Going away? Where Will They Stay?

It’s that time of year, the time when we all just want to put up our feet, get away and relax.

Finding Pet Friendly Accommodation can be hard, and well, expensive too. Does this mean you have to stay home? Of course not. But you do have to make sure your animals are safe and cared for.

How do you choose between moving your animals to a boarding facility or having someone Pet sit for you at home? Do you ask a friend or family member you can trust, if so, do you take your animals to them, or will they stay in your home? Should you choose a boarding facility, what do you look for, how do you know that your animals will be safe and properly cared for?

Here are a few pointers:

• If you choose to ask a friend or family member then it is important that your animals know the individual, make sure they are trustworthy and will be able to identify when an emergency arises. It is important that they know what vet you use, so they can take your animals to the vet if needed. Many people who do not own Bulldogs struggle to identify when normal breathing or behavior turns into stressed behavior. If you choose to move your animals to the home of the friend or family member, while you are away, then there are some points to consider. Are there other animals in their home? Are those animals (and your own) social? If they have children, will your animals be okay with kids in the new environment? Will your friend be able to keep your animals in the routine they are used to while having your animals in his/her home? When asking someone close to you to look after your animals, having your animals stay in their own environment can be much less stressful for them.
• If you choose to use a Pet sitter, then we advise you to do your homework. There are many individuals who do this for extra income over the festive season, we urge you to please work through a trusted, well-established company and ask for references. Using a Pet sitting agency or company means you have someone who comes to your home and stays with your animals for a fee. You can provide them with instructions on care and medications, they will follow the routine your animals are used to, and your animals will be comfy at home. We advise that you arrange to meet with the Pet sitter, allow your pets to meet them and see how they interact with your animals. There is a company called GoSit SA which we gladly recommend if you choose to go this route. They are an amazing group of animal lovers who go above and beyond for their clients and their furry family members.
• If you prefer boarding your animals, then we also advise that you look at the boarding facilities in your area and go visit them all. That way you can see what the facilities look like and how they operate. If you find one you like, ask them if you can bring your pets along for a visit so they don’t feel overwhelmed with everything being strange when they go for their stay. The boarding areas should be warm, clean, dry, and comfortable. Dogs who don’t get along with others should not be able to make eye contact with others. A proper facility will ask to see the vet books of your animals as well as insist that vaccinations are up to date. Ask them for references and look on the internet and Facebook, often they will have reviews from members of the public who used them before. Discuss your animals needs with the facility, you can provide them with instructions on medication administration, grooming, food etc. Find out what their procedures are in terms of emergencies and vet visits. a Proper facility will do exactly what your animals need.

Whether you choose family, friend, a pet sitter or boarding facility, here is a helpful list of information you can provide your temporary carer, to help them provide the very best service and care:

• Vet details
• Knowledge of any pre-existing medical conditions
• Who to call in an emergency
• Any medication that your dog is on, instructions and dosage
• Your dog’s usual feeding routine
• A note of your dog’s microchip information in case they get lost
• What time you usually walk your dog and how much exercise they need per day
• Any behavior issues that they will need to be aware of
• If staying in your own home or someone else’s, the rules for the household, such as if your dog is allowed up on the furniture etc.
• Whether you are happy for them to let your dogs interact with others and if not, why. this will be helpful during walks.

Source: English & French Bulldog Rescue SA

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Disclaimer: The information produced by Infurmation is provided for general and educational purposes only and does not constitute any legal, medical or other professional advice on any subject matter. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your vet or other qualified health care provider prior to starting any new diet or treatment and with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you suspect that your pet has a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.