What to do with your pets when you go on holiday

Last updated on 5th January, 2024 at 03:37 pm

If you have a pet, you might not know what to do with your beloved companion when you go away on holiday. We’ve done the mental work for you, so you know what options you have.

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In this article you’ll learn:

• What options you have for ensuring your pet’s wellbeing when you go on holiday.
• Considerations before making your decision.

Your furry friend can travel with you, stay at a pet hotel, be checked into a kennel or cattery, or stay at your house with a sitter. Budget, length of trip and your comfort levels with the different options will all influence which route you go.

Bringing your pet along with you on a road trip

As a dog owner, you may find your road trips are even more fun when you include your pup.

Travelling with a dog in a car requires more preparation if you’re travelling a fair distance or anticipate being away for a considerable amount of time. Here are a few travel safety tips to help you prepare for an enjoyable and secure journey on the road.

• Consider buying a car seat hammock to keep your dog safe and secure in the backseat while you’re on the road.
• Your dog should be able to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in the car.
• Practise with a few drives with your dog to run errands nearby so that they can get used to being in a car.

Also be sure to check online and confirm over a phone call that the accommodation you’re staying at accepts canine guests, and is suitably set up to ensure they have a comfortable stay, too.

Leaving your pet behind

If you can’t take your pet with you, there are facilities such as pet hotels, kennels and catteries, and services offered by pet sitters that you can make use of.

Pet sitter

Ask trusted family members, colleagues or friends if they can recommend a house- or pet sitter to take care of your fur baby while you are away. Daily rates vary and would need to be negotiated, but the longer your trip, the less your daily rate could be.

Alternatively, there are professional pet sitter companies that you could approach. Learn more about these here.

Pet hotels

For your pet’s comfort and a luxury stay, which includes pampering and grooming, there are pet hotels available; you can search for the one that is most convenient for you.

Here are a few hotels where you can leave your four-legged family member while you enjoy your holiday, ranging from five-star places to luxury emporiums:

• Must love dogs in Jo’burg offers 15 plush suites, hands-on care and plenty of lawn space for small dogs to enjoy the definition of the lap of luxury.
• Posh paws cattery in Port Elizabeth has 61 kennels, 52 of which have grassed areas, and 9 that have paved gardens. A bedroom is located off the garden in each kennel. Three bunk beds, blankets, cushions, scratch posts, infrared heating lamps for those chilly winter nights, and hot water bottles are all included in the bedrooms.