The Christmas holidays are fast approaching. If you are heading away, now is a good time to start thinking about what plans you need to make for your pets.  

Will you leave them at home and get someone to come and care for them?  

Is booking them into a cattery or kennel a better option?  

Or, can you take your pet away with you? 

Leaving your pet at home 

You may decide to leave your pet in the comfort of its own home, with a neighbour or friend either house-sitting or visiting daily to feed, check and exercise them, as well as giving them some attention. 

Some key things to think about are: 

• Is your pet familiar with the person who will be looking after them? If not, you may need to have that person visit ahead of time, to allow your pet to meet them and become friendly. 

• Ensure you have enough food to last the whole time you are away. 

• Leave vet contact numbers in a prominent place in case something happens while you are away. 

Kennels and catteries  

If you are booking your pet into a kennel or cattery, check what their exact requirements are, so that you have everything ready for when you take your pet in.  

This might include: 

• Ensuring your pet is up to date with their vaccinations - check with your vet about their current vaccination status. If you have a dog, most kennels prefer the annual canine cough vaccination to be done at least one month prior to their stay.  

• Ensuring your pet is up to date with flea and worm treatments. Check with the kennel or cattery you are booked into; they may want you to give your pet a flea and/or worm treatment before arrival, or, they may prefer to do this themselves to ensure that it is correctly applied. 

• Taking in comfort items, such as any special toys, their own bed and/or favourite foods (or prescription foods if they require a special diet).  

• Any medications your pet is taking. 

Note: Some catteries do not allow entire adult male cats to stay, to prevent spraying. 

Taking your pet on holiday 

If you are going camping at a pet-friendly venue, staying with friends, or have found pet-friendly accommodation, you may choose to take your companion with you. 

If you are travelling with your pet, some key things to think about are: 

• Remember a lead and harness should be worn by your pet whenever they are outside. Be careful about opening vehicle or accommodation doors if your dog is not on a lead, or your cat in a cage. 

• Ensure cats and dogs are microchipped and registered with NZCAR.    

• Pheromone sprays can be used and may help calm your pet in the car, or in new environments (Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats). 

• Ensure they are up to date with vaccinations and check local news for any infectious outbreaks wherever you are going. 

• Consider pet insurance. 

If you have any questions about how to keep your pet happy over the holidays, call into your local clinic for advice (or to grab them a treat)!