Travelling is a hugely exciting thing to do, but if you’ve got a pet, it can also be quite stressful – after all, you’re not just thinking about flights and hotels anymore, you’re also thinking about feeding schedules, walks, routines, and whether your pet will be okay while you’re away. That’s why pet owners need to plan a lot, but the good news is, there are some things you can do to make it easier, and with that in mind, keep reading to find out more.
Pets Don’t Do Well With Last-Minute Changes
Most pets like routine, and they’ll be used to regular feeding times, familiar smells, and predictable outdoor time, and so on. When you leave things to the last minute, that’s generally going to mean a lot of rushed decisions, unfamiliar carers, and lots of sudden changes that can be very unsettling for them.
However, if you plan nice and early, that’s going to give you time to introduce your pet to new people or places gradually, so the change feels less scary for them (and for you, come to that).
You Get Better Care Options
Something else to think about is the fact that leaving pet care to the last minute usually limits your choices because all the good sitters, kennels, and pet hotels will be booked already, especially during holidays and peak travel seasons. But when you plan ahead, you can choose somewhere that suits your pet’s needs rather than just what’s available.
Arranging dog boarding in advance, for example, gives you time to visit the facility, ask questions, and make sure it feels right for both you and your pet.
It Reduces Travel Stress
Trying to organise pet care the day before you leave is just going to add a lot of unnecessary pressure. You’re already packing, sorting documents, and dealing with travel logistics, and knowing your pet’s arrangements are already sorted lets you focus on your trip without constantly worrying.
On top of that, it also means fewer frantic messages and phone calls while you’re supposed to be enjoying yourself – you might even wish you hadn’t bothered booking your holiday in the first place, which is never a good position to be in.
You Can Keep Routines Consistent
With proper planning, you can share detailed instructions about your pet’s routine, including how much they’re meant to eat, what they should eat (and what they shouldn’t eat), favourite toys, walking routes, medication, and all those little quirks that you think a carer should probably know about.
The more information you can give to whoever’s taking care of your pet, the easier it’s going to be for them to keep things familiar and keep your pet feeling more secure while you’re away.
It Can Save You Money
Last-minute bookings can work out fine, but even if you’re happy with the arrangements, it’s highly likely they’ll end up costing you more. Planning early, on the other hand, can give you better access to rates and more options, whether that’s a pet sitter, boarding facility, or perhaps some kind of transport for your pet.
And you’ll also avoid paying premium prices just because you ran out of time to look around.
Feature image by Milli on Unsplash
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