Top Petowner Checklist - How to Prepare for a Holiday

We always ask our pet owner members to prepare early for holidays. And so we offer a petowner checklist to help you get started early with your planning ahead of your holidays. Read on to learn more of our top tips on what not to forget when you are preparing your pet and home for your absence.

Prepare for Your Holiday Early – User this Top Petowners Checklist

new neighbourhood — Getting pets ready for your trip away takes some preparation, for your pet, your petsitter and your home

Photo by Lamia Walker

Is not going on holiday a great time? The thrill of packing, planning every single detail of your trip, and just thinking about those moments when you will be able to finally relax.

However, if you’ve got a pet waiting at home, well, there’s that extra layer of planning you just cannot overlook: who will take care of your furry friend? This checklist will help you go through and make sure everything is in order, so your pet will be well taken care of and you can go on holiday with a clear mind.

Look Early to Find a Free Checked Petsitter

Petowner Checklist — An essential part of your petowner checklist is getting your pet used to having time without you present

Photo by Behrouz Sasani

How To Pick the Perfect Pet Care Option

First of all, you need to think about who is going to take care of your pet while you’re away. There are a few pretty good options, depending on what fits with your pet’s personality.

If your animal absolutely loves the comfort of his own home with him being in it, then a pet sitter might just be your best bet. Your sitter can keep their routine intact, which is really going to help prevent your pet from getting too anxious. Plus, it’s great to know that someone is also looking after your home.

Find a Free Checked Petsitter with Housesit Match

Always at the top of your petowner checklist should be the pet care. One of the best ways to find a petsitter is to use a housesitting platform like Housesit Match where sitters are checked and once you are part of the network all your petsitting is for free! To learn more about how to find petsitters look here.

Consider a boarding facility

Or you can choose a boarding facility. These are specifically set up to take care of pets around the clock and offer a safe environment with staff on hand to cater to their every need.

Be sure to visit the facility ahead of time to make sure it is up to scratch. Of course, if you have a friend or family member that loves your pet they may be your most personal and often least expensive option. Your pet will be taken care of by someone familiar with them-what more could you ask for?

Stock Up on Supplies

Now, imagine how stressful it would be for your pet’s caregiver to run out of supplies part of the way through your trip. So, make sure everything is in its place before you go. It is a vital part of your pet owner checklist to ensure you have enough pet food and supplies.

Food is the big one-make sure there’s more than enough for all of the time you’re away, plus a little extra just in case. If your pet is on any kind of medication, it’s very important to label everything correctly and write down clear instructions.

And don’t forget about those comfort items-your pet’s favourite blanket or toy-familiarity helps ease anxiety while you’re away. Of course, stock up on treats; they’ll keep your pet happy and help along the bonding process between them and their caregiver.

Be Prepared for the Unexpected

We all hope for the best, but it’s always better to prepare for any emergencies that may arise while you are away. Leave your pet’s caretaker with all the vital information they may need.

Start with the basics: how to get in touch with your vet, any after-hours emergency numbers, and be sure to explain any health conditions your pet may have. It’s also a good idea to make sure you have a local emergency contact-a person who can take over in case something happens.

If your pet is insured, let your sitter know where the policy is and how to use it. Having a straightforward plan laid out will make it easier for you to deal with any emergencies that may arise.

Get Your House Ready

a tabby cat standing on a red patterned carpet. Pets impact indoor air quality with their fur — An important part of your petowner checklist is to prepare your home and pet for your absence

Photo by Lamia Walker

If your pet is staying at home, prepare the house by making sure that the environment is safe and comfortable for them. Go through and pet-proof the space, moving all things hazardous out of reach and setting up cosy places for food, sleep, and play. Also, make sure your doors and windows are secure.

If your home could use a little TLC-say, fixing that one little leak that might become a bigger problem with weather-a great time to call a professional roofer might be in order. Your pet will appreciate staying dry and comfy while you’re away!

Stick to Routine

Pets are creatures of habit. Keeping their routine as normal as possible while you’re on holiday will help them feel less stressed. When giving instructions to either a pet sitter or boarding facility, be specific.

These can be feeding times, walks, or routines for playtime, but even things like a bedtime routine can be assuring. Little bits of consistency can make quite a lot of difference when it comes to how your pet copes while you’re away.

Key to Your Petowner Checklist – Check Your Pet ID

You will want to be very sure your pet is identifiable in case anything unforeseen does take place. Double-check that their identification tags are updated with your contact and the pet sitter’s information, too. If your pet is microchipped, this is a good time to make sure the chip has appropriate information.

It is a little thing, but it may become a saving grace should your pet decide on a solo adventure while you’re away.

Pre-Holiday Vet Visit

vaccinations for pets — Make sure your vet’s surgery knows you are away – A vet’s visit is a safe step in the petowner checklist

If it has been some time since your pet’s last check-up, a vet visit prior to your holiday may save you a lot of hassle. This is a really safe step for added peace of mind on your petowner checklist.

It is always better to go, knowing your pet is healthy and ready for such a separation. Your vet might even give you advice on making your pet more calm during the time away. Always better to be prepared, right?