Summer is just about here and vacation plans are no doubt in the works for many of you. The decision to take your pet along or leave him behind is an important one for both you and your pup.
Bringing Fido Along for the Ride...
Taking your furry friend with you is increasingly an option, given that more and more hotels are adopting pet-friendly policies. However, keep in mind that some animals travel better than others. Take into consideration the health, temperament and physical limitations of your pet. If you have any doubts about whether it is appropriate for your pet to travel, talk to your veterinarian.
You will also want to consider whether having your pet with you will put a crimp in your vacation style. Most hotels do not allow pets to be left alone in rooms. Will your schedule permit you to provide a comfortable experience for your pet while still allowing you to fully enjoy your trip?
Finally consider driving instead of flying to your destination. Pets are considered baggage on commercial airlines - kept in the cargo hold and often subjected to inadequate ventilation or extreme temperatures. Horror stories abound of escapes, injuries and deaths aboard airliners, so take the advice of the Humane Society and do not transport your pet by air unless absolutely necessary.
Staying with GrandmaPerhaps you have friends or family in town who don't mind taking on the added responsibility of caring for
your pet in your absence. Before opting for this tempting prospect, make sure it is the best decision for everyone involved. Ask yourself if your pet would make a good house guest. Is Spot housebroken? Does Max bark a lot? Could Tiger be destructive and chew Aunt Eleanor's favorite slippers?
Next you'll want to ensure that your friend or family member is in the position to be able to provide suitable care. Are their schedules such that they can provide sufficient exercise and stimulation for your pet? Do they have 'pet smarts'?
Finally, make sure that your pet is comfortable with his temporary 'parents', their home and any pets that they may have. There's an increased risk of escape or illness whenever your pet is in unfamiliar surroundings or under the supervision of well-meaning but inexperienced caretakers.
Pet Sitters
If your pet is not a good candidate for a stay in a friend's home or you would prefer him or her to remain in familiar surroundings under the care of a pet professional, pet sitting is another option.
Pet-sitting allows some great one-on-one attention and can be ideal if you have multiple animals or a pet requires special care. Generally, pet-sitters visit your home a few times per day for a limited period of time, generally less than an hour. Depending on how comfy your dog is spending extended periods of time alone and the length of your trip this may or may not be a the best option. Make sure you interview prospective pet sitters and check their references.
A-Boarding We Will Go
Boarding, while often a more expensive alternative, offers a number of distinct advantages for your pup.
Boarding allows your pet to:
- avoid the stress of travel, whether by car or air
- stay where he's welcome (unlike many hotels and - on occasion - Aunt Eleanor's...)
- receive more attention and stimulation than he would if left at home for the better part of each day
- be under the supervision of skilled dog handlers trained to spot health problems
- be safe and secure in a facility designed to thwart doggy escape artists
- socialize and play with fellow dog campers
Boarding can take the form of kennels or cage-free environments and may or may not involve overnight caretakers on site. Cage-free options tend to offer your dog more exercise and interaction but require that your dog is social and comfortable in a pack environment. Kennels are more appropriate for dogs who are less social or who are intact (un-spayed or un-neutered), though your pet will be housed within a fenced-in run at least part of each day. If your dog has serious health concerns, boarding at a veterinary facility might be a good idea to ensure that special care can be provided if problems arise in your absence.
So wherever you are off to this summer, take some time to consider your dog's individual needs and the options available to you for his or her care. A little legwork can help ensure your pup's comfort and security not to mention your peace of mind while you are on vacation.
How are you enjoying our fine spring weather so far? Not. Oh well, let's just hope that the summer weather kicks in before October. If you, like me, are taking a look at the grey skies and planning your escape to warmer and brighter climes, you may be pondering the pros and cons of bringing your pup with you. Check out Pup Smarts below to balance the different options you have when it comes to summer pet care. And for those of you who were considering joining our Pet First Aid class but hadn't taken the leap to register yet, there are just three spaces left, so register today! Finally, tomorrow is the deadline for the survey that was recently handed out to some of you. Have a great June everyone! 
Walks n' Wags is the longest standing Pet First Aid program in Canada. With one of the most comprehensive pet first aid and pet safety programs available, Walks 'N' Wags has been offering Pet First Aid Courses since 2003. The course was originally developed by a team of Veterinary professionals in 1993, and is regularly updated and reviewed by a veterinary panel for accuracy.