Pet safety tips for when you're away and your furry friends stay.
Home is where your pets are and sometimes that’s where they need to stay — so it’s important to make sure they’re well taken care of, even when you’re not there to do it. Before saying goodbye, check out these important pet safety tips we have collected for you to help keep your animals both happy and healthy. Then when it’s officially home alone time, you can have peace of mind that your animals are still living their best life, despite being without you.
For dog parents: deciding where your pup should stay.
Whether you’re off on business or heading to a far away place on an extended holiday, you need to have a plan B if your canine companion can’t tag along.
Let’s go over some FAQs to help you decide if home without you is the best option for your fur baby:
- Can you leave your dog home alone? Yes — but only for a short period of time without a human friend checking in. Fido needs consistent socialisation, exercise, and attention (plus frequent toilet breaks).
- How long can you leave your dog home alone? We’ve gathered some advice from the American Kennel Club, and according to their experts, you should only leave your dog home completely alone for a few hours — eight hours maximum. If you’re going to be away for longer, it’s time to call in some reinforcements — from a pet sitter. They don’t have to commit to staying at your home 24/7, just consistent visits, dependant on your dog’s needs. Puppies require toilet breaks every three hours, while adult dogs over one year old can typically be left without accidents for up to six hours. No matter how old your doggo is, having someone check in at least three times a day is a good rule of thumb.
- Should you board or hire a sitter? The choice is up to you and what’s best for your pet. Boarding your dog lets him or her play with other furry and human friends, while an at-home sitter lets them stick to familiar surroundings.
How to leave your dog home alone safely.
If you’ve decided the best choice for your pup is a staycation at home with visits from a friend, family member, or pet sitter, consider these tips:
Pick your sitter carefully.
If the best pet safety solution while you’re away is an at-home sitter for your dog, choose wisely. Send a text to your bestie or favourite cousin who considers Fido part of the family. A reliable family member or friend makes for a great temporary pet parent not only because they love your dog but also because your pup is already comfortable with them.
But if you’re going the professional route, check their reviews online, ask for recommendations, and interview candidates first. Once you’ve narrowed it down, make sure the sitter can visit at least three times a day or more, depending on your dog’s routine. Then, before making a final decision, set up a time for a meet and greet with your dog and sitter.
Keep up your dog’s routine.
No one knows your dog’s routine better than you, but someone can step in as your doggo’s temporary pet parent if you provide detailed instructions for feeding, walking, and caring for your dog. Be sure to also include any of your pooch’s quirky habits (like must-have toys or sleeping spots around the house). That way, they have all the info to keep your dog’s routine.
For cat parents: how to leave your cat home alone.
If you have a kitty in the crew, you know all too well that cats love routine. Feeding Freya the ferocious feline at 7 a.m. during the work week often results in waking up to an adorable fur-covered alarm clock on weekend mornings and your lie-in going out of the window.
If your cat can't come on your next trip, arranging for someone to check in while they stay at home can help keep their routine intact. (although you may need to apologise in advance for the early morning wake-up calls!).
Make sure your cat has a refuge.
Your furry feline may be more accustomed to alone time than a dog (cats can be left without attention for up to eight hours), but your kitty companion shouldn’t be left alone without some tender loving care for longer than 24 hours. And especially during this solo time, they still need a place to go where they feel comfortable and safe when you’re away. Before you go, make sure your cat’s refuge is ready with a clean litter box, food, toys, and their favorite blanket or bed. Turn on some white noise from a radio or TV to muffle the sound of passing cars, barking canines, and neighbourhood traffic. You can also invest in a calming collar or spray to help limit your kitty’s stress when you’re gone.
Have a sitter drop by at least once a day.
Be sure that someone comes over daily, but asking them to check on your kitty a few times daily, preferably around their feeding time routine, is ideal. If your temporary pet parent can only stop by once a day, add an extra litter box to their refuge so they always have a fresh place to relieve themselves.
For extra peace of mind: get pet safety solutions.
If you want the option to check in on your pets back home while taking a break, consider installing a Ring Security Camera before you leave. Ring Security Cameras have pet-friendly features, like Live View and Two-Way Talk, so you can check in or chat with your fur fam from afar. Having this real-time connection can help you and your beloved pet feel closer, no matter where you are.
You will also never miss a precious moment of cuteness with a Ring Protect subscription, an optional plan that allows you to save videos from your Ring Security Camera for up to 180 days with a monthly fee. If your fur baby is known for performing unexpected tricks or misbehaving in a hilarious way, who knows — the ability to save and share these videos can even make your canine companion or furry feline internet-famous.
Ring Indoor and Outdoor Security Cameras can also come in handy should your good boy decide to be a bad boy and sneak out. With a Ring Protect subscription, you can review video recordings and potentially see exactly when or where they got out.
Now that you know the best pet safety tips for leaving your animals home while you’re on holiday, you and your fur babies can enjoy some quality time — even when you’re far away from each other.
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