You may be packed and ready for your March Break vacation, but have you considered your pets?
Whether leaving your pet with a friend or with a professional service, the Renfrew County branch of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society says to work out the details before you go.
The group says to be sure to ask your petsitter about their training and if they have insurance. Ask for references and talk to past clients to see if you’re a good fit.
Same for a boarding facility: get a recommendation from friends, your vet, or your dog’s trainer. Also, pay attention to whether it looks and smells clean and comfortable, and ask about protocols like feeding schedules, exercise, and wellness checks.
Whether leaving your pet with a friend or with a professional service, the Renfrew County branch of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society says to work out the details before you go.
Always have a written contract spelling out service and fees, and make sure you tell the caregiver about your animal’s likes, dislikes, fears, habits, medical conditions, medications, and routines. The SPCA also says to outline feeding and care instructions and leave contacts for your vet and emergency contracts in case you can’t be reached.
Also, safeguarding your pets wellbeing by making sure their vaccinations and microchip addresses are up-to-date could save you some major worries while you’re away from each other.
They also suggest microchipping your pet if you haven’t already, calling it a simple and effective way to make sure you are reunited if they become lost, and adding that right before you leave would be a good time to consider pet insurance to cover unforeseen vet bills.
You can see a complete breakdown of ways to keep your pet happy and healthy while you travel on the Ontario SPCA’s website.
(written by Kasey Egan)
