Holiday season

TEXT: RHIANNON CECIL

For South Africans, the December holidays are often the best time of the year to travel. We can look forward to great weather and sunny coastlines and often plan for this break the whole year. Yet, as pet parents, we can't simply lock up and go; we have our four-legged friends to consider when we go away and finding the best possible options for our dogs always tops our list of priorities.

There are several options available to us in terms of pet care when we're away, and there is no one size fits all solution. Each dog has his own needs and preferences, so before you even start looking for pet care, ask yourself the following questions: • Where will your dog be happiest and most comfortable if

he's not with you? • What options will give you the most peace of mind while you're away? • What is your budget for holiday pet care? • How much care does your dog need daily? Is he on particular medications? Does he have a special feeding schedule? • How well does your dog get along with other dogs and people?

Answering these questions will give you an idea of what options best suit your situation. From here, you can examine each a little more closely.

WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR DOG WHEN YOU GO AWAY

1. TAKE YOUR DOG ALONG

More and more holiday destinations are offering pet-friendly options for visitors. If your dog struggles when he's away from you, travels well, is well-socialised, and enjoys new places, taking him with you is certainly worth considering. You can even tailor your holiday to ensure your dog can be included in the majority of activities. Take to Google and research petfriendly activities and places to stay at your destination. You'll be surprised at how many choices you have.

Of course, taking your dog along isn't always an option. If he is uncomfortable in new places, doesn't like to travel, or you're taking a long flight, taking him along will either be impossible or just much more stressful for all concerned.

2. KENNELS AND PET HOTELS

Kennels can be a great option for your dog. They vary greatly in terms of luxury and attention, with the more comfortable and opulent options advertising themselves as pet hotels. These could have everything, from heated kennels and swimming pools to massage and grooming parlours. For some dogs, a pet hotel is a luxury holiday, so divine they might not want to come home. On the other hand, the more basic kennels provide an indoor space and a run for your dog to play in during the day. They might offer different pricing options where you can include or exclude certain services depending on your budget.

Your dog's personality will dictate how he responds to the kennel environment. Generally, more independent, well-socialised dogs do well in this setting; dogs who are nervous or likely to become more aggressive around strangers may find it more challenging. Ensure that the owners and staff at the kennel are qualified to handle dogs, and pay a visit beforehand to double-check everything is the same as advertised.

3. PROFESSIONAL PET SITTING

If you would prefer your dog to stay at home while you're away, consider a professional pet sitter. Having someone stay at your home is considerably less disruptive for your dog, and there are many options out there to suit your budget and preferences. Pet sitters prefer having detailed instructions about feeding and walking schedules so they can keep your dog's routine as close to normal as possible.

Be sure to check each potential pet sitter's references and choose the one you're comfortable having in your home while you're away. Some pet sitters offer options where

they don't stay with your pet but pop in to feed, walk and play with him for an hour or so each day. If your dog is comfortable being alone overnight and not overly nervous, this is a less costly process. However, having someone stay in with your dog is preferable, especially if your dog is scared of fireworks or thunderstorms or has medical conditions that can necessitate emergency visits to the vet.

Pet sitters also double up as extra security, so your home isn't left unattended while you're away, which is a bonus.

4. IN-HOME BOARDING

This option falls somewhere in between kennels and pet sitting. If your pet is uncomfortable with strangers in your home but won't cope in a kennel, many professional pet sitters offer the option of keeping the dog at their home. You won't have to allow a stranger into your home, but your dog still enjoys a home-style environment.

Since your dog won't be kept separate from other dogs, he will need to be well-socialised and comfortable with other dogs for this to be an option. If he is, he'll enjoy having lots of new friends to play with, and he won't have to spend much time alone. Ask your pet sitter how much time they spend away from home, just to be sure.

KEEP IN MIND

When you're making a choice for your dog, and you've weighed up your options, it's time to start searching for the perfect pet care provider. To make sure your dog gets the very best, consider these quick tips: Do: • Ask for recommendations from other dog lovers and your vet. • Arrange for visits beforehand so your dog can get to know the people and other animals he will be staying with while you're away. Go a few times if you can. • Visit or meet the provider before paying a deposit to ensure you're completely comfortable. • Check the qualifications and references of any pet care provider you're considering. • Treat your dog as an individual and think about what will work best for him.

• Make sure your dog is microchipped - dogs are more likely to try and run away when their human family isn't around. • Check that his vaccinations are up to date before you board him with other dogs. Don't: • Leave booking until the last minute. The service providers with the best ratings fill up quickly over the busy season. • Pick the first business you see online and pay them a deposit without checking them out thoroughly first. • Force your dog into an arrangement that will make him anxious or aggressive. There are so many options out there; you can find the one that will make him happiest.

PREPARE YOUR DOG FOR YOUR TIME APART

It always pays to be prepared. Chat with your vet and your pet care provider before you leave to make things go as smoothly as possible. If your dog is on medication, make sure you leave enough for while you're gone. Let your vet know that if no one can get hold of you, they are allowed to treat your dog. They may ask you to sign a form confirming this. Whoever is looking after your dog needs to have your vet's contact details and some details for close family and friends in case they can't reach you.

Provide enough food (changes in food can upset your dog), toys, and blankets, and leave written instructions regarding play and exercise. The more familiar the routine, the more comfortable your dog will be.

Whichever option you've chosen for your dog, be sure to check in often so you can enjoy your holiday. But try not to worry too much; your dog will probably enjoy his home away from home, too.