Holiday Travel: What to Do with Pets

Holiday travel can allow you to share special moments with friends and family you don’t often see—or just otherwise give you a chance to unwind from your normal routine. However, apartment pet owners are typically left with the dilemma of enjoying themselves while providing comfortable and affordable arrangements for their pets while they’re gone.

Kennel Pets

One of the most convenient methods of making sure your pets are cared for during holiday travel is to kennel your pets—although this is also likely the most expensive and the most potentially uncomfortable for your pets. Kennels specialize in round-the-clock care for your pets, making sure they’re fed, exercised and given sufficient attention while you’re away. Most kennels specialize in dog care, but there are some kennels that take cats and other pets as well.

Many dogs take well to being kenneled because they love the attention. However, less friendly dogs or dogs with severe separation anxiety can be unhappy when they’re both away from you and the apartment they call home. Cats and other animals tend to be less adaptive when it comes to staying in a new environment with other animals.

Have a Friend Take Care of the Pets

You can ask a friend to stop by your apartment at least once a day to give your pet food, care and attention. Depending on the pet and your friend’s schedule, she may not have to stop by every day, either. Cats, for example, can usually fend for themselves and ration sufficient amounts of food they’re left with for two to three days at a time. Dogs, on the other hand, will need someone to take them outside every day.

Another option for having your pets taken care of during holiday travel is to ask a local friend or family member to take your pets to her home. This will likely be a more convenient option for your friend than having her stop by your apartment if she doesn’t live immediately nearby. However, your pet may be a little more traumatized to be away from her home environment. On the other hand, some pets, particularly dogs, would prefer to be with people than stay alone at your apartment.

Knowing your pet’s temperament can help you determine whether or not this is an ideal option.

Have a Friend Apartment-Sit

You can also ask a local friend or family member to move into your apartment while you’re away on holiday travel. This will be less traumatizing for your pets and potentially more convenient for your friend. It may cost you less to pay your friend for her services if you’re offering a free stay (heat, food and utilities included) at your apartment, too.

Take the Pets with You

Depending on where you’re going and how you’re getting there, taking your pets along on holiday travel may be an option you have as well. Some pets do well on car trips and in new environments if their owners are along with them. Others do not. For example, friendly dogs may do well, but cats are less likely to enjoy the trip.