Who to leave your dogs and cats with when you go on vacation

The important thing is that the dog, Or the cat, do not feel alone. And do not be neglected. If we go to holiday And while we have good reasons for not bringing our companions with us, we can't neglect them, assuming our absence will be indifferent to them. That's not the case. We must ensure good care, respecting their habits: both dogs and cats are, in fact, creatures of habit. And we can't risk, out of selfishness, disrupting their balance. Are you leaving home but can't bring your dog or cat and don't know who to entrust them to? Some are fortunate enough to be able to count on the support of friends and relatives. For others, there's an absolute need to find a solution, starting with the pensions, which, however, are generally very expensive. Without forgetting a fundamental premise regarding the health of our four-legged friends. Pets, even during the summer or any holiday season, must maintain their routines: toileting times, food intake, and sleep cycles.

Animal boarding

Pet owners know this: when you go to holiday sometimes it's a problem. In fact, there aren't many structures "pet friendly"Hotels, restaurants, and even beaches are often off limits to furry friends. In addition to this problem, there is also the travel issue: forcing animals to work long hours in  , or having them travel by ship or plane, can prove to be a stress. too big for them.

How much does dog boarding cost?

As in the case of humans, the price of dogs and cats is also pensions, generally, is proportional to the service offered. The average cost is between 15 and 30 euros per day, with a significant reduction if the guesthouse stays longer. Other factors that determine the price include the area (central or suburban) where the facility is located, the staff who work there, and the items included in the service. To avoid unpleasant surprises and leave with peace of mind To make sure your dog or cat is treated well, you need to make sure of these things:

• Verify the pension conditions in person. Don't limit yourself to phone or online contact; conduct a thorough inspection.
• Check the space where the dog will sleep and where he can spend time outdoors. Both should be large, comfortable, and clean.
• Agree on the food that will be provided. If your dog or cat eats special foods, leave yours as a reserve so that it can be used during your vacation. Pets' eating habits are very delicate, and it's dangerous to suddenly change them.
• The boarding facility must ensure your pet's hygiene and prompt assistance, if necessary, from a veterinarian.
• Another essential feature is night guard service. Dogs and cats cannot be left alone at night.

Where to leave your dog for a few days

That's why there are some services which, like Airbnb and others, offer a system that allows owners to meet pet sitters.

pawshake

One of these is Pawshake.it (literally, "let's shake hands"), the site that allows you to select an animal lover to look after your cat, dog, or other two- or four-legged friend. Available online and via app (both iOS and Android), the system requires you to enter your home address and then displays a list of nearby pet sitters with reviews left by previous customers. Additionally, you can see which pets are allowed, for which period, and the cost of the vacation. Finally, the service also provides afree insurance to cover veterinary care, if needed.

Dogbuddy

Designed exclusively for dogs, instead, the service Dogbuddy, a community dedicated to animal lovers and founded in 2013. The intuition was born from the personal need to Enrico Sargiacomo, the creator of the service, himself a dog owner. So he decided to build an online community that could connect dog owners with other animal lovers who offer hospitality. DogBuddy currently operates in Italy, Spain, France, Germany e England.

Pet Sharing

Another solution is Pet Sharing, a site born from the experience of an American girl, Jennifer Schwartz, who lived in Italy for many years.
It is a'non-profit association which aims to limit the abandonment of animals through a community of volunteersThe system works similarly to the other two, but it's freeThe only request is one annual membership fee di 30 €The amount entitles you to certain rights, including a discount card at affiliated facilities and reduced-price insurance coverage.

Pet Sitter Sites

The Internet can also help us find a suitable solution for caring for dogs and cats during our holidays. In particular There are three sites that should be noted for their efficiency. The first two HoliDog e PetmeThey offer a full-service search for pet sitters, allowing you to find the right person for your dogs and cats until you reach a financial agreement. How does it work? You sign up to the platform, and then whenever you need a pet sitter, you search by city and neighborhood. Then, within minutes, candidates are contacted, and once an agreement is reached, we meet to finalize the deal. Payment for the service can be made in cash or by credit card. There are two options: the first involves the pet sitter coming to your home at the times you specify, while the second option involves the dog or cat being taken to the pet sitter's home. Pet sharing It's a platform that, in addition to offering pet boarding services, also offers the possibility of pet exchanges between owners. Essentially, it's a community of people who love and care for animals, fight abandonment, and want to exchange this type of service when possible. Even for free.

The dog was entrusted to relatives and friends

The most practical and economical solution when going on vacation is to leave your dog with a trusted friend or family member. It seems simple, but it's a solution with advantages and disadvantages.

Benefits

• The animal remains in a familiar environment, which helps maintain a certain stability and reduce anxiety.
• The pet sitter already knows the animal's character and habits, which makes daily management easier.
• In many cases, it is not necessary to pay a fee, although it may be appropriate to offer a small gesture of thanks.

disadvantages

• Not all family members or friends are willing to care for animals, and you may need to ask several people before finding someone available.
• In some cases, the animal may not be completely comfortable with someone who is not used to its presence.
• The responsibilities can be demanding, and if the person caring for the pet is not particularly experienced, problems may arise in managing any emergencies.

Read also:

• How to save on pet expenses
• How to protect dogs and cats from the heat
• Where to go on holiday with your dog