Pets are our best friends – but we can’t take them everywhere. If you’ve been agonising over how to make sure your pet is calm and well cared-for while you’re away, here are some tips.

Choose the right kennel or cattery

Choosing a kennel or cattery is a personal choice but these questions can start you off in making a decision that’s right for you and your pet:

  • Are they available on your dates?
  • Are they close by or easily accessible to you?
  • Is the cost manageable for you?
  • Do they have the proper licences, permits or accreditations?
  • If your pet has any extra requirements, can they accommodate these?

Use these questions to make a shortlist, then take a few tours to get a feel for each kennel or cattery. Make sure the spaces where the pets sleep are well-built and well-maintained, with room to stretch. Look for cosy beds, heaters and scratch posts or other activity options and make sure the space is well-ventilated.

Your pet should be able to enjoy themselves and relax, which means the outdoor spaces should be clean and well-maintained too, with no bad smells.

Finally, make sure the staff make you feel welcome. You should feel confident they’ll be kind and caring towards your pet. There should be enough staff members to look after all the animals, and they should have a vet on call for emergencies.

Prepare in advance

Book a trial stay a few weeks ahead so that, when it’s time for your pet’s stay, they know the place. Also get your pet familiar with their carrier or bed. Try rubbing a soft cloth on your pet’s face when they are relaxed, and then rub this cloth on their carrier or basket. This transfer of smells can help them to feel more relaxed and at home.

If your vet has recommended calming supplements like Zylkene®, you can start these a couple of days ahead of time – always follow your vet’s advice.

Take it easy on drop-off day

Rushing or feeling anxious when you’re dropping your pet off at their accommodation can send them into a tailspin. On the day you’re due to drop off, allow plenty of time so your pet can get their bearings.

If they allow it, be sure to pack familiar things, such as toys and blankets, to help their accommodation feel more like home and, if your vet has provided calming supplements, make sure you pack these too, along with any other medications your pet needs.

Finally, try using the soft cloth transfer technique on their new sleeping space. Just as you did with your pet’s carrier, rub the soft cloth on your pet’s face when they feel happy and then rub that same cloth on their sleeping space at the kennel or cattery if your kennel or cattery allows owners to enter the space.

When you get home, try to get back into your routine as quickly as possible so your pet can readjust to their normal life again!

If you’re concerned about changes in your pet’s mood, help is available

Often the mood of your pet will relate to the circumstances around them and the behaviour related to the mood will pass quickly. If you find your pet is showing signs of worry, stress or aggression and a pattern of behaviour is forming, it might be time to speak to your vet.

Supplements, such as Zylkene®, can help calm and relax pets in challenging and difficult situations. Find out more by reading The 8 Signs of Stress in Your Pet.

 

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