When planning a trip and leaving your senior or special needs pet in the care of a pet sitter, careful preparation is key. By following these recommendations, you can ensure your pet’s health and well-being. Plus, you’ll be setting your pet sitter up for success. Here are our 5 top tips for leaving your senior or special needs pet in the care of a pet sitter.
1. Prepare Pet Guardianship Agreements
Before traveling, it’s crucial to have a pet guardianship agreement in place. This legal document designates a trusted individual to care for your pet in case you do not return and cannot take over care of your pet. The agreement should include:
– Detailed care instructions
– Medical history and current treatments
– Financial provisions for your pet’s care
– Your veterinarian’s contact information
The reason pet guardianship is so important, especially for senior and special needs pets, is that getting them rehomed after a tragic event is very difficult. By discussing your pet guardianship plans with your designated caregiver, having them agree to taking the pet, and providing a nest egg for them, your pet is set up for greater success if anything ever happens to you. Check out 2nd Chance for Pets for resources.
2. Inform Your Veterinarian
Notify your veterinarian about your travel plans well in advance. Include the following in your discussion:
- Let your veterinarian know who will be caring for your pet(s) in your absence. If we’re taking care of your pet, let your vet know you’ve hired Animal Admiration and provide our contact information
- Ensure your pet is up-to-date on any necessary vaccinations and that your veterinarian has all health certificates on file
- Medication refills to cover at least 5-7 days beyond your expected return in case there is a delay
3. Prepare for Emergencies
Ask your vet for a copy of your pet’s medical records to leave at home. These records can be invaluable if we need to seek emergency veterinary care for your pet while you’re away. Please let us know if you have a preference on emergency veterinary hospitals or clinics. If we do not have your preference on file, we will choose the nearest open emergency veterinary care provider.
Also, come up with a budget of how much you’d be willing to spend on life-saving treatment and share that number with us and your veterinarian. Ideally, having this in writing is best in case we cannot reach you during an emergency.
4. Create a Comprehensive Medical List
Compile a detailed list of your pet’s medications and dosages. This list should include:
- Names of all medications (both generic and brand names)
- Dosage amounts and frequency
- What the medication is for
- Any special administration instructions, tools, or pill pockets/treats
- Potential side effects to watch for
Update your pet profile in Precise Pet Care to ensure the Animal Admiration team has 24/7 access to this important information.
5. Compile Essential Supplies
Ensure you leave all necessary supplies for your senior pet’s comfort before you depart:
- Ample supply of medications including topicals (enough to last at least 5-7 days beyond your scheduled return)
- Familiar bedding and toys for comfort
- Any special food or dietary supplements
- A worn t-shirt (or two) with your scent to provide comfort to your pet in your absence
- Any hind leg harnesses or wheels that your pet may be using for walks and potty breaks
- Clothing, bandages, e-collars, Thunder Shirts, etc. that your pet may need to wear on walks or between visits
Leave Your Senior in the Best Hands, Ours
As professional pet sitters, the Animal Admiration team offers specialized care for senior pets with medical needs. We are experienced with senior pet care, comfortable administering medications, and trained to recognize signs of distress. We are also trained in Pet First Aid & CPR to ensure we can respond to your pets’ emergencies as quickly as possible.
By following our 5 top tips for leaving your senior or special needs pet in the care of a pet sitter, you can ensure that your senior pet receives the care and attention they need. Remember, our goal is to minimize stress and maintain your pet’s routine as much as possible. With proper planning, you can enjoy your trip knowing that your beloved companion is in the best hands, ours.
New clients, please contact us at info@animaladmiration.com or (281) 391-1015 to learn about our in-home pet care services. Our team of outstanding cat care providers offers quality care dog sitting, cat sitting, and dog walking in Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Energy Corridor, Memorial, West Houston, and Cypress.
Existing clients schedule your pet care visits here. We wish you and your family a lovely holiday season – whether you’re traveling or staying home!
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