Regardless of your holiday plans, ensure your pet’s heath care is up to date.

Identification

• Ensure your pet has a microchip and/or identification tags

Parasites and general care

• Worm your pet with an all-wormer.
• Ensure heartworm prevention is current.
• Give a bath or flea treatment.
• Refill any ongoing medications (arthritis, anxiety, etc.).
• Get advice on paralysis tick prevention if going to tick-prone areas.
• Learn how to check for ticks and what to do if you find one.
• Locate the nearest vet at your destination.
• Be alert for snakes in summer.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations should be given at least 10 days before boarding for proper immunity.

• Dogs:
  • C5 vaccination for Canine Cough, Distemper, Parvovirus and Canine Hepatitis
  • C7 adds protection against Leptospirosis and Canine Coronavirus
• Cats:
  • F3 vaccination at a minimum
  • F4/F5 optional extras (Feline Leukaemia, Feline Chlamydia)

If you are intending to book your dog or cat into a boarding kennel, then ensure you do so months before. Many boarding kennels and catteries book out for the Christmas and Easter holidays months in advance.

Tips for choosing a boarding facility:

• Ask friends, neighbours, or your vet for recommendations
• Visit the kennel to see where your pet will be staying
• Ask about feeding routines, playtime, and how illness is handled.

Many folk will have a house sitter stay in their home when they are away. The pets often enjoy the new face and the small change in routine. Naturally, the house sitter needs to have good credentials, or enlist a friend or relative.

Ideal for:

• Fish (filters, water changes, feeding)
• Birds (daily care needed)
• Pets who like companionship.

Several organisations offer a home visit service for pets. With such services, the pets are left at home and the caregiver visits during the day to feed and exercise the pets. They will water your plants and also provide other services. For pets with the right temperament, this is a good alternative.

Good for pets who:

• Cope well alone
• Stick to a familiar environment.

Considerations:

Pets that are very attached to their owners may become stressed if left alone for long periods. A trusted neighbour can be a great alternative.

Leaving your pets with friends or relatives can work beautifully.

Before the holiday:

• Ensure the fencing is secure to prevent your pet escaping
• Arrange a few short visits before the holiday so your pet can become familiar with the home and garden.

An alternative to kennels, house sitters and relying on friends and neighbours is boarding your pet in the home of a pet lover. Companies such as  Don’t Fret Pet carefully select dog-loving families across major Australian cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra and Adelaide.