Holiday Pet Care On A Budget

We are a nation of animal lovers. Dogs, cats, budgies, llamas… most families now house a pet or two. From fish to snakes, hamsters to Great Danes, we adore our pets. They are treated as members of the family – or better sometimes! So when we choose to jet off to warmer climes for a well deserved break, the decision to leave our beloved pets behind is not made lightly. We need to know they are being taken care of. Their cute quirks catered for and quite frankly, that they’re being positively spoilt! Yet, the cost of a holiday combined with luxury pet hotel accommodation can be daunting. So what options do those on a budget have for holiday pet care?

Size Matters

Obviously, it does depend on the type of pet you have. A goldfish will require minimal care – perhaps a friendly neighbour to pop in once in a while, drop in a few flakes of food and check they are still alive! Small furry bundles like hamsters, gerbils and rabbits can be relocated to a willing family member or neighbour for a ‘petcation’. Alternatively, a (reliable) acquaintance can pop round daily to do a water and food change. They could even water the plants while they’re there!

Cats are also usually pretty straightforward. They can stay in your home, so long as there is a cat flap for toileting and nocturnal hunting opportunities. Replacing their food and water daily, as well as a little cuddle (resulting in your black work trousers getting covered in cat hair!) usually does the trick. In terms of cost, a tin of fudge or similar regional sweet treat with an appropriately tacky holiday greeting attached or a bottle of plonk will usually be largely appreciated.

Pack The Pooch

If you have a slightly larger fur-baby, such as a dog, your choices may differ. If your pooch is well behaved and doesn’t chew the legs off the furniture or bark into the early hours, you may choose to take him with you if you are staycationing. This may limit your options in terms of destination and accommodation, but could work out well. If you are happy walking and exploring while away, this may well be the best course of action. Just check ahead to locate the pet-friendly pubs and attractions – planning is key!

Home Visits

A registered dog walker is another alternative. Your beloved Rover gets to stay in his home environment and a registered, insured, well-reviewed dog walker can pop in once or twice a day to give him exercise and play time. This is a slightly more expensive option, but if Rover is a home boy and doesn’t like being away from home, this could be worth the extra cost.

Home From Home

One step up from this could be a pet sitter. Your chosen sitter will live in your home while you’re away, providing 24 hour care. You will obviously need to thoroughly check your chosen carer, ensuring their references are better than Mary Poppins’. However, if you are happy with someone staying in your home and your pet needs that reassurance, this could work. This does work out a little more costly, but does peace of mind have a price??

Alternatively, your dog could have its own holiday and take up residence in a registered dog minder‘s home. Ask around, check reviews and request an introductory session. Ensure you visit their home to ensure your pooch is happy with his carer and that the accommodation is suitable. This way, your cherished pet will stay in a loving home environment and you can holiday, rest assured that your pet is having as good a time as you are!

No Expense Spared

The last and most expensive option is a kennel or cattery. The cost and variety of places available is vast. From the standard boarding kennel, to luxury catteries that would rival the Ritz. Reviews and word of mouth are priceless, so do your research and pay a visit to check out the facilities. Ask questions – how your pet is exercised and how much social contact they get. If your precious animal has any medical or dietary issues, ensure they will be catered for. You don’t want to return from a restful break to a poorly pooch.

There is an option and a budget for everyone. Obviously, if your ‘pet’ is a goat or pony, then you may need to explore different avenues! However, get researching so that while you’re away, you can relax, safe in the knowledge that your pet is having almost as a good a time as you are! Bring on the cocktails!!