Petiquette For Beastly Guests

In some cases it is appropriate to take your pet along on your holiday trip. Most cats and birds will prefer to stay home but mine liked to travel and often accompanied me on trips along with my dog.

Read my article with pet airline travel tips or find my comments on pet travel statistics and trends here.

Of course your pets must be well-behaved and respond to basic obedience commands so that they remain calm in all circumstances. You do not want your pet stealing, tormenting other animals, jumping on people or furnature, or knocking down residents or other visitors during your visit.

If you are not close to the host–it is best to leave pets at home especially if the host does not invite your pet. The other option available to you is to stay close by in a pet friendly hotels.

If you are invited to bring your pet be sure to discuss the rules of the household and what would make the visit comfortable for everyone involved–including resident pets who might not enjoy being bullied or chased by a visiting animal.

Some of the things to discuss include where the pets will sleep and where they can relieve
themselves.

Resident pets will be more at ease if you introduce dogs on neutral territory before heading back the their home. So, arrange a play date at a local park or head out for a walk when you first arrive to burn off energy and to create a positive association.

Two days before you leave get your pet bathed professionally to reduce dander and to loosen any fur so shedding will be reduced when you arrive.

When packing, in addition to your pet’s normal supplies be sure to include an odor eliminator and stain remover in case of an accident.

Don’t forget to pack a towel and sheet in case you need to towel off your pet and the sheet can be used as a furniture cover or to help reduce the build up of fur in the area where your pet sleeps.

Finally, be sure to monitor your pets especially for the first day or two and be prepared to replace or repair anything that might be destroyed by your pet.

Holiday Pet Care

Traveling during the holidays can be complicated without pets and the complications escalate when pets come along.

The holiday standard for most people planning to travel is to board their pet or arrange to have a pet sitter take care of the pets left at home.

To find a professional organization or service to help you start with the Pet Care Services Association, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters or Pet Sitters International.

I prefer to use pet sitters because animals are kept in the security of their own homes where they are comfortable and face less risk of picking up fleas or kennel cough.

More individual attention is provided with these types of services–at least that has been my experience.

Getting an neighbor or local teen to look in on pets is NOT a good idea and should be avoided.

You want someone who is trained in animal-handling skills, pet first aid and who operates so that your home will be secure and your animal won’t escape. And so that you will have peace of mind during and after your trip.

Confirm that your animal care professional is bonded and insured and actually call to check at least three references.

Many people check with the local veterinarian but I prefer to use professional members of the national groups because they meet the minimum standards put forth by the organizations and are always better choices.

Also, professionals will be aware of local health ordinances and other community regulations that will be important to follow.

Most will leave you a short journal about their visits and collect important information about your veterinarian, emergency home shut offs, and local emergency contacts when they meet with you.

During your initial meeting make sure to share any instructions regarding special care or routines your pet needs.

In addition, remember to leave ample food and supplies supplies and a small emergency fund should your pet need something while you are away.

Most will put your key on file and have a contract that outlines emergency veterinary services but make sure to alert your veterinary clinic that the sitter is authorized to bring any pet in for emergency care.

Alert your alarm company and get a specific code for the sitter before you leave.

Also make sure to turn off the motion detector so your pets don’t set off the alarm while you are gone–and give directions on how to do this for the sitter too!