What do you do with your pets while on vacation?

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   cat on a soapboxposted 12 years ago

   What do you do with your pets while on vacation?
   
   Do you prefer round the clock care, or are you okay with a daily check-in?

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   sheilamyersposted 12 years ago

   Since I cats, I feel they're independent enough not to need constant supervision. Usually I can have a friend or family member check on them once a day. This is especially true during the summer. The caretaker makes sure they have water and food, cleans the litter box, and gives them a little "lovin" before heading home. I also have an aquarium, but they really don't have to check it. I drop in enough self-feeders (time released food) for the time I'll be gone.

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      cat on a soapboxposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Cats are indeed independent, and more than one keeps the other from getting bored or lonely. A trustworthy pet sitter is the best since cats don't like changes too much.

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   duffsmomposted 12 years ago

   Well quite frankly we don't go on vacation because of our dogs. They are such an integral part of our family that we wouldn't enjoy a vacation without them.

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      cat on a soapboxposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I understand your dilemma. We have a very good boarding facility that our dog loves. The staff has been the same for 10 years or more. There are so many hotels that accept pets now. Check it out.  Perhaps this is a good option for you.

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   Melissa A Smithposted 12 years ago

   Our dog always comes with us. My spotted genet stays at home with an automatic feeder. He can't be boarded because people are not familiar with these animals and he stresses extremely easily in new situations. I put a camera so I can watch what happens but there is no person I can ask to do anything for him.

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      cat on a soapboxposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I guess exotic pets present kind of a challenge. What do you do if you see something on camera when you are away? I'd feel helpless!

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   lburmasterposted 12 years ago

   Pay my sister or mother to check their food and water once a day. The turtle has to be fed once a day. And even that is a stretch. I actually feed him twice a day so he's grumpy when I come home but still healthy.

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      cat on a soapboxposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      It's nice that you have family close by to check on your home and pets. What kind of turtle do you have, and how can you tell if he's grumpy?

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      lburmasterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      He tries to bite me more I'm not exactly sure what kind he is. My sister let me have him because she wasn't caring for him properly. I just know that I need to clean his tank once a week or there will be a build up of salmonella.

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      cat on a soapboxposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      maybe you have a red-eared slider- they can be aggressive as you've described. We had a desert box turtle cruise up the driveway a few years back and kept it in a large outdoor pen for a few days until we could find it a good home.

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   JayeWisdomposted 12 years ago

   I'm with duffsmom!  I can't remember the last "real" vacation I had, but I don't want to leave my dog longer than 2-3 hours max. I am not confident that anyone would take care of her as well as I do. Since she and I are both aging, we're homebodies, anyway, so it's a moot point. I traveled a lot when younger, and now I travel vicariously through reading and watching movies and TV shows set in foreign locations. Besides, I'm retired from my "real" career, so any schedule is of my own making. I'm no longer slave to a clock, a corporation or someone else's business plan. That's a vacation!
   
   Jaye

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      cat on a soapboxposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      As I mentioned to Duffsmom, check out the pet friendly accomodations and travel sites for those who hate to leave their 4 legged babies behind. You are not alone!

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   BahamasFinderposted 12 years ago

   When we go away we either have a friend or house sitter stay at our house and watch the dogs, or we have a great doggie day care (kennel) that we use. If you are going away it can be stressful enough to get everything together and planned, then packed and off with out any trouble. Take the time to check out local kennels before your trip. If you find a good kennel that you like, see if they will allow you to bring your dog by for a visit a time or two before your trip. This can be a simple trip there to have a cup of ice tea and a dog treat, or an hour walking around the grounds to get your dog used to all the smells or other dogs around. This will make the stress about leaving behind your additional family member a whole lot easier, and it will make the dogs less stressed about visiting a new place.  A great kennel can make all the difference in the world. There are usually kennels located across the us, so if you can't find a local one, then ask you local vet or human society for their recommendation.

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      cat on a soapboxposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I'm with you! Having a good kennel with round the clock care brings peace of mind so you can enjoy your vacation! Thanks for the comment.

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   MysticMoonlightposted 12 years ago

   I have a wonderful pet-sitter! Luckily a vet-tech from our local vet's office does pet-sitting at their home. I prefer round the clock care when we are out of town. It is wonderful peace of mind

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      BahamasFinderposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      That is a great thing to have. Yes round the clock personal care for your pet's is always the best!

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      cat on a soapboxposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I couldn't agree more!

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