The holiday season is here, causing many pet owners to wonder: what to do with my pet over the holidays? If this is the case with you, don’t worry. There are plenty of pet owners who travel and visit family and friends during the holidays. All you need to know are the few critical options of what you can do with your pet during this time of year.
Below will highlight five options to consider if traveling during the holidays. Each of these options presents a way for your pet to be okay, no matter your background or financial situation. Afterward, we’ll highlight what to know about Christmas and pets, as well as some vet information to consider. Let’s take a look!
What to Do With My Pet Over The Holidays? – Five Options to Consider
It may seem pets have an odd ability to know when their owners are traveling, especially when they’re not invited. Your pet might go up to you the night you begin to pack or start to odd the days leading up to the big travel day.
Regardless, deciding which option is best is crucial for every pet owner to understand. You can’t leave your pet alone since many things can go wrong during the matter. Nevertheless, below are five examples you should consider with your pet over the holidays:
1. Pet Boarding (Kennels, Catteries)
Pet boarding is one of the most common ways pet owners watch their pets. No matter where you live, there should be plenty of boarding kennels or catteries where you live. If the pet boarding option is the route, you want to go with, call ahead and make an appointment.
Just remember to pick a pet boarding option that’s reputable. If the reviews are terrible, don’t bother wasting your time. Your pet being away can be very stressful for them, so make sure you pick an option that has the reputation to back it up. The only real downside of pet boarding is that it can be costly, so be mindful of your budget.
Local Examples in Edmonton include
- Little Paws Inn 4.7 Stars On Google
- Posh Pooch Hotel and Daycare 4.7 Stars On Google
- It’s A Dogs Life Ltd.
2. In-Home Pet Boarding
As great as seeking out a traditional pet boarding service, there is the other option of in-home pet boarding. In-home pet boarding means you bring your pets to a pet sitter’s home rather than a kennel or cattery. Like reading reviews for a traditional pet boarding service, make sure you do the same with in-home pet boarding.
In-home boarding tends to be much more affordable and allows your pet the opportunity to spend time with another fellow pet lover. If you don’t want someone to be in your house while you’re away, you can rest knowing your pets are okay.
3. Neighbor, Friend, or Family
Having your pet watched by a neighbor, friend, or family member is the classic path to go with your pet. If you have a trustworthy person in your life, ask them if they’d be open to watching your pet for the time you’re gone. Although cats may find it hard to be around other cats, most dogs work well in this option.
If your friend, family, or neighbor doesn’t have any animals, it should work even better. However, make sure whomever you pick is relatively knowledgeable in the subject. Someone who has never been around pets in their life isn’t an excellent option to consider. If it’s the only option you have, you may want to consider something else.
4. Pet Sitting
Besides having a neighbor, friend, or family member watch your pet at their home, you can hire someone to be a pet sitter. Pet sitters can range from someone you know to a person online. Of course, someone watching your pet tends to be safer. Still, there are plenty of great apps worth checking out.
Either way, make sure you have your pet meet the pet sitter before leaving. Having the pet sitter show up when it’s time for your pet to be watched can cause a slew of issues. Getting your pet to interact with the sitter is beneficial not only to the sitter but to your pet too. Also, make sure you write out everything there is to know about your pet for the sitter (food, favorite toy, medicine).
5. Bring Pet With You
The last option to consider is to bring your pet with you! If you’re flying, it’s generally not a good idea to bring your pet. However, if it’s a small road trip, it might be worth your time to bring your pet with you. As long as wherever you’re going is pet-friendly, you should be fine.
Dogs are great to bring with you on road trips and tend to enjoy the experience a lot. On the other hand, cats have a much more difficult time traveling. Either way, think about it, and you can do it if it’s an option. If not, any other examples should suffice with caring for your pet while you’re gone.
Christmas and Pets
Besides boarding and having your pet taken care of during the holiday season, understand that Christmas can be an overwhelming time for your pets. Even if you’re not traveling, realize get-togethers and gift-giving can be loud and anxiety-inducing for pets.
Take the time to comfort your pet to ensure they’re doing okay during the busiest time of the year. Giving your pet a quiet place to hang out, a present, or a Christmas treat is a great way to get them in the holiday spirit with you.
Want to Know More About What to Do With Your Pet Over the Holidays?
Hopefully, these tips gave you more than enough options on what to do with your pet over the holidays. Nevertheless, visit or contact us at Gateway Veterinary Centre to learn more about the matter and holidays with pets in general.
We’re a locally owned veterinary clinic that provides the latest, independent, and fair advice regarding your pet’s needs. We are open seven days a week and look forward to hearing from you!
