How dogs and cats can be looked after during the holiday season
Hamburg. A lonely dog, a cat or a small animal in the box on the side of the road, frightened and left behind by his human family: scenes like this always take place on motorways and country roads during the holiday. To suspend his animal is not only heartless, but in many cases also a criminal offense. The Global Foundation for Animal Welfare Sharps Four Paws Sharps Sharps and explains to alternatives such as animal sitters or animal pensions.
“The decision for a pet should last for a whole animal life. However, as soon as it becomes uncomfortable because a vacation is due, some are unfortunately overwhelmed with care for an animal.
Dogs and cats are living beings that feel pain and fears and experience trauma if they are separated from their beloved people or – worse – carelessly. Exposing an animal is also prohibited by law. It is at least one administrative offense – if the animal suffers pain, suffering or damage, it is even a criminal offense. But the law alone does not shy away. Only with a nationwide labeling and registration obligation could you understand the origin of every dog and cat and find the responsible persons, ”says Dr. Sabrina Karl, pet expert at four paws.
Exposed animal – what to do?
If you find a dog, a cat or a small animal on the edge of the field, a petrol station or on the side of the road, you shouldn't just take it with you. If you discover an animal, you should first observe the situation to see if the owner is not returning. “You can offer the animal water, calm it down and you should wait a while with him whether someone will come back. If the pet is undoubtedly alone, you have to report the find to the police,” explains the four paws.
Some pets have fun traveling
Some dogs, cats and even small animals can be easily taken on vacation if the animal enjoys it and the holiday accommodation allows you to take away.
If the dog comes on vacation, important documents such as the pet ID card and vaccinations, which belong to the entry requirements of the respective countries, must be up to date. Regardless of the travel project, the dog must definitely have a microchip and be registered. Regardless of whether the dog travels by car, the ferry, the train or in exceptional cases with the plane, it should be used to the respective means of transport and, if necessary, to a box or a muzzle. “In addition to the necessary documents, a first aid set, a breast tableware or collar, the dog's travel suitcase should include everything the dog needs to feel good: for example, its ordinary food, treat, a favorite toy or his favorite ceiling,” said Dr. Sabrina Karl.
Catsitter in your own home
The holiday season can be anything but relaxing for cats. Which vacation arrangement suits the owner and cat is a personal decision. However, absolute no-go is to leave cats alone and unattended over the duration of the holidays, even if there is enough food, water and cat toilets. “It is best to ask a confidant to take care of the cats in their familiar surroundings. The best choice is someone who knows her well or even has cats,” explains the pet expert. This person should visit the cats at least twice a day: feed them, clean the litter box and play with the cats, are part of the routine.
Dog and cat pension as an alternative
If it is not an option to take the dog with you or have the cat looked after at home, the animals can also be accommodated in a dog or cat pension. However, the quality of animal pensions is very different. Before booking, you should look around as personally as possible and check whether the facility meets the individual needs of the animal. While many dogs are happy about other playing partners, cats should be kept in a social environment that they are used to from home, so not in groups with strangers.
“Get used to living together with other people and another environment at an early stage. Visit the dog boarding with your dog before the actual vacation. In a good animal pension, the staff also ask the owner questions about the character of the animal, about social tolerance, nutritional needs, vaccinations and veterinary details. The fact that the animal does not bring the animal into frightening situations.