House sitting is becoming a very common popular way to have your pets stay in familiar surroundings, and be taken care of on a regular basis. Cats are a bit easier with this method, as typically they can be taken care of with once a day care.Dogs can be done with home care, but usually it is recommended at least 2 visits per day to take care of the dogs.
Many folks will board their pets. We do some boarding here for our clients as a service, and there are some precautions we take for our hospitalized boarders. We recommend in addition to the 'core' vaccines of Rabies and Distemper / Adenovirus / Parainfluenza and Parvovirus, and a negative heartworm test (and on preventative) that our boarders also be inoculated for Bordatella, and have a negative fecal test (for intestinal worms) within the past 6 months.
What if you want to take your pet? It can be a fun time, and on study notes that nearly 40% of pet owners travel with their dogs.
So what should you do to get ready? It is important to get these things in order to make the travel less hectic and stressful for you.
- A method of confinement for the pet - both in the car and at the destination.
- Identification - tags & microchip
- Proof of Rabies vaccination
- Contact information for your pet's regular veterinarian
- Finding out what rules apply for their particular travel plans (eg, airline rules, health certificates, quarantine, etc)
- Making reservations or obtaining a list of accommodations that will accept pets before starting out.
- Planning for pet rest stops and potty breaks
- Brining the pet's usual food along, or ensuring its usual food will be available at the travel destination
- Taking along food and water bowls, familiar toys and bedding, and extra leashes
- Planning for pet care at the destination during times the owner will be unable to bring the pet along (eg, restaurants or amusement parks)
parts taken form VeTeam Advisor June 08 - www.cliniciansbrief.com
