Testimonial:
"Thank you again, and I hope any of your potential clients who may want a reference will feel free to contact me. I will be glad to tell them what I have found — That you are one of those rare and delightful folks who consistently exceeds expectations!"
- JoAnn A.

Oh my… the Holidays.   Lots of activity for people and often that may include travel.   Or at the very least, a full day or two away from pets due to holiday visits and such.   Are your pets prepared for that?   And not just at this time, but anytime you leave them for long periods?

One of THE most serious issues I face as a pet care provider, is seperation anxiety in pets.   It ranges from mild to severe and IF you choose to kennel your pet or put your pet in an environment that he or she is not used to, you may face a serious consequence: a very sick pet or worse.

If you have not left your pet for any serious length of time and you fear an anxiety problem could erupt, then start slow.   Spend one night away from home, nearby at a hotel or a friends house.   Be sure that your pet care provider will be establishing the routine of care that he or she will be hired for later, and have that person report to you exactly how your pet is dealing with the situation.   You need to be close by as it may be necessary to return.   This can take time folks… it may require even shorter absences.  It all depends on your pets level of attachment to you.

Its ’sweet’ to have your pet so endeared to you… to a point!   I see more often than not, that this kind of attachment is a detriment to the pet.   They need socialization and need to be able to detach enough to be comfortable when you leave, knowing you will return.   That socialization will allow them comfort with your replacement!

And do not skimp on the number of daily visits.   If you’re traveling, then only travel if you can factor in the cost of proper care for your pet into the budget!  If you ’skimp’ it may cost you more in the long run… you may need the pet care provider to double up visits for an anxious and upset pet, you may face vet bills for the effects of the anxiety on your pet (often they stop eating, or have constant loose stools, vomiting, as well as neurotic tendancies that lead to additional problems, and the list goes on and on).   Your pet pays the price if the care you hire neglects your pet or isn’t professional enough to recognize the signs of distress.

And please, do not put your pet in an environment that could be stressful to him or her, again, just to save yourself some money.   Pet care providers who come to your home will cost you more.   Period.   Because they are doing more and traveling to your home and spending more quality time with your individual pet or pets.   There is a difference!  And though kenneling is absolutely great for some pets, it is a potential death sentence to others.   If your pet is too attached to you or has neurotic tendancies or is old or has special needs or sensitivities… PLEASE think twice about putting those pets in environments that will cause undue additional stress!!   There is no guarantee that a pet in stress won’t become gravely ill even at home, but being placed in a strange environment will just compound the problem, guaranteed.

So don’t assume all will be well when you leave if you have not set your pet up for success.  Give them the confidence in knowing your absence doesn’t mean the end of the world.   Teach them to know that it simply may mean that Inko’s Pet Sitting, LLC is coming over for playtime for a day or two … or more. That way… you can enjoy your holidays!!!   Inko… signing out!

Tags: anxiety, cats, dogs, pets, seperation

This entry was posted on Sunday, August 2nd, 2009 at 6:09 pm.