What are my holiday options?
Travel insurance, car hire, checking in… we have plenty to worry about when it comes to taking a well-deserved break. Those of us with pets have another responsibility that needs to be taken care of, and if we feel uncomfortable with where we’ve left our animals while we’re away, we often struggle to enjoy our holiday.
Finding someone to take care of our pets to a standard we’re happy with can be a real challenge. Luckily, there are several choices available, many of which mean that our pets get a mini-vacation too!
Possibly the best option is one where our furry friends get to stay in their own home, looked after by people we trust. Your friends or relatives may jump at the chance to house-sit for you, particularly if you return the favour when the time comes. You won’t have to disrupt your animal’s routines, and your plants may get watered too! If nobody you know is keen, reputable companies offer this service for a reasonable price.
Sending your pets to stay with people you know can be a good option, as long as they can dedicate the necessary time. ‘Trial days’ are a great idea and are particularly necessary if there will be other pets to coexist with – not every animal will get along.
Finally, boarding kennels and catteries have come a long way. Some facilities now offer luxury rooms with private gardens, and even services such as massages and gourmet suppers! They can be costly, though, so this should be added to your holiday budget.