When planning your vacation it will be necessary to decide on your pet’s care and whether to leave your pet or take them along. Your pet’s personality and the length and distance of your trip are important considerations in making this decision.

Leaving your pet behind
Boarding your pet or hiring a pet sitter are options if you decided to leave your pet behind. In either case, here are some general tips:

• Ask Dr. Rush for recommended boarding facilities or pet sitters. (Actually several of the assistants here at South Grand Veterinary Clinic provide House sitting for many of our clients.)
• If boarding, visit the facility to meet the people and to check the safety and cleanliness of the operation.
• Most boarding facilities require bordatella bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough), the (5 in 1) Distemper, adeno, parainfluenza, parvo, corona and rabies to be current. One thing boarding facilities don’t require is for boarders to be current on deworming!! What better place is there to share and spread intestinal parasites. If our patients and your pets are not on a regular deworming schedule, then it would be a very good idea to deworm anyone coming home from a boarding facility. We definitely don’t want them sharing those parasites with us!!
• Make reservations well in advance of your trip. Many facilities book/fill up early, especially over holiday periods. Be sure your pet is current on all vaccinations and dewormings.
• If your pet is on medication, be sure to leave an ample supply and clear, complete instructions.
• Leave explicit instructions on feeding and an adequate supply of their regular food. If leaving pet with a sitter, discuss your pet’s exercise routine.
• Be sure your pet wears a collar with identification tags. Cats should have special safety collars with quick releases.
• Be sure to leave a number where you can be reached.

Taking your pet along

• Call ahead to be sure your pet will be welcome at the hotels, motels, homes or parks where you will be staying.
• Be sure your pet has all required vaccinations and a current health certificate. Take along his medical records.
• Be sure your pet has a collar with an identification tag with your name and telephone number (including area code). Keep your pet confined in a cage/crate or on a leash at all times.
• Take along your pet’s regular food, any special medications, supply of water and, if space is available, his bedding and favorite toy. If traveling in a vehicle with your pet, it is safest for you and your pet to keep him/her confined to a carrier. Never let your pet ride with his head out the window or in the back of a truck.
• Remember to apply flea and tick protection before leaving. Come by and we can apply a preventative for you.