Going on vacation is in many ways the most wonderful time of the year, especially if you intend to spend it traveling. However, if you are a pet owner, going on vacation can pose a problem as to how to meet their needs while you are away. Here are your three main options:

Take Them With You

The simplest solution is to simply take your pet with you on the trip! The problem is that may not be the most practical solution. You can’t always be sure in advance whether pets will be welcome everywhere you go on your trip. You should also consider the temperament and degree of self-control your pet has, as it may be that your pet simply doesn’t like to travel. If your pet is miserable on the road, it may behave in ways that will make yourself and others miserable as well.

Consult the Vet

One way to help you decide whether to take your pet with you is to consult a veterinarian, preferably one that already knows your pet. They will be able to give you advice as to whether your pet is likely to take well to travel and what you need to do to make that traveling comfortable and safe for your pet.

Find a Friend

If you decide to leave your pet behind, one option is to get a responsible friend to look after them. Your pet can either stay with the friend, or the friend can come to your house each day. Ideally, this pet sitter would be someone your pet already knows. Make sure there is plenty of food and that the sitter has the vet’s number in case of emergency.

Board Your Pet

One of the best alternatives is to put your pet in a kennel or other facility specifically designed for the temporary storage of pets. These facilities can be very nice, almost like a luxury pet resort. The staff have had extensive experience with a wide range of animals, breeds and pet personalities, so they will probably have no problem making your pet have a vacation of their own.

In consultation with your vet, you should be able to find a solution that works for your pet, while still allowing you to enjoy your vacation with full peace of mind that your pet will be well cared for.