It’s the time of year when we tend to travel more, whether it’s to visit family members or friends or to escape for some winter sun. We’ve made a handy guide outlining the different options available for care while you’re away and how to help prepare your pet. Choosing the right pet-care option is an important step in planning your trip to help ensure your peace of mind while you are away.

Options for pet care while you are away from home

Family or friends

• Benefits: Your pet likely knows them already; it’s someone familiar to them. They can keep your pet’s routine similar to what they are used to. They may live nearby, so your pet doesn’t need to travel for a long time to get there. You can have regular contact with them while you are away, for those cute photos and videos of your pet.

Live-in petsitter

• Benefits: Your pet stays in the comfort of their own home, which helps reduce stress. They can stick to their normal routine, using their own bowls and beds and walking in areas that are familiar to them. You don’t have to worry about transporting your pet somewhere.

Boarding at petsitter’s home

• Benefits: One-on-one care with someone who is experienced with animals. Their routine can be kept consistent.

Kennels or cattery

• Benefits: A safe environment that is especially made for pet care. Staff with lots of experience looking after animals and possibly giving medication. For social dogs, they may have the option to walk and play with other dogs. Make sure to ask local pet-parents for recommendations.

Visiting petsitter / dog walker

• Someone who comes by your home to feed your cat, empty their litter tray, or walk your dog. This is only really suitable for less than 24 hours for dogs and a maximum of a few days for cats.

Another option is to take your pet with you: see our tips on pet travel on the sixth day of Christmas.

How to prepare your pets

Cats and dogs are sensitive to sudden changes in their routines or environments. So it’s important to start planning well in advance.

• Using their favourite toys and blankets with a familiar smell can help reduce stress. Remember to bring these if they are not staying at home.
• Using pheromone adapters, collars or sprays can help reduce anxiety, even if they are staying in their own home.
• Make sure your pet is up-to-date with their vaccinations and parasite control. Kennels may ask your dog to have the kennel cough vaccine, and this usually needs to be done at least a few weeks in advance.
• Try to avoid any sudden food changes. Make sure you have left enough food for the time you are away. And that the person who is looking after them knows how much and how often they are fed, to avoid any weight changes while you are gone. Stock up on their favourite treats too.
• If your pet is on any medication, make sure you have enough to give to the person who is looking after them and that they know how and when to use it.
• Ask whoever is looking after them to keep their routine as consistent as possible, feeding and walking at the same times that you do, though this may be more difficult in kennels or catteries.
• Have a backup plan for your return in case of any flight issues or weather emergencies that cause you to be delayed on your way back home. 

Leave instructions with your local vet’s contact details in case of any emergencies.

Joii can help if you have any questions 

• Experienced Joii vets are on-hand 24/7, 365 days a year
• Download the app and call us anytime for support or advice if you have any concerns about your cats and dogs.

We wish you all a relaxed and stress-free Christmas, wherever you may be celebrating it, from all your pet family friends at Joii!

Coming soon…..on the ninth day of Christmas

Safe and healthy presents for pets