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Ways To Prepare Your Pets for Your Vacation

Ways To Prepare Your Pets for Your Vacation ” /></p> <p>Vacations are exciting times for you and your family, but they might not be as exciting for the family pets. When you’re still in the planning phase for your socially distanced vacation, don’t forget to make preparations for your animals. These ways to prepare your pets for your vacation will prevent you from forgetting what your canine or feline family member needs while you’re away.</p> <h2><span style=Practice Quick Goodbyes

Before you go into vacation mode, a good training technique to teach your animals—especially dogs—is the quick goodbye. Regularly conditioning your pets not to be afraid when you leave will help with separation anxiety, whether it’s just a normal workday or an extended absence. Give your animals a verbal farewell before you go to your car. When you return, don’t give your animals attention until they calm down—no matter how tempting it may be to be excited with them.

Know Who’s Taking Care of Them

Your pets are like your children, and they’ll need care while you’re gone. When you’re considering ways to prepare your pets for your vacation, have a plan in place weeks ahead of your trip for who will be taking them in. Consider cats as similar to self-sufficient teenagers—they can stay at home while you’re gone, but they may need someone to check in on them from time to time. Have a friend or family member visit your cat daily to refill food or water dishes and scoop the litter boxes.

Dogs require plenty of love, and either a pet sitter or a dog hotel will need to care for them. A dog hotel will provide plenty of socialization from both humans and other dogs, but it may require more preparation than a pet sitter. Research dog boarding services carefully and know the basics of dog boarding before signing your dog up. You may need to do orientation at the dog hotel before your dog can stay there.

Leave Your Pet a Reminder of You

When you’re away, your pet will miss you dearly. Give your dog his favorite blanket or an old shirt that still smells like you before you leave him with the sitter or dog hotel. Provide your dog with a toy for the boarding service or sitter as well. Though they might not act like it, your cat will also appreciate a piece of you as well. They may even surprise you by sleeping on it!

Prepare Their Meals for the Whole Trip

Before you leave, set aside the meals your pet will eat while you’re gone. Provide the caretaker with enough food to last the entire trip plus a little extra just in case. Make sure to note how much your animal eats daily along with feeding instructions if necessary. If your animal needs prescriptions, ensure they’re filled for your entire vacation. When you come back, make sure to give your pet all the attention they missed!

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