By Sarah Folmar, Brand Communications Specialist
With the holiday weekend upon us, there will be a lot of you traveling to soak up that last real weekend of summer. Sometimes you can easily bring your pets with you to your fun destination, and other times it doesn't seem as easy. If you are looking for a place to keep your pets while you are out of town, here are some helpful hints for your different options!
Your Pets Stay at Home
Some pets do best with staying in their own home, as change can be difficult. If you are looking for a pet sitter that you have not used before, make sure to do a little bit of research. Ask your other pet parent friends for referrals of who they have used in the past.
Remember that you are allowing this person to not only take care of your pets, but you are also allowing this guest to come into your home. That's not to say that people can't be trusted, but you'll want to feel comfortable with the person that you choose. Allowing your 13-year-old niece to drop by and take your pets out may not be as great of an option as getting an experienced pet sitter to stay with your pets during the time that you are away.
Your Pets Stay Elsewhere
Do you have family members or friends who are available to watch your pets? It's acceptable to ask for their assistance if needed, but you will want to make sure they have a good place for your pets to be. Do they have other pets or children in the home? These are factors to consider, as your pets may not be used to other animals and their behaviors, and that could cause issues.
If you have found a place that you feel is a good fit for your pets, that is great! Just remember to offer to watch their pets at a later date, send a thank you gift, or ask what you can do to show your appreciation.
Boarding Your Pets
The option of boarding your pets may be the most expensive, but it can also be convenient. If you have not boarded them before, their vaccinations will need to be up-to-date, and you'll want to have a copy ready to send with them. You can do your research online for finding an appropriate facility, and it is okay to ask questions or ask for a tour.
You wouldn't schedule a hotel for a vacation without researching it first, so research, research, research! I hope you all have a great holiday weekend, and that your pets will be happy wherever they are staying!
