The vacation is booked, the bags are packed, and you are ready to walk out the door… but what about your pet?
Before heading out on that vacation, be sure you have a plan for your pet(s) while you are away. Who will be taking care of them? Who should be contacted if you aren’t reachable? Oh wait, how much do you feed them daily? These are all things to think about when planning a trip away from home.
Regardless of where you’re leaving your animal, whether that is in the care of family or friends, a veterinary hospital, boarding facility, or with a pet sitter, you should authorize someone you trust to act on your behalf in case of an emergency if you can’t be reached. Make sure that person is aware of your wishes regarding emergency treatment, including the uncomfortable topic of financial limits.
Below are some questions to ask yourself when making plans for your pet’s care while you are away:
- What does their daily routine look like?
- How many times a day do they get fed?
- Does your pet have any health concerns or conditions that could arise when you are away?
- I.e., is your dog a diabetic? Is the person watching them comfortable with administering it?
- What procedures/treatments are you comfortable with your pet receiving in the event they need to go to the vet?
- What procedures would you need to approve prior to them being performed?
- How will you arrange payment for emergency treatment?
- Will you reimburse the person caring for your pet, or will you leave an emergency fund in the event it is needed?
- Who can be contacted if you aren’t reachable?
To make the process easier, we have created a FREE Pet Sitter Info Sheet.