Tips on looking after your animals while on holiday
If your pet is scared of fireworks, make sure you have given instructions for your animal to be indoors on nights like New Year's Eve.
The Boksburg SPCA shared tips on how to look after your animals while going on your well-deserved holiday.
According to Vicky Finnemore, local SPCA manager, holidays need careful planning, which includes making plans for the care and well-being of your animals.
“All pets, not just dogs and cats, need to be cared for if you go away – this includes your fish, birds, mice, hamsters and guinea pigs,” said Finnemore.
What options do you have?
• Take your pet/s to a boarding kennel / cattery.
• Take your pets with you (not recommended).
• Use a house/pet sitter.
• Use a home pet care service.
Boarding kennel/cattery: A well-run, reputable boarding kennel is normally a safe manner in which to house your animals while you are away. It also means your pets are not lonely as there are activities around them. Your pet’s vaccinations will need to be up to date at least two weeks prior to boarding.
Taking your pet with you: Ensure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. Due to your pet being in a strange environment and the risk of getting lost, make sure they are micro-chipped and have a collar with an ID tag with your contact details. Make careful travel plans for water/toilet stops. Get tranquillisers for the trip if needed.
Use a house pet sitter/pet care service: Is the house sitter reputable with good references? If the house sitter is living with the pets in your house, make sure that there is enough food for the duration of your trip. Make sure gates cannot be left open. Make sure you leave your vet and the SPCA’s contact details with the sitter in case of an illness or the pet getting lost. Make sure your dog is microchipped with a collar and ID tag with your contact details.
If using a pet care service, ensure that your pet will be visited daily as a sick dog can deteriorate rapidly and animals do need companionship. Have a back-up plan in case your pet sitter or service gets ill or has an accident.
