Wait—Don’t Leave Home Without Completing This Pet Parent Travel Checklist

Update Your Pet's Records

Before leaving town, ensure your pet's healthy by getting them a pre-vacation check-up, update any vaccines that may be overdue or coming due while you're out of town, have their microchip scanned to confirm it is working and your current contact information is listed in the registration, and refill all medications they will need in your absence. This may include medications or supplements for anxiety or probiotics if your pet tends to develop GI upset due to stress.

Additionally, make sure your pet's ID tags are readable and not too worn and list the names, phone numbers, and addresses of your regular and emergency vets.

Book Care Arrangements

When it comes to who cares for your pets while you're out of town, you've got options. You can either book an in-home pet sitter or take your pet to a boarding facility.

Whichever option you choose, though, be sure to ask the caregiver a few key questions. Confirm their experience in caring for your specific species of pets, ask about their availability and pricing and what is or is not included in their fee, and what the protocol is if your pet were to require medical attention.

If a friend or family member isn't the one watching your pets, also ask your prospective sitter they are insured or bonded, know pet CPR, and if they can provide references from previous clients to vouch for their character and abilities.

Gather Necessary Supplies

If your pet is being boarded, don't forget to pack their favorite toys, treats, bed, dishes, leash, and printed instructions with anything specific the caretaker should know. Finally, double check that your pet has enough food and medications for each day that you are gone.

If a pet sitter is coming to your home to care for your pet, you won't have to pack up all of your pet's things like you would if you were boarding your pet. However, it may still be helpful to organize their food and medications for each meal, especially if your pet has specific needs or routines.

Prepare Your Home

If your pet is being watched in your home, you'll want to take some basic safety measures:

• Consider blocking off specific rooms or steps and make sure all window and door locks are in working order.
• Have spare keys made and test them before giving one to your pet sitter and if possible, one to a neighbor in case the pet sitter loses the key. If you have a digital keypad or a remote for your entry or garage door, make sure the batteries have been recently replaced.
• Consider installing cameras to be able to check in on your pets as well as people coming and going from your home.
• Make sure your thermostat is appropriately set for the anticipated weather so your pets will be comfortable in your absence.
• Finally, consider plugging in a pheromone diffuser to help your pet stay calm while you're gone and if they are going to a boarding facility, you can also spray their bed and toys with pheromones to aid in their comfort.
  

Leave On a Positive Note

By now, you should have everything ready for your pet. Before you go, take a few minutes to ensure everything (and everyone) is all set.

• If your pet is staying home, confirm with your pet sitter what time they'll be coming over, or if your pet will be boarding somewhere, head to the boarding facility with plenty of time to spare.
• If your pet gets stressed when you leave, now is the time to give them some of the antianxiety medication your vet gave you during the pre-vacation check-up.
• A little extra attention and treats can help reduce stress when you say goodbye to your pet.