For most owners, your pet is like a member of the family. Or in some cases, the pet allows you to be a member of their family (depending on who’s really in charge). I have a sneaking suspicion that’s how my 2 year old mutt perceives the world. After all I’m the one catering to her needs, filling her bowl every morning and evening, picking up after her, and dragging her bed from room to room of my apartment when she has nowhere comfortable to lie. (Perhaps ‘slave’ is a more apt word).

Either way, your pet is an integral part of your life. So it’s only natural to want to bring them along when you pack your bags, lock your doors, and bid your home goodbye. I’m talking about vacation: that wonderful time when work is left in your rearview mirror and instead replaced with a gloriously open schedule stretching out ahead. And at your side, and probably slobbering on your shoulder, is your furry companion.

Your destination: Whistler, British Columbia, one of the top resort destinations in the world. Whether you’re arriving in the summer or winter, a myriad of activities await: golfing, mountain biking, bungee jumping, dancing, drinking, snowboarding, the list goes on. And of course, you can’t forget frequent walks with your pet around pedestrian-friendly Whistler Village and surrounding trails. Your pet will no doubt be the envy of their block buddies back home.

But wait…before loading up your bags, hitching your pet and heading up Whistler mountain, here are a few nuggets of wisdom that will prepare both you and your pet for the destination.

Find pet-friendly Whistler lodging.

With AlluraDirect.com’s easy to use vacation rentals search engine, you can view 520+ top-located vacation rental options and book directly with the owner. Just make sure you select “Pets Allowed” in the Amenities section of the Advanced Search Criteria. Plus, you can compare detailed vacation rental photos, rates, features, locations & more. Unlike many hotels, you can see the actual rental you will stay in, before you instantly book it online.

On extended road trips, stop for some exercise.

Everyone needs the chance to stretch their legs once and a while (and perhaps a quick stop in a gas station’s restroom). Give your pet the chance to uncurl and run loose for at least a half hour after particularly long stretches. A nice game of fetch or a jog around the rest stop are a few examples. But be careful about letting your pet run loose, as the unfamiliar environment may hide some nasty surprises (decaying chicken bones are found in the oddest of places).

Take your pet’s familiar items with you.

When venturing into the unknown, there’s little that’s more comforting for a pet than being able to rest in their own bed or blanket. Your pet will feel safer and more at ease. As most owners will tell you, your pet will light up at the sight of their stuff. Taking along a few favorite toys will also give your pet something to play with while you’re deciding your itinerary for the day.

Never leave a dog alone in your Whistler lodging for an extended period.

Even dogs that are well behaved and rarely chew or maim anything in your house, can behave differently when they’re in a strange place. (There’s nothing worse than coming home with shreds of furniture lying around). If you must leave you dog alone for a while, consider employing the services of The Nanny Network or Tailspin Dog Care services.

Keep the barking to a minimum.

Much like parents who can magically tune out their own child’s ear shattering wail, dog owners exhibit the same phenomenon if they have a particularly talkative pet. Let other guests enjoy their vacation in peace and remember to tone down the barking. Also, it’s a good idea to keep your pet on leash while entering & exiting your Whistler lodging and to avoid your pet tackling other guests. Even people who don’t mind animals can become spooked if there’s suddenly a slobbering tongue in their face.

Respect the pet policy.

If your Whistler lodging allows pets, they still may not take kindly to dirty paws on the furniture. Thankfully, AlluraDirect.com’s fast-friendly vacation rentals search engine allows you to read all the property policies before you make your reservation and avoid the hassle of trying to guess. It’s important to sort this out before you book your stay – so you can simply find another property whose pet policy matches your own style.

Take responsibility for any damages caused by your pet.

Accidents happen even with the most well-behaved pet. If your pet has an unfortunate stomach upset and leaves “deposits” on the nice carpet of your Whistler lodging, or decides to shred some towels, it’s a good idea to own up and work out a fair cleaning agreement. You’ll be promoting responsible pet ownership and paving the way for others to allow pets in their properties.

Keep the leash handy.

Though Whistler is a dog-loving community, most parks and trails are on-leash only. Thankfully, dogs are not barred from the Village, and you can proudly have your pet by your side as you stroll through the cobble stoned boulevards. As well, there are several picturesque trails for dog walking. (Lost Lake is a great place to start in the summer).

Be prepared for emergencies.

It’s a good idea to locate the Emergency Veterinary Clinics in Whistler before you get there, or early upon your arrival. That way, in the event of an accident or sickness, you’ll know exactly where to take your pet for immediate care and attention.

So that’s it! With these easy reminders, you’re Whistler vacation will be a trip you won’t soon forget.

Devon O’ Malley is a staff writer for AlluraDirect.com, vacation rentals website offering powerful search and instant booking features for owners and guests alike. On your next Whistler vacation, check out their Whistler accommodation directory and save 10% on Whistler pet sitting & pet friendly activities! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Devon_O’Malley

So you’ve decided to drive to your next vacation destination, but what are you going to do with your furry friend? Although bringing a pet along on a long car ride may not sound appealing when you are already in an over-stuffed vehicle, you don’t have to leave the four-legged members of your family behind if you plan accordingly.

Whether your animal weighs five pounds or fifty pounds, you can easily bring him along on any road trip if you simply prepare in advance. When deciding which supplies to set aside, always be sure to: assemble enough food and water to last the entire trip; keep bowls and leashes easily accessible for hassle-free stops; pack plenty of towels in case your pet has an accident while on the road; and leave out a few toys and treats to occupy your dog or cat. Since you usually will not have to make any extra stops for a trained pet, simply follow the guideline that whenever you think you need a break to stand-up or go to the bathroom, your pet probably does, too.

At rest stops and gas stations, take an extra few minutes to walk your dog so he can also stretch his legs and relieve himself. Afterwards, always offer him water but only put out food during those times when you typically feed him. You do not want to overfeed your dog since, out of anxiety, he may overeat and become sick in the car, which leads to a stressful situation and even more stops. Keeping your animal on a solid schedule, such as resting every three to four hours and feeding him at the same time each day, is the best way to ensure a content, happy pet during your road trip.

One of the biggest considerations when driving a long distance with your pet is if you should place them in a crate or cage. If you are traveling with a larger animal, it is typically not necessary to bring along a container since the car creates a cage of sorts for them and they usually do not have many options for movement. Owners of smaller animals, however, face a difficult dilemma since their pet can scurry about the car and create an unsafe distraction. Rather than placing them in a crate, which can lead to constant whining and barking, consider an animal car seat. The seat is high enough that they can look out the window and is as comfortable as a bed, but your little friend cannot jump around the vehicle since he is attached by his harness.

Traveling with puppies is a much more difficult situation since they are not trained to hold their bladders and many puppies are not used to traveling in cars, which can lead to carsickness. Unless absolutely necessary, it is not recommended that you travel a long distance with a very young animal since it can be very hard on both you and your pet. Stopping every hour and cleaning up messes inside your vehicle is not ideal for a successful and time-conscious road trip, so use your best judgment based on your pet’s history of traveling in your car.

While you get to decide if you want to bring your pet along on the car ride, the accommodations at your destination determine if your efforts have been worthwhile. One excellent option for your stay are pet friendly vacation rentals, which offer all of the amenities and comforts of home without closing their doors to your four-legged friend. Forget about cramped hotel rooms where your nervous and unsettled pet is likely to cause some degree of destruction, leaving you with unexpected expenses, and stay in spacious vacation rental that makes your dog or cat feel just as at home as you do.

Traveling with your pet can make your vacation more relaxing than you even imagined since you never have to worry if your beloved Buster or Fluffy is getting the proper care back home. Rather than fretting over possible hindrances during your travels, simply prepare in advance, take any necessary precautions, and then set out for a truly memorable adventure that the entire family will certainly appreciate.

Pet services have come a long, long way in the last few years. With the popularity of pet daycares, spas, pet clothing, and much more, pets and their owners have never had it so good! There are a lot of options for pet owners out there - no matter what it is that they want to do with their pet. However, there are still some difficulties in certain areas when it comes to pets, and traveling is probably the biggest area in which there are barriers for people with pets.

One of these travel barriers is the fact that all restaurants - even truck stops - do not allow pets inside. Unless your pet is a working dog, he or she will have to wait in the car while you dine! If you feel bad about this, consider buying your pet a treat at the restaurant and giving it to them afterwards.

Another travel barrier is paying extra cash for flying with your pet. Most airlines allow pets to fly, but not with their owners. Granted, the animal’s airfare will not be as much as the owner’s, but it is still an extra fee that some people do not like paying. Before you complain about the cost of flying with your pet though, call around to your local kennels and do some research on kennel costs these days. Add that to your guilt about leaving him or her behind, and paying that extra flying fee suddenly won’t seem so bad.

When you travel with your pet, you tend to be very limited on where you can go. A lot of the popular vacation destinations are just not animal friendly, and many places will not even allow pets - especially at hotels. If you search hard enough though, you will eventually find a few places that might be pet friendly, but they will not likely be any of the places that you have seen advertised on the media.

Even if you do manage to vacation at a place that is pet friendly, you will not be able to take your pet sight seeing at many places, and this can definitely put up a barrier to your travels! It is no fun to have to call around and try to get someone to pet sit for you while you are on vacation, or even just traveling from one destination to another.

Another travel barrier that you may encounter when you elect to bring your pet with you is the matter of bathroom breaks. You can’t exactly pull over just anywhere, and you won’t always have a litter box or newspaper handy. This can be the most frustrating part of traveling with your pet, and there is really no good solution to this issue. The most you can really do is keep a careful eye on your pet and monitor when and how much he or she eats and take bathroom breaks accordingly.

Relocating pets can cause some problems and difficulties, but some people would just rather have these issues than be without their pet for a long period of time. If you fall into this category, make sure you do your research before you make any decisions as to where you want to go, and you will be fine.

Traveling with pets can be difficult and stressful, especially if it involves flying to your travel destination. Here are some recommendations for flying with cats and dogs to make it easier on both you and your pets.

1. Research the policies and restrictions of the various airlines you’re considering.Each airline has its own rules and regulations for traveling with pets. You may be able to keep your pet in the cabin with you (stowed under the seat in the proper carrier) if are traveling with a cat or small animal that meets the requirements.

   If you’re traveling during extremely high or low temperatures, you want to ask if the area beneath the plane (where large animals are transported) is temperature-controlled. Some airlines don’t have this feature and will not carry pets during the hottest or coldest months of the year in order to protect them. It’s not worth risking the life of your pet. If the airline doesn’t have the ability to control the temperature in these areas, keep looking.

   If your pet will be traveling in the cabin with you, select a window seat when you book your flight so your pet won’t be jostled around by other passengers getting up and down from their seats.

2. Purchase a pet carrier that meets the airline’s requirements.Airlines’ policies vary regarding the size and dimensions of their allowed pet carriers. Make sure yours conforms or you may find yourself in the undesirable position of having to make alternative arrangements last-minute at the airport.
3. Make sure your hotel has pet accommodations.Call the hotels you’re considering and ask whether they allow pets. More hotels are permitting pets now than a few years ago. Expect to pay more per night as well as a non-refundable cleaning fee. Keep looking until you find one that works for you and your pet.
4. Talk with your veterinarian as soon as possible.Once you know the requirements for your airline, schedule an appointment with your pet’s veterinarian to discuss your upcoming trip.

   Depending your pet, your vet might recommend a sedative. You’ll also need to get a health verification certificate for your pet within 10 days of your flight. Go ahead and schedule this appointment with your vet during your earlier visit. The vet will essentially give your pet a check-up and verify that they’re up-to-date on their vaccinations. You’ll need the health verification certificate in order for your pet to get on the plane.

5. Call the airline and make arrangements for your pet’s flight.This is imperative so you can ensure that your pet will be able to board the flight. Pets have airline tickets just like human passengers. You’ll need to pay for their flight (usually $60-$150 depending on the type and size of the pet and the airline). They’ll also give you instructions on what to do the day of your flight.
6. Purchase a portable water bowl, mini food dish, a pee pad, and anything else your pet might need while traveling.Most airlines will require that you come prepared with these items as well as “live animals” sticker for your pet’s carrier. Check with your airline and use common sense when selecting these items. Even if your trip is short, your pet will probably get thirsty and need to drink some water. Come prepared.
7. Clearly label your pet’s carrier.Make sure that your pet’s carrier has the following information easily available:
   • Your name
   • Your phone number (cell number, too!)
   • Your home address
   • Your travel destination
   • Pet’s name
   • Pet’s gender
   • Pet’s age
   • Pet’s species (cat or dog)
   • Vet’s name
   • Vet’s phone number
   • Any health conditions your pet has

Once you’ve completed your research, met with your veterinarian, decided whether to use a sedative or not, determined how your pet will be traveling, and purchased and prepared the supplies, you’re all set. Make sure you and your pet get a good night’s sleep the night before your flight.

Be sure to read Part 2 of this article to learn what to do the day of your flight with your pet.

Sheri Keyser is the Founder and CEO of GoSightsee.com, a travel website that will save you time and money on your next vacation. Get insider travel tips and recommendations on sightseeing destinations, vacation planning resources, and travel deals. Sign up for our free travel tips newsletter today and get travel deals and updates. Sign up now Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheri_Keyser

Not all vacation spots are pet friendly. Unfortunately, family vacation time often causes a dilemma for pet owners who are left scrambling to find a safe, loving environment for their pet while they travel. While planning your vacation itinerary, take time to plan Spot’s itinerary, too. A little planning on your part will ease the anxiety about leaving your pet behind, and will lead to a more pleasant vacationing experience. Depending on the facility you choose, Spot may be having a vacation of his own while you’re away.

Many people associate pet boarding facilities with caged kennels, or with small concrete runs covered with chain link. However, today’s pet owners now have more luxurious options to choose from. Pet Care Resorts are often equipped with “Pet Villas” which are theme decorated, climate controlled rooms with elevated toddler beds for sleeping and lounging, televisions broadcasting dog-related programming, and private exercise runs. During their stay at a Pet Resort, pets often enjoy pet spa treatments including a full body massage and foot massage, full grooming, outside walks through the neighborhood, or one-on-one play time. Many Pet Resorts are even equipped with web cams, allowing owners with Internet access to log on and check on their pets while they’re away.

If a Pet Resort isn’t convenient or budget friendly, there are many other great options available for caring for your pet while you’re away. Here are some important questions for you to consider while selecting your pet care facility:

What vaccinations or health screenings are required?

Most boarding facilities require that dogs are flea-free and have DHPP, Rabies, and Bortadella vaccinations, and that cats have FVRCP and Rabies vaccinations, and are flea free. Choosing a facility with stringent health policies will ensure that your pet is returned to you healthy, and alleviates concerns about bringing fleas into your home.

What will my pet eat during their stay?

Pet Resorts provide high quality pet foods for pets under their care. However, most facilities welcome pet owners to bring their own food, and will follow the pet owner’s feeding recommendations.

Can I bring my pet’s bed to your facility for their stay?

Having a favorite bed or blanket for your pet to sleep on may be a real comfort for your pet. Most boarding facilities will not object to you bringing an item from home providing the item is machine washable.

Where will my pet be taken if veterinary attention is required?

Most boarding facilities have a relationship with a local veterinarian. Some facilities will also take your pet to your veterinarian, if you prefer. It’s a good idea to discuss emergency veterinarian care with the boarding facility prior to your departure.

Will you administer medication?

If you pet is on medication, please make certain that the facility is able to administer medication to your pet. Check to make sure that your pet’s prescription is filled, and that you have clear dosing instructions.

Do pets have to be screened prior to their stay?

Many facilities require that pets undergo an aggression evaluation prior to their stay. It’s important to select a facility with an aggression screening in place so that your pet will have a safe, hassle free environment.

Recommendations from family and friends, your local pet shop, or your veterinarian can help narrow your search for a quality pet boarding facility. Visiting local facilities can also help with your decision.

Careful planning for your pet’s care is certain to lead to a more restful and fun vacationing experience. Coming home from a vacation is difficult, but knowing that your happy, healthy pet will be waiting for you when you return will certainly ease the blow. Have a great vacation!

You’ve decided to take your pet along on vacation. It will be more fun, and you won’t have to worry about leaving a member of your family behind in an unfamiliar kennel. With some extra planning and forethought, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip with your pet.

Taking a Road Trip

If you’re driving with your pet, you’ll need to find a comfortable and safe way for your pet to travel. You can place your pet in a carrier and secure it in the car. Alternatively, you can purchase a seatbelt-like harness for your pet that will allow him to be out of the carrier but still safely restrained. It isn’t safe to allow your pet to roam freely in the car. He can be seriously hurt in the event of even a minor accident, and he is much more likely to escape and become lost when you make stops.

Don’t leave your pet alone in the car, especially in hot weather. The heat can quickly become life-threatening. If your pet becomes carsick easily, you may want to ask your veterinarian for motion-sickness medicine before the trip.

Carry some of your pet’s food along with you, and feed your pet only small amounts of food at a time. If your trip is short, you may want to have your pet wait and eat when you arrive to avoid carsickness. You should also carry some of your pet’s water along, or purchase bottled water. Local tap water may contain different minerals or sulphur, which might upset your pet’s stomach.

Flying with your pet

Many pet owners do not like to fly with their pets because it can be traumatic for them, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. Unless your pet is very small, he will fly as cargo and not in the cabin with you. Check with your airline to determine what type of carrier is acceptable and what rules apply to flying with a pet. Also ask what safety precautions are in place, what conditions the pet will fly in, etc. Ask your veterinarian if your pet is well enough to fly or if there are any special precautions you should take.

International Travel

Taking your pet out of the country requires careful planning. Check the regulations for the country you are traveling to and verify that your pet has the required vaccinations. In some cases, you’ll need to have the vaccines administred weeks before your departure date.

Most countries will require a Rabies Vaccination Certificate and a Health Certificate. Your veterinarian can help you obtain both of these. The country you are traveling to may require that you complete paperwork gaining permission to bring your pet into the country. Also, some countries have quarantine regulations that may require your pet to remain in a kennel for up to several months.

Pet Friendly Hotels

A quick search on the Internet can help you find hotels that are receptive to pets. Many travel sites also allow you to specify only pet-frienly accommodations. Check with the hotel to find their specific rules regarding staying with a pet.

If your pet requires walks, ask for a room that opens on the outside. This will be more convenient for those late night trips outdoors.

Many alternative lodging sites, such as resorts, cabins and bed and breakfasts are also open to receiving pets. Check ahead of time for availability where you’re traveling. Since many of these vacation spots offer outdoor activities, they can be great options for pet owners.

What Will your Pet do All day?

You know how you’ll travel, and you’ve found a hotel that will welcome your pet, so now what? What will your pet do all day when you’re out having fun?

An outdoor vacation is an ideal choice if you’re traveling with pets. Consider renting an RV and taking a camping vacation. Many RV rental agencies allow pets with an extra deposit. A trip to the beach is another good choice for pet owners. However, keep in mind that sand can be irritating to some pets, especially dogs with deep skin folds. Some animals are bothered by long sun exposure as well.

If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, keep plenty of cold water on hand and watch your pet for signs of heat exhaustion.

Some restaurants now provide outdoor seating that is also pet friendly. Check ahead of time if any are available near where you are staying. If you’d like to spend mealtime with your pet and no pet-friendly restaurants are close by, you might consider takeout or even picnicing outdoors.

What if you’re taking a more traditional vacation? Many tourist attractions will not welcome your pet, and it isn’t a good idea to leave your pet alone in a strange hotel room all day. You may be able to place your pet in his carrier for shorter excursions, but for all day trips, consider researching pet daycare centers or kennels available in the area. You can leave your pet for a few hours in a safe environment but still enjoy his company on your trip.

What to Take Along

Bring your pet’s food along or plan to buy it as needed. This is not a good time to change your pet’s diet, and you should certainly avoid giving your pet any table scraps. Traveling can be stressful regardless of how careful you are, and you don’t need the added complication of stomach upset for your pet.

Don’t give your dog the local water, especially if you’re traveling internationally. It’s safer to give your pet only bottled water to avoid possible stomach upset.

Bring along any medicines your pet takes, including vitamins, flea medicines, heart worm prescriptions, etc. You should also bring some basic first-aid supplies in case of injury. Ask your veterinarian what should be included in your pet’s first aid kit. These might include medicines for stomach upset and a mild tranquilizer in case your pet becomes extremely agitated. You can purchase pre-stocked pet first aid kits at many pet supply stores.

To make your pet more comfortable, bring along a few items from home. Bring some of your pet’s bedding and a few of his favorite toys. Bring only treats your pet has eaten in the past with no stomach upset. Again, this isn’t the time to try any new foods. The carrier you bring should be large enough for your pet to remain comfortably inside for a few hours. He should be able to stand, lie down and turn around easily within it. Also, be sure your pet has fresh water available within the carrier.

A Pre-Trip Checklist

Make an appointment with your veterinarian. Have your pet examined and any vaccinations done that are needed. Ask if your pet is healthy enough to travel, and ask for advice concerning any of your pet’s health conditions. Remember that if you are traveling outside the country, you may need to plan weeks in advance.

Make sure your pet has current identification attached to his collar, and that it fits well and isn’t likely to slip off. You might want to consider having an identification chip implanted before your trip, but you’ll need to discuss with your veterinarian how soon your pet can travel after the procedure.

Gather phone numbers for veterinarians, pet emergency care facilities, kennels, etc. before you leave for each place where you’ll be staying. If an accident or illness does occur, you’ll be grateful that you don’t have to take the time to find someone to care for your pet.

Make a packing list for your pet based on his needs and what your veterinarian recommends. Double-check it as you pack his things. Take your veterinarian’s phone number along with you in case you need to call and ask a last minute question or have your pet’s records sent to another clinic.

Take time to get your pet used to his carrier, especially if it’s new. If you’re driving, take your pet in the car for practice trips before the big day so it won’t be so traumatic. Another benefit to this approach is that you’ll learn if your pet become motion sick easily.

If you’re traveling with your cat, bring a litterbox and litter along with you. It’s easier to purchase cheap plastic litterboxes and throw them away rather than try to clean and transport them. If traveling with a dog, be sure to bring baggies to clean up after your pet’s walks.

Embarrassing and Alarming Moments

Pets get stressed when traveling, so accidents can and will happen. Bring some disposable wipes and plastic baggies to clean up after your pet. Another good idea is bringing a small bottle of enzyme based cleaner. If your pet selects the hotel carpet as the perfect spot for his accident, this can remove the odor and stain before it has a change to set.

Never open your pet’s carrier unless you’re in an enclosed room. Pets can move much more quickly than you can, and nothing will ruin your vacation faster than losing your traveling companion.

Traveling with your pet can be challenging, but with some planning ahead, it can also be a fun and rewarding experience. Trying a short weekend trip before a longer vacation can also help your pet acclimate to travel, and you will learn how well your pet travels.

Author Ian White is founder of pet-sitters.biz Pet Sitting Directory Find a Pet Sitter, Find Pet Sitting Clients. Pet-Sitters.biz can help both ways! Pet sitters list their business and can be found easily when pet owners search for your services. Pet owners list pet-sitting requirements and find those who meet their specific needs. Fast, easy membership Dog walkers, pet day cares also welcome! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_White

Pets develop emotional bonds to their human owners and when separated from them, pets may suffer from depression and separation anxiety. There are times when it becomes necessary to be separated from a pet such as when having to be hospitalized or taking a vacation. As much as we may hate being away from a beloved pet, it may actually be a more stressful experience for the animal.

Most people develop comfort zones and tend to resist change because it disrupts their level of comfort even when the change is positive. Many of us don’t realize that our pets can and often do react in similar ways. They also have their own comfort zones and become closely bonded with the people within their home territory.

When separation occurs and the pet deeply misses those he is closest to, depression may set in. It is not uncommon for a pet to grieve itself to death when its owner dies. Pets can withdraw, become extremely quiet or in some cases even be a bit hostile when separated from the owner.

If separation is unavoidable, for instance, when the owner has to be admitted to the hospital, it is best to try and make arrangements for the pet to be kept by someone such as a friend or family member that the pet is familiar and comfortable with. That way the pet’s stay should be less stressful for both the pet and the owner.

Although many pet owners take their pets along with them on vacation, others may not choose to do so or perhaps cannot do so for various reasons. Those who do not take their pets along on vacation will need to find a reliable caretaker to look after their pet while they are gone.

Another option to consider is a house sitter. Pets are likely to be more comfortable in their owner’s absence if they remain in familiar surroundings rather than being transported to the home of a friend or relative. If possible, it may be a good idea to see if someone you trust and that your pet knows well enough to be comfortable with would be willing to be your house sitter in your absence.

Pets that become depressed when separated from their owners may refuse to eat or drink and may become lethargic. When there is a strong attachment between pet and owner even being separated for a short length of time can cause the pet a fair amount of anxiety. The stress caused by the separation can produce symptoms of physical illness.

If you must leave your pet with someone else during a planned absence such as a vacation, take your pet along with you for a visit to the person’s house that will be caring for the animal, several times in the weeks before you leave. This will give your pet an opportunity to inspect the house, become accustomed to the surroundings and also it will give the animal a chance to interact with the people and any pets in the home. It is better to give your pet a chance to get to know the place where he will be staying rather than abruptly moving him to a strange place at the last minute and then leaving him. It will make the transition easier and hopefully more pleasant for everyone involved.

Copyright © 2006, Ian White Access 2000 Pty pty ltd

Author Ian White is founder of pet-sitters.biz Pet Sitting Directory. Post free pet sitter needed ad or find a pet sitter in your local area. Matching pet lovers with Pet Sitters in your local area. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_White