Dear Tiffani,

I have being getting invitations to travel this summer, but don’t know what to do with my pets. The person who used to watch them isn’t around anymore. I’ve never boarded them before and suspect I’d worry about them the whole trip. Any recommendations?

Signed, Homebound Pet Parent

Dear Homebound,Â

Good question, this is a problem that arises for many who care deeply about their pets. People often refer to pets as their children, and it’s common to worry about them when they’re not with you.

There are many ways to travel when you have pets. One solution is to bring them with you, but this depends on where you are going, how you get there, and what kind of pets you have. If you are not staying with friends where your pets are welcome, there are an increasing number of pet-friendly motels and bed and breakfasts, but you will need to research them prior to your trip. Hot weather is a deterrent to driving with pets; they overheat easily and should not be left in the car when you stop for a bite to eat or to sight see. So, it’s best to leave your pets elsewhere during the hot season. Also, is your pet comfortable traveling in a car, do they get carsick, or travel well in a crate?Â

Many pets are more comfortable in their own home. Having someone stop by regularly by to feed them, give them attention, and take care of their bathroom needs will allow your pets to remain in a familiar environment. It is even better if this person can stay at your home. Cats rarely do well at someone else’s home and are not boarded as often as dogs, so leaving them home is the simplest solution.

When looking for a new petsitter, you will want references if it is someone you don’t already know and trust. Have them come over before the trip to meet your pets, review their exercise routine, bathroom spots, location of leashes, grooming tools, food, any medications, and kitty litter and crate if you have a cat. Leave a list with this information in writing as well, including your veterinarian’s and your contact information. You may also want to have a local secondary contact should there be any problems. It’s common to have your sitter’s phone number and check on your pets while you’re away, and not unheard of for people to get on the phone with their pets. Â

Some pets do well at someone else’s home. If you’ve found a good situation, bring your pets over to the home first, and you may want to do a trial overnight stay before you leave them longer. Give the caretaker a list of instructions as listed above, bringing plenty of food, medication, the leash, and the pet’s familiar bedding.Â

There are many boarding facilities locally. For your own peace of mind, visit the facility first, find out their requirements, and if they recommend your pet have a trial overnight prior to your trip.

If you have a dog, camping can be a fun activity to share. After making sure your destination allows dogs, there are some safety tips that are important to follow. Bring plenty of food and water, and dishes to put them in; don’t assume you’ll have access to water. There are collapsible drinking bowls to take on day hikes as well. With all the exercise, your dog will need extra food for energy, so bring more than they would normally eat at home. Bring their bedding or something familiar for them to sleep on, this helps them relax in the foreign environment. Don’t forget their leash; the great outdoors offers many opportunities to chase wildlife. Your dog should sleep in the tent or camper with you. It is NEVER recommended that they be left tied up outside; this makes them vulnerable prey to predators. You also don’t want to leave them tied unattended during the day, it’s easy for them to become tangled, overheated in the sun as the shade moves, or agitated by other campers which may lead to biting, or getting loose and lost.Â

Take advantage of your travel invitations this summer, and don’t be afraid to try a range of situations to find the best fit for you and your pets.Â

Tiffani Zimmerman is the Behavior Specialist at the Stafford Animal Shelter. Email questions to her at behavioradvice@imt.net, call 406/222-1312, or read archived columns at www.staffordanimalshelter.org.Â