Attn: Pet Parents! Going on Vacay?

Summer is officially underway! And with that (hopefully) comes some R&R. However, not all adventures are conducive to the furry members of our families. Sometimes leaving a pet alone can be a bit daunting. Some pets are elderly and need more care than those in the prime of their lives; others suffer from medical conditions and require regular medication and observation; and some experience varying levels and forms of separation anxiety - this one goes for pets and their owners!

I sat down with Tricia Hatridge, part-time vet tech at VCA animal hospital and owner of local pet and house-sitting service, Trots with Trish, to get a download on what to consider before you take a trip – with or without our beloved pets.

Q. If you had one piece of advice for pet parents planning a vacation, what would it be?

A. Be prepared. Always have a backup pet sitter - or two.

Q. What would you say is the most common concern of pet parents and how do you combat it?

A. It usually centers around the general wellbeing of their pet – i.e. how is their comfort level, are they eating/drinking. I try to assure the owner that with my experience, nothing will go unnoticed. I will send pictures or updates of activities when I can. For instance, I often tell owners I'll touch base the first day to ease their worries and then send updates every other day or every few days depending on how long they are gone. Overall, I try to encourage owners to ENJOY their time away.

Q. Should you bring pets with you on vacation? Why/Why not? Are some pets (temperaments, breeds, species) easier to bring/better off leaving at home than others?

A. There are so many variables to this one, so yes and no. I find that small dogs are the easiest to travel with but that’s not to say big dogs (40lbs and up) add all that much more difficulty. For example, my chihuahuas are great traveling long distances (5+ hours), but my big dog gets restless after an hour or so in the car. That sad, it has gotten easier to travel with pets in the US (if you’re driving, that is). More and more hotels offer an option to bring your pets! But, owners should be aware that cost comes along with being able to bring a pet (cat or dog.) Most higher-end hotels have a dog walking or pet care available. There are states that have bans on certain breeds, too - so be sure to do your research. When I travel, I make sure there is water and food prepared and set aside for the days I'll be away. I have found most owners are aware if their pets get car sick, so be sure you always have appropriate medication in your cabinet.

Q. Is there a timeframe you should keep in mind when it comes to leaving your pet at home while you vacation?

A. I think it's based on your budget. I've had people only leave for a long weekend and I have clients that leave for a month or longer. If you are planning a long trip make sure your pet is comfortable with the sitter. Almost like family... If you're gone for a longer period (10+ days), I would recommend an in-home sitter or arrangement.

Q. How many visits a day would you recommend pet owners schedule for pet sitters while they are away - dogs, cats, etc?

A. This is really based on budget. Know what you can and can't afford.

For cats: This is really based on the owner. But if you've only scheduled a couple visits over a weekend, make sure the sitter has at least seen or interacted with the cat. And, that goes for any small pet - Guinea Pigs, Mice, etc.

Dogs: (If In-Home Pet Sitting isn't an option) I would recommend at least 4 visits each day you are gone. Some pet parents are okay with fewer visits but as a baseline, I recommend four daily.

Q. What should pet owners have on hand for pet sitters?

A. Everything! But seriously.

• Food
• Medications (ALL of them) - most vets are ok giving extra medications when they are aware of travel
• Bags (for trash and pet waste)
• Paper towels or rags with cleaner (you never know when an accident will happen!)
• Vacuum or something to clean up (nobody likes to see hair or cat litter upon coming home!)

Q. What should you do before leaving your pet for an extended period of time?

A. Make sure they have been to the veterinarian and are up-to-date on vaccinations. Always have contact information of where you (the owner) will be with exact times and flight numbers (if you’re that organized) and identify someone who is local that could make decisions in case of an emergency.

If you're comfortable with the sitter making decisions, leave a signed piece of paper giving authorization and a credit card or have one on file at the vet.

Also make sure any visitors are aware of the pet-sitter and vice versa. For example, I've had clients whose friends have come by to take the dog out in addition to my visits and walks for extra play and attention! If you do that, make sure everyone is comfortable with that arrangement.

Q. Should you tip your pet sitter?

A. It really depends on the quality and relationship of the pet sitter. You should always ask your sitter if they have a preference for payment timing - before or after the service, half up front and half upon return, or otherwise – and format – cash, check, PayPal, Venmo, etc.

Note: Hiring a pet sitter is a business transaction so if you cancel at the last minute - especially during times of high travel (Summer and major holidays) – and depending on the situation, it’s a good idea to consider partial payment, if not full.

So there you have it. And, if you have any other questions before heading out on vacation, you can always ask your vet for their best tips on ensuring your pets are left in the best possible situation so you - and they - can enjoy the vacation!