Holiday care for pets – what are the options?

You might be wondering ‘who can look after my dog when I go on holiday’ or ‘how long can I leave my guinea pigs alone’. Well, don’t worry, as in this blog from Burgess Pet Care, we’ll explain all the things you should be doing before you leave your beloved small animals and head on your holiday! 

Let’s explore the options… 

Essential Do’s and Don’ts before you head away  

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of your holiday pet care options, we’d recommend following these essential Do’s and Don’ts:

• DO go by recommendations from other pet-owning friends
• DO visit or meet your pet sitter before you book your pet in
• DO make sure your pets are microchipped and have all the correct vaccinations 
• DO think carefully about what will suit your pet best. A healthy, confident dog will likely cope in a well-run boarding kennel, but an elderly or anxious pet may prefer to stay in familiar surroundings
• DO arrange a short ‘test-run’ visit prior to a longer stay so that your pet is familiar with the place and people looking after them 
• DON’T pick a kennel, cattery or a pet sitter randomly from the internet 
• DON’T leave booking until the last minute. The best establishments and pet sitters can quickly run out of places 

Which pets can be left alone? 

First and foremost, it might be beneficial to understand exactly which pets can be left alone and which ones will need a pet sitter when you’re off on your holidays. Generally, most pets will benefit from some form of human interaction and companionship, and leaving them completely alone could lead to stress and other health conditions. However, some pets, such as guinea pigs and hamsters, are more independent than others and can manage a little bit better with less direct human contact, provided that proper arrangements are still made. 

Leaving a pet for any longer than overnight is not recommended. All animals should be checked at least once daily, and more regularly is necessary to check for any signs of pain, injury, disease, or abnormal behaviour. More vulnerable pets should also be checked more frequently or handed over to a pet sitter. 

Some pets that might be okay for short periods, such as an overnight trip with ample food, water, and a check-in, include: 

Hamsters - These furry friends are independent and generally happy in their cages. You should leave them with plenty of food, fresh water, and toys or a wheel if you’re going to be gone for one night.. For longer trips, a pet sitter is highly recommended! 

Mice and rats - Similar to hamsters, these rodents can manage for short periods with adequate rat food and fresh water. Rats, in particular, do best in pairs or groups and can get quite lonely on their own. 

Guinea pigs - Guinea pigs are social small animals and thrive on companionship, so leaving them alone for long periods isn’t ideal. A common question is ‘how long can I leave my guinea pigs alone’, and the answer is, not long at all! If you’re going on a very short trip, then ensure they have enough guinea pig hay, guinea pig nuggets, and fresh water. 

Signs your pet has separation anxiety 

Some pets can struggle when you spend time away from them, and this is more common than you may think. In fact, RSPCA figures estimate that 85% of dogs struggle with the condition - that’s around 7 million in the UK. Here are some common signs to look out for: 

• Excessive vocalisation, such as howling, whining, or crying
• Destructive behaviour, like chewing or digging
• Escaping or attempting to escape 
• Pacing or restlessness 
• Excessive drooling or panting
• Refusing to eat meals 

A key indicator of pet anxiety is that these behaviours only occur when your pet is left alone. If these behaviours happen when you, their owner, are present, then it’s likely due to other issues and you should consult your veterinarian. 

How to prepare your pet for their time away from you 

If you or your pet sitter has noticed some of the signs above, then it may mean your pet is suffering from separation anxiety. Here are some tips you can follow to ensure your pet feels as comfortable and cared for when spending time away from you. 

• Medication - If your pet has to take regular medication, make sure you have enough to cover the time you’ll be away. Speak to the person who is looking after your pet and leave written instructions for them to follow. They’ll need to know exactly what medication to give and when. 

• Contact details - Make sure that the person looking after your pet has your vet’s contact details in case of an emergency. They’ll also need your contact details while you’re away. Find out what their protocol is if they can’t reach you and need to take your pet to a vet, and make sure this fits in with your wishes.

• Food and exercise - Ensure you’re leaving enough of your pet’s favourite Burgess pet food to cover the time you’ll be away. Leave written instructions about how much food should be given and when, and how much exercise your pet usually gets. 

• Toys, blankets, and bedding - Favourite toys and blankets which smell of home can help your pet to settle into their temporary space. For rabbits and small animals, small animal bedding, like unsoiled nesting material, will help them feel comfortable in an unfamiliar place. 

• The short goodbye - Try not to show negative emotions when you leave your pet. They can pick up on this, and it can lead them to feel anxious. Avoid unnecessary eye contact and conversation, and make goodbyes short, sweet, and fuss-free. 

• When you get home - Make sure you’re calm! Reuniting with your pet should be a happy moment, but not too exuberant, to minimise stress. Some animals exhibit different behaviour after arriving home, such as unexplained marking of territory, being quieter than usual for a couple of days, or even ignoring you! Don’t make a fuss but allow your pet to re-adjust to their home environment in their own time, gently easing them back into their normal daily routine.

Who can look after my dog when I go on holiday? 

Kennels are a very common place for your pooch to go when you’re off on holiday. Some establishments may advertise their kennels as ‘pet hotels’ and offer luxurious extras such as an individual room for your pet and comfy bedding. 

The important thing is to visit potential places in person before you book your pet in. Veterinary charity PDSA advises:

“Don’t rely on websites and ask friends or your vet for recommendations. Make sure to check the business you are using is licensed by the local council too and in England check the ‘star rating’ on the local authority's Animal Welfare Licence  – we recommend looking for a five-star rating.”

Similarly, you might be looking for kennels or a place to stay for your cat. When choosing a cattery, as well as ensuring it’s a place that your feline friend will be well cared for by fellow cat lovers, there are some practical things to look out for, too. Cats Protection recommends checking that cats can't escape – double doors or a 'safety corridor' prevent escape artists from doing a disappearing act – as well as ensuring that your cat will be kept separately from other feline guests and there’s space between the pens so cats can't go nose-to-nose with each other.

Cat Protection advises: “All cats differ, but the home-bods or more nervous ones likely prefer to stay where they are less stressed – at home. In these circumstances, a reliable home sitter is probably the best option for your four-legged friend.”

And, if you’re the owner of a small furry pet, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, this may take a little bit more research. Your vet might be able to offer some suggestions, or it might be easiest to ask a friend or someone you trust to pop round and see to their needs. Some local rescues offer holiday boarding, such as Rabbit Residence Rescue, based near Royston, Hertfordshire, which has a range of holiday accommodation options suitable for outdoor and indoor rabbits, buns with mobility issues and guinea pigs too.

Trust Burgess to look after your beloved pets 

Hopefully, this guide has given you some holiday pet care tips that you can use the next time you jet off on holiday. Remember, the best holiday care depends on your pet's unique personality, needs, and your peace of mind. And, no matter what option you choose, ensure that your pet’s routine and diet are clearly communicated! 

Ensure your furry friend enjoys their own stress-free holiday in the same way that you want to enjoy yours. Got any questions or need more info? Then please get in touch! The health and happiness of your pets is our number one goal, and our expert team is always on standby to answer any queries you may have. 

You might also like…  

• Watch out for these springtime hazards
• The time to neuter your cat is now  
• Rabbits and guinea pigs - is indoors or outdoors best? 
• 7 top tips for creating a pet-safe garden 

Did you know that we have a Burgess Pet Club? Whether you have a dog, cat, rabbit, hamster, rat, or any small furry companion, we’d love to have you on board!