Preparing to Leave Your Pet for The First Time

[Sophie Andersen]

We all love our pets and leaving them alone when we’re going on a vacation can be quite hard for both them and us. Especially if it is the first time we’re doing it; we just can’t stop worrying. In order to alleviate those concerns, we need to make sure they are as comfortable as possible while we’re not around. Of course, pets, especially social ones like dogs, shouldn’t be left alone for extended periods of time but, if there is no other option, make sure you do it the right way and that your pet is completely safe while you are not around.

Prepare the pet and assess their needs

Different pets have different personalities. Some pets don’t mind staying home alone while others wreck the entire place after only 20 minutes of being alone. This is why you have to know ahead of time how your pet is going to react when you leave. Also, note that younger pets, as well as pets that are used to a lot of interaction with you, can have much harder time being alone.

Start adjusting them to your absence

At least two weeks before your departure, start leaving your pet alone at home for longer and longer periods of time. If you, for instance, leave your pet at home while you are at work, make sure you stay away from your home for a few hours more every day. This way, your pet is going to be prepared to spend some more time on its own.

Talk to the vet

Probably the most important thing is ensuring your pet is healthy before going on a vacation. In other words, make sure that your pet is up-to-date on all the vaccinations, that you provided your dog with the right heartworm treatment for dogs before leaving, as well as proper food for your cat (unless you want them to start wandering around searching for food and end up earning a Toxoplasma gondii). Remember: safety first.

Make the home comfortable and pet-proof it

In other words – make it seem like you’re still there. Adjust the thermostat at a comfortable temperature, close all the rooms you don’t want your pet to go into, make sure they have a place to sleep on and a way to take care of their needs (litter box and doggy door). Also, make sure the food and water are placed somewhere familiar; keep trash cans, toilet and air vents covered, move away poisonous plants, as well as toys, games, art pieces, home decorations, etc. Oh, and don’t forget about your shoes and clothes.

Invest in useful gadgets

If you have no one to take care of your pet or check on them and they have to be left alone for a few days, there is a thing called automatic feeder. It is going to portion the food and water for your pet as many times as necessary. This will, besides keeping them full, also keep them from overeating. In other words, much better option than leaving a huge overfilled bowl of food.

Another useful gadget is a pet camera – this way you will not only be able to check on your pet, but also interact with them as well.

If you have a dog

Dogs are the ones that find it hardest to be left alone. So, if you can have someone to come to your home and at least check on them once or twice a day would be great. There are many options such as hiring a pet sitter, asking a friend or a neighbor to check on him, taking them to a boarding kennel or home boarding. Do your best not to leave them completely alone.

If you have a cage pet

Pets like guinea pigs, reptiles, rodent etc. should be taken to your friend’s or the sitter’s home. Give them precise instructions on feeding, water and cleaning schedule, as well as temperature control. Also, since relocating can be quite stressful for them, make sure you choose an environment that’s not too different from your home.

If you follow these tips, you will be able to completely relax on your vacation because your little friend is going to be just fine.