Traveling Without Your Pet? Advice for Leaving Fido or Felix Behind

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You may think you are all set for your next business trip, vacation back home or relaxing escape, but have you planned where and how to leave your pet? Dogs and cats react differently to being away from their owner, but both will inevitably feel a certain amount of stress when introduced to a new situation – and if you don't prepare your pet in advance, he or she is likely to react poorly or misbehave when boarding away from home, or to cause problems if left inside your house.

Remember, your pet is unlikely to behave in a new environment as he or she does at home. Psychologically preparing your pet for long stays away from home by boarding them for a day can be a good way to prepare them for your longer trips.

You can also help ease your pet's transition — and ensure his or her health and safety by providing your pet’s caretakers with these important essentials:

• Healthy Feeding Guides: Be sure not to feed your pet for four hours prior to dropping him or her off, and for three hours after picking him or her up. This will help to avoid over-feeding and digestive problems. Also make sure your pet's caretakers know the appropriate feeding schedule and food needs.
• Favorite Toy: Help your pets stay stress-free by leaving them their favorite toys while boarding or when left alone. Having a trusted buddy around will help your pet feel more comfortable without you.
• Familiar Scent: Dogs' and cats' stress levels are also affected by scents. By leaving a Comfort Zone® with D.A.P.® (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) for dogs and Comfort Zone® with Feliway® for cats diffuser or spray with those taking care of your pet, they'll have a natural pet behavior solution on hand in case your pet gets scared or acts up. If you plan to leave your pet at home with someone checking in from time to time, you can also prepare your living space a couple days in advance with a Comfort Zone® diffuser, which will spread a comforting pheromone throughout your living space.
• Veterinary Records: Make sure that family, friends or your local kennel have all of your pet's veterinary records in case of an emergency or a medical problem.
• Medical and Special Needs Information: It is vital to inform those taking care of your pet about any medical issues or special needs your pet may have and how they should be addressed. If your pet has medication, make sure they know the directions for use.
• Emergency Contact Information: In case of emergency, leave all of your contact information with the person providing your pet's care in your absence. Knowing how and where to get in touch with you will help ensure your pet's safety.

Find even more cat and dog advice from the pet experts at Comfort Zone — or learn more about the natural cat behavior modification and dog behavior solutions available with Comfort Zone® products.