Pet Care For The Holidays

Yes, it's only early autumn, but it is not too soon to start thinking about holiday pet care.

Taking your pet along

Before you decide that you really want the pets along for the holidays, take time to think through the type of pet, the final destination and the mode of travel. Generally speaking, of course, dogs are better travelers than cats. But if you're off to spend the holidays with friends or relatives, you need to ask whether any humans with allergies or animals with attitudes will make your pet an unwelcome addition.

Northwest Airlines still allows cats, dogs and birds to travel with the owner on an airplane if they are small enough to fit in a carrier that will go under the seat. (Service animals of any size are allowed onboard without an additional charge.) If your pet is larger than about 10 pounds or is another species - ferret or rabbit, for example - the only option is to treat the pet as cargo or checked luggage. The Humane Society of the United States recommends against this practice "unless absolutely necessary."

According to the American Automobile Association, 12,000 hotels, motels and bed-and-breakfast inns in the U.S. allow companion animals. However, you may be charged an extra fee or booked into a smoking room. In almost all cases, the hotel won't allow animals left alone in the room, and they may ask you to leave if barking or meowing disturbs other guests.

Pet-sitting at home

Given all of those complications, you may well decide against taking pets along. If they aren't prone to separation anxiety and are in good health, a pet-sitter is an excellent option. Your pet will be in a familiar environment. Your pet-sitter can also take in your mail and make sure the furnace is running.

For relatively low-maintenance pets - healthy cats, especially - pet-sitting can be a perfect job for a neighborhood teen-ager. Ideally, you can find someone who has already met your pets, someone you trust and someone whose parents will be engaged in making sure the job gets done.

The problem is that your friends and neighbors may also have holiday plans. Or your pet may have special needs, like medications, that take more expertise. Check with your veterinarian to see whether there's anyone he or she recommends. Sometimes the practice's veterinary technicians do pet-sitting or house visits on the side. Or search for a certified pet-sitter through Petsitters International (www.petsit.com), the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (www.petsitters.org) or Professional Pet Sitters of Minnesota (www.petsittersmn.org). Set a time for an in-house visit. You'll find a good interview checklist at the Petsitters International website.

Boarding Kennels

A relationship with a quality kennel could be a plus if you are a pet owner who wants to travel regularly. If you live in an apartment, condominium or townhouse, boarding assures that your dog's barking won't disturb the neighbors while you are gone. At a kennel, your pet will be monitored closely and can even have the opportunity to socialize.

Boarding your pet also takes planning and lead-time. Today's facilities range from climate-controlled indoor suites with "doggie cams" to basic indoor/outdoor runs. Many boarding facilities now let you add a la carte playtime and exercise options.

Most kennels have a minimum age limit of four to six months. They'll require that your pet be spayed or neutered. The pet will need to be up to date on immunizations, including bordatella. Many kennels will only take animals that are well socialized and know basic obedience commands. An in-person interview with pet and owner may be required.

Combining Options

In some cases, a combination of the options is ideal. I often take my dog Sofie along, but have a pet-sitter look in on the cats. I once took Sofie on a trip to my mother's house, but boarded her for a couple of nights when Mother and I took an overnight trip (and had a pet-sitter looking after the cats - a pet care triple play!). You might be able to find a doggie day care at your destination, enabling you to have your pet with you in the evening while enjoying daytime activities that aren't pet-friendly.

In most cases, our pets are more flexible and accommodating than we give them credit for. Once you've done your planning and picked your option, move forward without worrying or second-guessing yourself - you'll be more relaxed and ready to be a loving pet owner when you get home.

Laura French is a freelance writer who lives in Roseville with three cats - Gracie, Tennessee Tuxedo and his pal Chumley, and Sofie, whose breed(s) will forever remain a mystery.