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Going away? Make sure your pet's OK

Before you jet off for your much-needed holiday in the sun, use our holiday checklist to make sure your pet is properly cared for while you're away.

Book early. Kennels and catteries, just like the best hotels, are always busy and under pressure during the peak holiday season - especially during the school holidays - so book in advance.

How to find the best dog boarding kennels
A recommendation from someone you know is a great starting point. Ask a friend/vet/dog trainer for their opinion.

The kennel should always ask to see evidence of each dog's vaccination records. A good one will always insist on seeing certificates.

Check that your chosen kennel has comprehensive insurance. If a vet has to be called, the insurance should cover this expense.

Always visit the kennel and check the following:


  • Is it clean, tidy and in a good state of repair?

  • Do the current guests appear happy?

  • How many walking excursions do the dogs get a day? (at least two!)

  • What are the rooms like? (Each dog should have its own run area)

  • Can your dog take something familiar from home - a blanket or favourite toy?

    • For further information on selecting a kennel visit www.dogsonline.co.uk
    (please also see our non-endorsement statement.)

    Four star felines
    There are plenty of really good boarding catteries in the UK, usually with wither outdoor or indoor facilities.

    The Feline Advisory Bureau has an excellent website with reams of useful information on boarding your cat and making sure that he or she is cared for properly and professionally when you are away. Check them out at www.fabcats.org or call on 01747 871872 for advice.

    (please also see our non-endorsement statement.)

    To select the best cattery, visit first and look for the following:


  • Everything on the premises should look clean and tidy. Check that there is no smell or noise

  • Each cat should have a chalet and a run, and security is of the utmost importance - the whole cattery should be completely contained so that cats cannot escape.

  • Each unit should be insulated and must have an electric light and an individually controllable heater - after all, every cat, like its owners, is different

    • If the cattery is being properly run, you will not be able to enter an occupied house or touch the boarded cats, but take note of the following:


  • Are the litter trays and water bowls clean?

  • Do the cats look happy?

  • Do they have a sun shelf, a scratching post, toys to play with?

  • Most importantly, is there a sneeze-barrier? These come either as glass or plastic partitions or a 2ft gap, to prevent the risk of infection as cats touch or sneeze over each other


    • If your pet prefers the flexibility of home catering, then this option is for him. Dog or cat sitters can take care of your pet in the comfort of your own home.

    Alternatively, they can take your pet into their home; the choice is yours.

    Once you've found your ideal sitter you will need to discuss your pet's holiday requirements - exercise, meals, treats etc. If your pet is being taken into the sitter's home make sure that he gets on with all of his new temporary family, particularly other pets and small children.

    There are a number of ways to find the perfect pet sitter.

  • Word of mouth - a personal recommendation is a good start

  • Local papers - most sitters are independent and tend to advertise in classified sections

  • Interview - any reputable dog or cat sitter will happily meet you and your pet for an interview. Decide whether you and your pet like this person and are prepared to trust them in your home. Remember to ask for references and always follow them up.

    For dogs, contact The National Association of Registered Dog Sitters, on 01584 711534 or take a look at their website at www.dogsit.com

    • (please also see our non-endorsement statement.)

    If your pet is lucky enough to lodge with friends or relatives, make sure they are well prepared for their guest's needs by taking note of the following points:


  • use the faithful pooper scooper, or provide cat litter facilities

  • keep dogs on leads when out for a walk

  • guard against open windows and doors

  • keep cats indoors - it can take up to six weeks to acclimatise a cat to her new surroundings, so it's usually best not to let cats out when staying in temporary accomodation

    • Finally, make sure you have a temporary collar disc made, displaying the name and contact number of your pet's carer - this can be done quickly and cheaply. Also, remember to leave emergency contact details - including your vet's name, address and telephone number - just in case.

    HAPPY HOLIDAYS - TO YOU AND YOUR PET


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