|
How To Take Care of Your Pets When You're Away
Can your dog wait
10 hours to go for a walk? Will the cat have enough
food and a clean litter box if you are away for a week?
What if you can't come home Wednesday nights because
of a prior commitment?
Anytime a pet owner needs to go away
on vacation, stay long hours at work or has regular
scheduled activities that take them away from home they
must consider how their pet will be cared for. Pets
provide entertainment and companionship but are also
a huge responsibility. You show respect for your pet
by taking its needs into consideration and planning
accordingly.
Fortunately there are many services
available to assist you in caring for your pet during
times when you can't personally give them the attention
and care they need. What are they? Which is best for
your pet?
DAY CARE
Social animals, like dogs, can suffer
emotionally from a lack of attention. If your dog has
access to the outdoors they will be able to relieve
themselves when necessary but a house-bound dog will
physically require a walk or you will come home to an
accident on your rug and a frustrated animal.
Day care centers provide the needed
social stimulation most dogs crave. At the day care
your dog will spend time with other dogs and have people
looking after its physical needs. If you have a young
dog this can be especially important as your dog may
become destructive with a lack of supervision and an
abundance of unused energy.
BOARDING KENNELS
If you plan to be away overnight or
for longer your dog or cat may be placed in a boarding
kennel. This can be expensive but will ensure your pet
is cared for daily and overnight.
IN-HOME CARE
If you are comfortable leaving your
dog at home all day you may find the in-home services
of a visitor or dog walker to be sufficient and less
costly while still providing personal attention.
Cats and other animals may not need
daily visits if you come home in the evening but will
need some attention if you are away overnight or for
several days. Cats prefer their own homes rather than
the highly social aspect of day cares or boarding kennels.
Other pets, such as birds and reptiles, will most likely
do better with in-home care as well.
In-home care can be as basic as someone
taking your dog for a walk in the middle of the day
or as inclusive as having a sitter stay in your home
with your pet.
Examine your situation and budget when
choosing a method of care. Take your pet's best interests
in mind. If you are having someone come to your home
be sure they are reputable. Licensed businesses should
be insured and bonded when employees are trusted with
entering and locking up your home.
1howto.com
--------------------------------------------------
Please
Share Your Tips with Us
|
