Though
Grandma may welcome the kids with open arms as families
travel for holiday visits, bringing along the family pet
may elicit a different response.
So
what do you do when your canine buddy or feline pal can’t
join in the holiday fun? Here are some options:
BOARDING
Boarding
is particularly popular among dog owners, but pet lovers
say to book early as slots in kennels and veterinarians’
offices fill up early.
"I
will take Gus (a bull mastiff) to Doguroo," said
Stuart Krauss, a resident of Atlanta’s Buckhead
neighborhood. "He likes to play and enjoys the
company of other dogs, so the social environment for him
when he goes there is a lot of fun." Doguroo is one
of many facilities in metro Atlanta that offer a variety
of boarding and care services.
"We
are a full-service dog care facility," said Doguroo
co-owner Eileen Kelly.
"We’ve
also partnered with Petwell Veterinary Service, which is
in the same building we are," she said.
Kelly’s
company, like many others, requires boarding candidates
to visit in advance to determine their compatibility in
a canine group environment. Quality facilities also
require proof of vaccines.
Boarding
needs of a dog are different from those of a cat.
"We
board both dogs and cats," said Lauren Lough, a
veterinarian assistant at Briarcliff Animal Hospital.
"Cats, unlike dogs, don’t generally like to get
out and play with other cats.
"But
we do have the option of a daily ‘happy hour,’ if
the pet owner wishes, so their cats can have exercise
and interaction with a human," she said.
"Like
the cats, the dogs also have time to get out. They can
play in a covered run and are let out to use the
bathroom — generally twice daily — or when
needed," she said.
PROFESSIONAL
PET SITTERS
Pet
sitters can be found through mutual friends or on
websites such as
.
"I
have a longtime pet sitter I’ve worked with for many
years," said Norcross resident Laura Mason, the
owner of an American tabby and a border collie.
"She’ll
come by once daily — or twice for a slight additional
charge, if I request — to make sure my animals have
proper food and water," Mason said. "She’ll
take the dog for a walk, clean the cat’s litter box
and spend quality time with them. It works well for me
and my two pets because I know they’re safe at home
and they’re happy not having to be in a completely
different environment."
FRIENDS
A
good friend who gets along well with a pet may be the
most economical option. There are multiple bonuses: You
know the person, and the pet knows the individual, as
well. Just make sure the friend is aware of where the
food is kept, how much the pet eats and drinks daily,
and whom to call in the event of an emergency.
TAKING
THEM WITH YOU
If
you do take Fido and are traveling by plane, talk with
the airline about charges and potential hazards during
transport. Air flight can be potentially traumatizing,
and many airlines require sedation for the pet.
If
you’re driving, it can be fun, or a nightmare, pet
owners said. Cats generally don’t enjoy car rides,
unless socialized from youth. If you’re traveling in a
car with an older, inexperienced cat, keep the cat safe
in a kennel. Don’t forget to bring a small portable
litter box.
Generally,
dogs see road trips as a fun outing.
"I
always make sure I bring along doggie treats, chew toys
and a pallet," Krauss said. "Sometimes
soothing music can add to the experience. I’ve found
it helps keep my dog calm. The important thing is to try
and make them feel as much at home as possible, even
though they’re not." Another important
consideration is if you’re planning any overnight
stays at a hotel.
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