Holiday Boarding Tips for Senior Pets
The holidays are just around the corner which means for some of us - a chance for a getaway! Some holiday plans are perfect for our furry family members to join us on the adventure - like a trip that is closer to home and that you can get to by car. But some getaways aren’t ideal for our pal to come along for, which means you need to make plans for a holiday of their own.
If you live nearby loved ones, they may be able to help out by staying with your pet, or your pet could even have a stay at their house! But this isn’t an option for everyone, and you may find yourself needing to find boarding accomodation for your pal. Boarding can be a great solution to keep your pet safe and looked after while you’re away.
However, there are some important things to think about before you jet off to make sure the experience is as enjoyable as possible for your pet. It can be daunting to go to a new environment after all - and this rings even more true if you’re looking for a holiday home for your senior pet!
So let’s get into it…
Choosing a kennel or cattery
Senior pets can struggle to keep up with younger pets, and often have different needs, so it’s important to choose a cattery or kennel that will offer a kinder environment to an ageing pal. An older pet can feel more uneasy about letting their guard down, so while a busy kennel with limited quiet spaces might be heaven for a younger, social and playful pet, it could be something you steer clear of for your older pet .
We suggest checking out the kennel or cattery beforehand, even once on your own and once with your pet, so you can get a good feel for the space, and start to familiarise them with the new environment.
When you’re checking out the space, here’s some things to keep in mind:
- Accessibility - a kennel or cattery that has single-level access and carpeted ramps will help your older pet comfortably move around.
- Private and quiet spaces - well-lit, well-ventilated and spacious boarding will make sure your pal has a relaxing stay. Ideally the boarding would also have some breakout spaces where your pet can take quiet time away when they need it.
- Supportive bedding - while you can bring items to help with this, a set-up that supports your pet and any of their aches and pains will make for a more pleasant pet holiday.
Packing their bag
We can all relate to the feeling of being a bit overwhelmed when you’re in a new environment, particularly if you don’t see any familiar faces! Senior pets are no exception and can often experience separation anxiety when they’re away from home and their family. By making sure their time at the kennel or cattery still has some of their favourite things, this will help them settle into a new location, and find some comfort. Here’s what would be top of our packing list:
- Toys: Packing some of their favourite toys will not only remind them of home, but also keep your pet stimulated and engaged throughout their stay.
- Mementos: One of the ways to help relax your pet is to give them items that smell like you and your home! Try giving them a blanket or soft item that smells like you, especially if they are used to cuddles during the night.
- Medications or supplements: not as fun as the other things on the packing list, but arguably even more important! As your pet ages, it’s likely they have more medications and supplements to keep them happy and healthy. Make sure that they have enough supplies to last them the length of their stay, and that the medicine is clearly labelled so that those looking after your pet can make sure they’re all sorted.
Keeping them calm on the day
Your pet’s routine and mood in the lead up to the day of the boarding holiday can make the world of difference. This can be huge in setting the tone for how your pet settles into their home away from home. Here’s some ideas:
- Exercise in the morning: If your pet is able, doing some gentle exercise can be a great way to get out some anxious energy and put your pet in a good mood. You may notice that your pal is already a bit on edge if they’ve been noticing you packing bags and getting ready to leave on holiday. So, taking them for a walk or playing with them calmly in the morning can be a simple way to keep their mind happy and put them in good spirits.
- Keep the goodbye short and sweet: We know it can be all too tempting to cuddle your pal and spend that little bit of extra time with them when you’re dropping them off at the boarding accomodation. But this can sometimes have the opposite effect of raising alarm bells that there is something different happening and they have a reason to be on guard.
- Anti-anxiety products: We suggest trying these out before your pet arrives at the kennel or cattery to see how your pal responds to them. But there are lots of products out there that are specially designed to help calm anxious pets. Sprays, collars, chews and treats can be a great way to naturally calm your pet before their stay, like these Dr Chris Brown approved anti-anxiety treats.
All of our pets can find it overwhelming to be away from home and in a brand new environment, and this can be heightened as your pet becomes older and needs even more support. But, if you find the right kennel or cattery for your pal, they can have such a lovely time in a different space, with different pets - you may be pleasantly surprised by how much they enjoy it!
