Going on vacation as a pet owner: what options are available to you?

Are you planning on taking some time off to go on vacation? Once you have pet, you also need to think about who will take care of them while you're away. Here is a list of options that are available to you so that you can go on vacation in peace.

Leave your pet at a boarding kennel during your vacation

This is a tried and tested solution. Oftentimes, it's the first solution that comes to mind. Usually in calm areas in the countryside, these establishments are able to take in your pet during your absence. Many of them even have a nice outdoor area. However, it's important to keep in mind that not all boarding kennels provide the same amenities. At some boarding kennels, the pets are housed in cages. For this reason, it's important to do your research first. Read information about the different boarding kennels around you and don't hesitate visiting the boarding kennel before choosing it definitively.

If you adopted your pet from a breeder, it could be possible to leave your pet with them while you are on vacation. Some breeders are willing to do this. This would allow your pet to revisit a small part of their family and this could bring them some happiness while you're away.

Leave your pet with a pet sitter during your vacation

If you don't like the idea of leaving your pet at a boarding kennel, finding a pet sitter is a more flexible and personalized alternative. A pet sitter can either take care of your pet at their house, or go to your home to take care of them (a good option for cats, for example). One of the benefits of pet sitting from your home is the fact that your pet is able to stay in an environment that they are used to. This can make the situation much less stressful for them. If you want to find a pet sitter, many online platforms exist where qualified pet sitters propose their services. You can consider taking a look if you are interested in hiring a pet sitter.

Ask loved ones or neighbors to take care of your pet while you're away

Do you get along really well with your neighbors? Do you have helpful friends? Does a member of your family love your pet a lot? If you're able to find a loved one to help you, it's often a reassuring solution for both you and your pet. This is especially the case if your pet already knows them.

Take your pet with you

Are you planning on taking your cat or dog with you on vacation? Luckily, more and more vacation spots and rentals are accepting pets.

However, the best solution for your pet depends on many factors. You should first take into account your pet's health and how well they adapt to new environments. You also need to take into consideration your budget. Some options can be quite costly. Your personal preferences are also important to keep in mind. Most importantly, you want to make sure that your pet is treated well and that they are happy even when you aren't there with them.

Abandoning your pet is never a solution. Before adopting a pet, you need to think about how it will affect you not only in your daily life, but while you are on vacation as well. When you adopt a pet, you are adopting them for life.

iStock photo used for illustration purposes.