The planning involved in going on holiday should be an enjoyable experience. For pet owners, though, it can quickly become a logistical nightmare. Who is going to take care of the pets? What happens if something goes wrong? Will they cope without their normal routine? These are all things that transform the joy of planning a trip into a stressful experience, especially if it is left to the last minute. The only thing that separates a stress-free travel experience from one filled with anxiety is how early the owner starts and how thoroughly they do the arrangements.
Why Booking In Advance Really Makes A Difference
Nobody realizes just how far in advance good pet care facilities are booked out. School holidays, Christmas and Easter get filled up months in advance even in the best cat kennels have to offer. Leaving arrangements until a few weeks before the trip usually means having to accept whatever is available instead of finding the best option for your pet.
This is most relevant for cat owners who generally do not cope well with boarding in unfamiliar environments compared to dogs. Finding facilities with the standard of cat boarding Perth has to offer or similar standards anywhere in the world takes time to research, find, visit and book. Leaving this until departure dates are looming means either settling for something of lower quality than preferable or having to scramble to find last-minute alternatives.
Booking in advance also allows time to sort out any requirements that need to be fulfilled. Vaccination records might need updating, as might health assessments. These take time to sort out. Getting all this done at the last minute is nothing short of a nightmare.
Sorting Out Health Requirements In Time
Vaccination records that are up to date and sometimes even recent health assessments are standard requirements for boarding facilities. They are not requirements that will get waved regardless of how desperate the owner might be. They ensure all animals boarding at these facilities are healthy when they arrive. Often boarding facilities will not even allow pickup or drop off if these requirements are not met.
Most people do not realize how long and complicated this process can be. Most vaccination requirements require booster shots that take specific timeframes to become effective. Additionally, any underlying health problems identified during a routine health examination also need time to be treated before boarding is even an option.
Owners also need to arrange to collect any medical records from their vet. All these things take time. Early planning ensures none of this must be handled at the last minute. It would also be wise for the owner to call the facility they intend on using well before departure date. This allows them to get clarity on what their specific requirements are instead of wasting time with unnecessary preparations while missing required documents or procedures.
Preparation That Makes Drop Off Smoother
There are many preparation steps that will make dropping off for boarding smoother. The owner needs to get their pets familiar with any travel containers they use long before drop-off day. Getting stressed out on the day when the animal shows signs of not wanting to get in is not pleasant.
Preparation means leaving clear instructions regarding feeding. Spending time packing something familiar for the animal that smells like home can help them relax faster after being dropped off. This is especially true for cats who generally cope better when their routine is followed as closely as possible. Knowing feeding habits, favorite food, and quirks regarding bathroom behaviors helps make boarding more pleasant for the cats.
It is also essential to provide as much information as possible instead of leaving the facility staff guessing. Asking questions like “does it try to run when they notice their traveling box?” Helps staff deal with stressed animals when they drop them off way more effectively.
Trial runs are another preparation step that helps immensely. Boarding an animal overnight well before departure can go a long way in calming any nerves and helping the pet get used to the environment long before they leave.
Planning Some Wiggle Room
Travel plans can change. Flights get delayed, the weather causes problems, or car trouble strikes. Missing pick ups and drop offs can be avoided by ensuring enough time is built into travel plans both before and after boarding.
Most boarding facilities will adapt if pickup or drop off times change slightly, but it always helps when there is already some wiggle room in the travel arrangements. Booking an extra day both before and after returning from a holiday adds a small expense but removes a massive amount of stress if a delay occurs during transit.
Many pet owners forget about the impact adjusting times can have on boarding animals. Not rushing back after a long journey home is far better than trying to collect an animal moments after landing back at home country by building an extra buffer day into plans.
Normal Routine Considerations
Every boarding facility needs emergency contacts, but it is shocking how many people only provide their phone number. This might not be accessible if they travel overseas during their holiday. Providing landline and cellphone numbers with different area codes for emergencies might also not work in certain situations.
Pet owners should ensure they have multiple contact numbers arranged just in case something goes wrong. These arrangements can include providing the regular veterinarian’s contact details, a friend or family member located near the pet boarding facility, and even provide alternative emergency contact details overseas.
Understanding all their requirements also includes filling them in with as much of the pet’s previous health history as possible. Planning can ensure these contacts do not need to come into play, but it provides peace of mind for pet owners just in case.
Planning That Means Less Worrying On Holiday
Good planning ensures animals get proper care when owners go on holiday. It does not mean worrying about logistics once they arrive at their destinations. All that planning early in the year means relaxing and enjoying the holiday instead of spending every moment worrying about their beloved pets left behind.
Pets cope better when they have been properly accommodated with excellent arrangements awaiting them upon arrival at their boarding facilities instead of stressing out their owners constantly throughout their holiday with concerns about their well-being.