Mike and I have a cat and a dog. On our road trips, we often take our dog with us. But for many of our trips, we fly and fly internationally. And our cat is basically always most comfortable left at home. So it is not realistic to take them with us on all of our trips. In this post, I’ll cover some of the options available for pet care during travel, and which options we prefer.
1. Professional Pet Boarding
One of the most popular options for pet care while traveling is professional pet boarding. These facilities offer a safe and controlled environment for your pets, often including dedicated staff, spacious kennels, regular feeding, exercise routines, and sometimes even grooming services. We’ve used this option before for our dogs. They have seemed to handle it well. Make sure to visit the facility beforehand, check their reviews, and ask about their policies and procedures to ensure your pet’s comfort and safety.
2. In-Home Pet Sitting
Pets (like their humans) often prefer their own environment. So hiring an in-home pet sitter is often the best choice. Professional pet sitters can visit your home, ensuring your pet’s routine remains undisturbed. They can feed, walk, play, and provide companionship for your pet, giving you peace of mind that your furry friend is in good hands. As an added bonus, they will check mail for you and ensure that your house is also being cared for. But this can also be a pricey option. We’ve never hired a professional to provide in-home pet sitting. But we have hired trusted friends (or young adult children of friends) to care for our animals in our home.
3. Trusted Friends or Family
Enlisting the help of a trusted friend or family member is another option. If someone close to you is familiar with your pet’s routine and needs, they might be happy to look after your pet while you’re away. This can provide comfort to both you and your pet, as they’ll be in a familiar environment surrounded by a familiar face. We’ve had a few family members and friends willing to watch our animals for us either in their own homes (for our dogs) or looking in on our animals in our home while we’re away (for our cats). This is a really good option for shorter trips. But with our frequency of travel, and with longer trips, I often don’t want to impose on friends or family to host our dog in their home for that long or that often.
4. Pet-Friendly Hotels or Accommodations
If you’re planning a pet-inclusive trip, look for accommodations that welcome furry guests. Many hotels and vacation rentals now offer pet-friendly rooms, complete with amenities like pet beds and bowls. Research the policies and restrictions of these places beforehand to ensure your pet’s stay is comfortable and enjoyable. Again, we’ve used this option when we’re taking a road trip. But it’s not always feasible, particularly if flying to a destination.
5. Veterinarian or Pet Clinic Boarding
Some veterinary clinics and hospitals offer boarding services for pets. This option can be particularly advantageous if your pet has special medical needs that require constant attention. Boarding at a vet’s office ensures that your pet will receive proper care in case of emergencies. We’ve used this option pretty regularly. Our previous dog had a lot of special needs and took medications, so we knew that the vet would be able to ensure proper medication dosages and deal with emergencies. With our current dog, we still board him at our vet’s office, as they’re just very caring and wonderful people who know him and like him.
Conclusion
Choosing the right pet care option allows you to travel with peace of mind, knowing your pet is safe and content. By evaluating your pet’s needs and your travel plans, you can confidently select the best care solution.