There are many people who won’t adopt pets because they love to travel. On the flip side, there are probably more who don’t travel out of the country because of how much they love their pets. There is an idea that a love for pets and world travel are incompatible. You can have one or the other but not both.
However, this does not have to be the case. While it’s unlikely you'll ever be able to travel the world with your pets, you can ensure they have the best possible time when you're away.
To help you understand how best to care for your pets, here is what you need to know.
Get pet insurance
One of the biggest concerns that pet owners have is that others won’t be as responsible for their pets’ health as they are. As a pet owner, you will do anything to keep your pet healthy and happy. Will a house sitter or the owner of the kennels do the same?
With pet insurance, you don’t have to worry about this. Whoever is taking care of your pet will happily visit the vet knowing that the expenses are taken care of. You can leave them with all the information they need to make the most efficient decision possible.
What Does Pet Health Insurance Cover? Pet insurance covers diagnostics, procedures, and medication in case of accidents or illnesses. Even if you are unavailable at a different timezone, your pet’s medical care will be handled.
Ask a family member to house sit
Your pet will miss you. That is unavoidable. But that does not mean they have to feel lonely or unsafe. The best possible option is that you ask someone your pet knows and loves to house sit.
Family members are the most likely candidates. They care for you and for your pet, so they will do their best to keep your pet happy. However, if your family members have children or have their own household to look after, they may not be able to drop everything to take care of your home.
Young family members tend to make good candidates, as they are happy to get some independence from their family homes. Young people also tend to be excellent with pets. Of course, you need to put some rules in place (and maybe ask a neighbor to keep an eye out) to ensure they don’t take the opportunity to host a raucous house party.
Hire a pro
There are people who advertise themselves as professional pet sitters. The problem is that not all of them truly care about pets and are just trying to do an honest job. However, you will know when you've found a true gem.
Professional pet sitters who love pets are best placed to take care of your pets if no one in your family can. They know how to care for pets, including keeping them fed and entertained. Your pets will fall in love with them and will even be sad to see them go.
You can generally tell a pet lover from someone more ambivalent. However, be sure to ask for references regardless.
Pet hotels
If you simply cannot find anyone to house-sit, the best option may be a pet hotel. Pet hotels (or kennels) provide residence to your pets while you are away. They take care of food, water, walking, and even socializing with other pets. They are also best placed to provide treatment to your pet if they get ill.
Do your due diligence by finding reviews of the pet hotel online and asking anyone you know who has used them before about their experiences. Also, be sure to ask the pet hotel about disease control. It is one of the biggest concerns about leaving your pet in a pet hotel, and they should have a ready, reassuring response.
Traveling the world when you have pets can be hard. You always have to take them into consideration when planning a new trip. However, that does not mean you should avoid getting pets. As long as you are committed to their well-being, you will find a way to keep them happy and healthy when you are away.