The winter holidays are almost here, and for many, they’re a great time to go on vacation. Vacations can be relaxing, fun, and rejuvenating — but they can also have an element of stress if you have to leave your beloved furry friend behind. Going on vacation can be particularly stressful if your pet suffers from separation anxiety. Luckily, there are some steps that you can take to make the experience bearable — and even enjoyable — for both you and your pup. Here are a few of the easiest.
Choose a Sitter You Trust
Choose a dog sitter you know and trust. That way you can leave them in your house with your dog, and you won’t have to worry about what you’ll find when you get home. This minimizes change and stress for your dog and allows him to remain in his routine as much as possible. If you don’t know anyone who can pet sit for your dog, consider choosing a sitter from the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.
Write Out Detailed Instructions
Don’t just deliver care instructions for your pet sitter aloud and trust that they’ll remember all of the details. Instead, write or type out a thorough guide to all of the care that your dog will need while you’re gone. These instructions should include information about how to feed, walk, play with, give medication to, soothe, groom, and bathe your dog and more.
Collect Important Contact Information and Leave a List
You should leave your phone number for the dog sitter, as well as the number for your vet. However, also leave other important numbers, such as a number (in case someone gets locked out), an emergency animal hospital, numbers of people traveling with you and more.
Leave Comfort Gifts for Your Dog
Leave your dog little comfort tokens to remind them of you while you’re gone. Consider giving them a special toy that they love, and put one of your old T-shirts or blankets in their crate. That way, they’ll be able to access your smell and feel comforted.
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