Have Pet Can Travel

I f you are reading this, I        up... but what are you going to    guess you have a pet, need      do with the family pet?            a holiday and don't want to                                        waste your next hard-earned break                                        watching round-the-clock rubbish                                         on televsion. In days gone many       Option One: Pet Friendly        pet owners simply did not go on       Holidaying                     holidays! "Why", I would ask                                             them, and the answer was always                                          the same: "Because we own a pet."                                                                              Taking your pet with you on                                              holidays is an option                                                    particularly popular among dog                                           owners whose charges travel well.  Fortunately pet owners have more      Gone are the days when travelling  options than they used to. These      "pet friendly" meant rotting       days you can often take your pet      linoleum and a leaky roof. Many    with you. Otherwise you can leave     holiday venue operators now        it in a secure boarding kennel or     recognise that most pet owners     cattery, or even commission a pet     are responsible adults who will    minding service to visit and          look after a nice house in order   service your pet in its familiar      to be invited back.                environment. But which option is                                         right for you and your pet?                                                                                                                                                             When travelling don't forget to                                          take frequent rests, pack water    So now you've taken the first         for the travel along with your     step and put in for some annual       dog's water bowl, and don't leave  leave. Your vacation is coming        your dog to bake in your car!      You'll generally also be required     not be welcomed back!              to bring your pet's bedding, food                                        and food containers.                                                                                                                                                                    AVOID THE TELEVISION. Hopefully                                          there isn't a TV there, but if     Your pet should also be fully         there is, don't turn it on. You    vaccinated, wormed and on a           can watch TV at home and there     current flea treatment program. A     are too many exciting things to    first aid kit including tweezers      do with your pet, friends and      or tick removers as well as           family, like bush walking,         antiseptic makes good sense,          swimming... no, don't reach for    especially if there are likely to     the remote control. Make the most  be ticks in the area.                 of your holiday and enjoy the                                            Great Outdoors!                                                                                                                                                                      Other pets can make excellent                                            travel companions - cats and          There are times when you can't     horses, for example, are welcomed     take your pet with you, such as    at many holiday venues these          overseas holidays, business trips  days.                                 and when you are holidaying in                                           regions that don't permit pets.                                          So what are your options?                                                                                   FOLLOW THE RULES: If you will be                                         having your pet with you on                                              holidays there are likely to be       Option Two: In Home Pet         conditions. Find out what they        Minding Services               are and follow them or you will                                                                                                                                                         Keeping up your dog's exercise     If your pet is unlikely to fret       regime is important. If your       excessively in your absence it        chosen pet minder cannot exercise  can make sense to leave them in       your pet then arrange for a        their familiar territory. A Pet       family member or professional dog  Minder can visit your pet in your     walker to look after this for      home or garden, supplying food,       you.                               entertainment, a walk and maybe                                          even a bath in your absence.                                                                                                                                                            When interviewing for a pet                                              minder, it is OK, and expected     Leaving a pet in the house can        that you will ask for references.  even assist with security - who's                                        going to break in when Cujo's                                            guarding the front door?                                                                                                                                                                Not all dogs and cats are suited                                         to staying home while you're       As an added bonus a pet minder        away, especially if you'll be      will often undertake additional       gone for an extended period. If    duties including collecting mail,     your pet is likely to fret         putting out the garbage and           terribly, howl through the night,  watering the plants. They can         disturb neighbours or go           often attend to the other members     wandering, then a boarding         of your family including fish,        facility might be a better option  mice, birds etc.                      for your pet's safety and                                                security!                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Know what to look for! Most        Option Three: Boarding Kennels     boarding kennels and catteries     and Catteries                     are happy to show you through                                            their premises if you make an                                            appointment, but I favour                                                boarding facilities that welcome   A boarding kennel or cattery can      your inspection without an         provide a safe environment in         appointment. Who knows what might  your absence. Your pet will be        get swept under the rug!           fed according to the diet that                                           you have prearranged - many                                              boarding services can cater for                                          the fussiest of animals.              Your holiday - Relax and enjoy                                        yourself                                                                                                                                                                         Most boarding kennels have                                               excellent exercise options            Now that your pets are taken care  available as well as ready access     of, go and enjoy your holiday!     to a vet in case of emergency.        Hang on a moment... what about                                           the kids?                                                                 About the Author: Gerry Neustatl is the co-founder of Pets Playground, a comprehensive internet resource for Australian pet owners looking for pet friendly holiday venues and other holiday options, service providers and retailers. Email: enquiries@petsplayground.com.au Web: http://petsplayground.com.au Source: www.isnare.com