Holiday Travel Pet Care Tips for Central Florida Families

Happy Pets are at Home

The holidays are right around the corner and many families are going out of town to spend time with loved ones. Sometimes our furry and scaly friends can come with us and sometimes they can’t, so here are some holiday travel pet care tips to help you and your pets have a "Happy Howlidays"!

Traveling with your pet

If you are traveling with your pet, there are a few things you should do before you leave. First, you need to figure out your mode of travel and pack their supplies, but there are important steps many pet owners forget. You should take your pet and visit the vet, set up an emergency kit and make sure tags and microchips are up to date. 

Your pet should be up to date with their vaccines for travel. Many vets recommend this, especially if your pet is stopping in places that other pets and animals visit, such as a rest stop if you are driving. You want to make sure your pet is protected against any illnesses they could contract at these locations. Ask for paper copies of pet records to travel with as well, in case these are requested wherever you travel to. It is a good idea to also get any medications your pet may need. Whether it is for extra supply or relaxation medication for pet travel, like anxiety medication.

Many pet owners do not think about an emergency kit for their pet, but it is a good thing to have on hand. You can usually buy a premade emergency kit for pets online or in pet stores, but it is also a good idea to ask your vet what they recommend you should add to the kit specifically for your pet.

Additionally, it is good to get your pets ID tags updated, or microchips updated if your pet has one. Sometimes a pet’s ID tags can be outdated or lost, but this is the first thing many people look for if they find a wandering pet. Update your pets information on their tags and include up to date phone numbers or addresses. If your pet has a microchip, your vet can scan and tell you your pet’s microchip information. They can tell you their microchip number and what information is connected to it. They cannot update the information, but can provide you with the company the microchip is associated with so you can update any information you need to through the microchips site. 

Traveling without your pet: Pet Sitter vs Boarding

If you are traveling without your pet, many of the previously discussed topics apply! Such as make sure your pets have vaccines up to date and that their microchip/ tags are too!  There are a few different things, however, that you should do for your pets if you are leaving them behind. This includes having extra supplies, having an emergency contact that is nearby, and having a reliable pet sitter.

You should always make sure your pet has more than what you think they will need if you are going out of town without them. Such as extra food, potty pads, supplements and medication from the vet. Having extra will ensure your pet has everything they need for your trip and in case of an emergency or if you return later than planned. It is also important to have an emergency contact that can be on hand if something arises. It should be someone you trust fully with your pet and someone you can count on to make decisions for you in regards to your pet.

Choosing the right care taker is the most important step. Whether it is a boarding facility or a family member, close friend or professional pet sitter the person you choose to care for your pet should be trustworthy. Having someone come take care of your pet in your home is often preferred by the pet as they are able to stay in their own environment. This causes less stress and anxiety as compared to a boarding facility. Cats are especially affected by boarding facilities as loud barking dogs, weird smells and being cooped up in a small kennel can be very upsetting. Affects can be evident even days after leaving the boarding facility. Staying home also reduces exposure to other illnesses that could be contracted outside the home.

This is where our reliable team of insured pet sitters comes in handy. Here at Nona Paws Pet Sitting, we understand the importance of caring for your pet until you return and that we can provide you with a sense of relief knowing your pet is in good hands. Our team will meet with you to create a customized care plan for each of your pets. We will have a detailed Meet and Greet with you prior to services are provided so you can explain your pets routine, where items are kept in the home and go over our emergency protocols in the event something should occur while you are away. Communication is provided to you each visit via photos, videos and a full write up so you are informed of their well being no matter where you go! Not only will we take good care of your pets but we will look after your home by taking out the trash, bringing in packages/mail, watering plants, opening/closing blinds, and a home security check each visit! (We have found all kinds of things: candle warmers left on and wax melting into electrical outlets, ovens left on, bathrooms flooding, shattered glass doors, and more!)

Traveling is hard and can be complicated when you have pets. Choosing whether to take your pets with you or leave them at home is a big decision. It is important to ensure your pets have everything they need. Hopefully these tips can help you and your furry or scaly friend for your upcoming holiday travel plans!