitcases, I guarantee your animals know that something is up. So have that chat with them. Let them know where you are going, how long you expect to be gone and emphasize that you will be coming back. You may tell them you are visiting family on the east coast for six days and that it is too far for them to go with you.
Give Them a Job
Now that they know they will be cared form give your pets a job or purpose to focus on while you are gone. For example, you might have your dog perform tricks to entertain your sitter. You could ask your cat to keep the house free of insects or burglars (yes cats have watchdog abilities too!) I tell my cats that they get a vacation from me and to enjoy bachelor time with “dad”. Dad always jokes about feeding them donuts and pizza in bed and doing all sorts of man cave rituals that I am not privy to!
Send Them Messages
While you are away, be sure to check in with your animals once a day. Send them a mental hello. Or if you are like me, you will also leave a message so they can hear your voice. Beware of sending feelings of “I miss you”. Instead show the connection through your heart with an energetic leash and remind them that there will be a happy reunion soon. You may even show them the number of days on a calendar or how many times the sun will set before your return. Once you have begun your trip home, check in more frequently and allow the excitement of your return to build. Then be amused as your caretaker tells you that your pets already knew you were on your way home!