Pets and holidays don’t always go together – and not only for the sake of the humans in the party. Let’s face it, your parakeet is probably going to feel a little nervous around your daughter-in-law’s Burmese, and if you’re visiting a relative with pristine furnishings, your pooch can quickly end up confined to the garage. So for the sake of your pet, it’s often best they don’t come along for the ride.
The problem, of course, is the remorse you feel at leaving home without them, and unfortunately, it seems to be a state our pets can read all too well. That’s why they are so adept at guilt tripping us about our decision to travel without them. From curling up on a pile of carefully ironed clothing in a suitcase, to sulking under a sofa, they have it down to an art.
If you don’t want to spend your break away pining after your pet, there are steps you can take to make yourself feel better. We’ve listed them below, and we have it on good authority they can work!
Take to technology
There are some animals happiest left home alone, with minders calling in to feed and pet them. If it makes you feel secure (and happier) to know what your pet is up to while you’re away, install a pet camera. These devices are usually activated by sound or movement, and feed back footage to your device. Whether or not the camera is capable of providing two-way interaction, this kind of technology can offer what some pet owners need to feel at ease. (When using a camera in your home, be sure to seek permission from your pet minder, and anyone else coming into your home, before you turn it on it.)
Routine requests
If you’re paying a pet minder, you shouldn’t feel uncomfortable asking them for routine updates, such as a morning text and /or photo of your pet. If it’s a neighbour who’s popping in, check before you leave if they are comfortable with you giving them a call (again, make it at a set time so you’re not bothering them unduly).
Surprise!
Animals enjoy novelty, and it’s OK to leave some new toys and treats for your pet to enjoy. Keep them well out of reach of your pet, but where you’re pet minder can access them. Pop a date on each item so you can imagine your pet’s enjoyment on the day they are to receive the gift.
Seek out animal owners
Enjoy other animals while you are without your own. Asking to pat a dog at a park will inevitably allow you to talk about your own pet – and it brings a feeling of being close to your pet again
Take photos with you
You will be surprised by how comforting it can be to have a few snaps of your pet on your phone or in your wallet. Looking at them can be a real stress-buster – and they are always great to show to others, too.
Shopping
Shopping is one of the pleasures of a holiday – and shopping for a gift to take home (or even post) to your pet is fun. Check out markets for handmade animal toys you may not have seen before!
Request a video call
Many pet owners feel so much more settled when they can have a face-to-face with their pets – and we think it’s a case of vice-versa! It’s so easy for a friend or pet sitter to pop their phone camera on video so you can talk to your pet, and because animals are so inquisitive, they’re likely to have their nose (or beak) right up against the screen
Relax
If you are leaving an especially anxious animal for a time, you may feel happier if you install a pet-relaxant dispenser in the house. The contents of the dispenser are automatically released on a timer into your home, and can act as a calming agent for your pet. Talk to your vet to see if they recommend one for your home.
Above all, when you’re away from your pet, remind yourself, leaving them behind is in their own best interests. And remember – they will still love you when you return (even if it takes them a day or two to forgive you!).