Finally, vacation time! But what about your beloved pet? Whether a dog or a cat – your loyal companions are an important part of your family. We show you how to ensure that your pet feels comfortable and safe even during your absence.
Vacation without your dog or cat – how they can be well cared for
What pet owner doesn't know this – the farewell from their dog or cat on the day of departure for vacation is incredibly difficult. If you know your darling is in good hands, you can go on vacation with peace of mind. Here are our tips on how your pet will definitely feel comfortable in your absence:
Boarding your pet with trusted people
Many pet owners have the option of boarding their dog with trusted people, such as relatives, friends, family, or pet sitters, during their vacation. Those who do not have this option often look for a place for their dog in a well-run dog kennel.
For cats, boarding during vacation time is much more difficult. Especially since, as outdoor cats, they want to stay in their familiar environment. For the cat to stay at home, installing a cat flap pays off especially. The petWALK pet door not only provides sufficient outdoor access for your cat but also ensures familiar routines and the usual feel-good atmosphere.
What alternatives are there to care by relatives or in a dog kennel?
If a pet door is available, your cat will surely be especially happy about being looked after by a kind neighbor. Home is where the heart is!
However, there are also dedicated pet sitters who come to your home and take care of your pet. Depending on the agreement, their tasks include feeding, cleaning, playing, etc. For dogs, walking or care at the pet sitter's home is often also offered.
You should carefully check whom you entrust your darling to. Above all, the chemistry between human and animal must be right. You should also find out what experience the pet sitter has, how long they have been offering their services? How do they interact with the animal? Is the animal seen as an individual and are special needs addressed? What additional tasks should be performed (playdates, vet visits, administering medication, etc.)? How much time should the pet sitter invest? Do they have appropriate professional liability insurance?
Leaving your pet in a familiar environment during vacation
As they say, there's no place like home – this is especially true for cats, but anxious dogs also feel most comfortable in a familiar environment. With its own petWALK pet door, staying at home is easy and, above all, safe for your cat, but also for your dog with good care.
Prepare your home so that the pet sitter finds everything, and your pets have many opportunities for activity available. Activity options can be toys or chew items but also intelligence games are an interesting pastime. If different entry and exit times should apply to your pet, change the settings on the pet door before you leave so that your pets can slowly get used to the new rules.
For outdoor cats, as well as for dogs that stay with a pet sitter, access to the garden is of course very important. There they can follow scent trails, relieve themselves, and pass the time observing their surroundings. Write a short guide on how to operate the petWALK pet door and provide the password for the app
Maintaining familiar routines during your absence
Have you found the optimal vacation replacement? Then take every opportunity for your darling and the pet sitter to become familiar with each other.
Please note that dogs should never be left alone for more than 6 hours, and even then, only if they have been trained. With the petWALK dog door, your four-legged friend can go outside at any time or at regulated times, which you determine in advance, between walks. Instruct your pet sitter on how to use the petWALK door and explain the pre-set rules. Once your pet is used to its independent freedom, it won't want to be without it! 😉
Additionally, provide the sitter with the following information about your darling:
- What peculiarities does your pet have (for example, fear of other people or animals, certain spots where it doesn't like to be touched, ...).
- Are there fixed rules for the animal (not allowed on the sofa or similar).
- Are there fixed rituals such as playtime in the morning, food in the afternoon, or a nap at 2 p.m.
- What are the signals/commands the dog knows?
- When does it get food and how much, what treats are allowed.
- Does it have intolerances or allergies, how should the sitter act in case of an accident?
- At what times is your dog or cat allowed outside, or when must it stay inside?
- Give the sitter the remote control or access to the app for your petWALK pet door.
Michaela Strohmayer
The recommendations come from Michaela Strohmayer, a dog trainer with animal welfare qualifications and a state-appointed therapy dog examiner.
If you are looking for someone with experience and the right skills to turn you and your dog into a true team, then visit her website: https://www.wuffit.at/.
