How to Ease Guilt When Travelling Without Your Pets
Leaving Them Behind
It’s always sad to leave your pets behind when you travel. But you can make it easier by being prepared.
Our pets are very much a part of our families. We want to be with them every day. We want them to know that they can count on us. We want them to know how much we love them.
But there are times when we can’t be there with them. And not just for a few hours at a time. Sometimes life takes us away for a while.
When we have to travel, whether it’s for work or for vacation, we can’t always bring our pets along. Some trips just won’t work with pets. Some pets will be way better off at home.
Still, there’s that anxiety and guilt when we leave our pets behind. The idea of separating from your furry friend can weigh heavily on your mind.
Do you worry that your pet will feel abandoned? Do you feel guilty that you aren’t there to take care of them?
It’s a completely normal reaction. And, your feelings are valid. It means you’re a good pet parent. It shows you care. Pets are our responsibility and a vital part of our daily lives. It makes it understandable why leaving them behind can cause us guilt and worry.
However, if you’re prepared and understand how your pets will react to your absence, you can travel without being filled with guilt and anxiety about the pets you leave behind.
Make a Plan
You know your pet better than anyone. So, you probably have a good idea where they will be most comfortable.
For instance, many cats are very set in their ways and routines. Their home is their territory. While some cats board well, many are better off staying in their home and having someone check in on them will work the best.
Some cats will be fine to go stay with a trusted friend, family member, or pet sitter and will adjust quickly to their time in a different space.
Some dogs will do well in a kennel with plenty of dogs to play with. Lucy is one of those dogs. She absolutely loves other dogs and is very comfortable in a variety of places and conditions.
Jack wasn’t quite so comfortable. He liked other dogs but he was more anxious with all the noise and chaos. He adjusted but only because Lucy was his roomie and they were besties.
Some dogs won’t do well at a kennel but will do well with a pet sitter in their home. Some will be more like cats and will do better with someone coming into your home to care for them.
Give Detailed Instructions
Even if your pet doesn’t need special care like taking meds or supplements, keeping their feedings, exercise, and other parts of their routine in place is important.
Leave detailed instructions for their care and plenty of their regular food and any supplements or meds, so your pet sitter doesn’t run out while you’re still away.
You can include the following:
Feeding Instructions- amounts, mealtimes, and any other instructions such as feeding cues that release your dog to eat (ours is “go for it”).
Water- how often you fill and clean their water bowl
Treats- how many treats you give them and when(such as after a walk or after potty time)
Games and toys- provide their favourite toys, if able, and let your sitter know if they have favourite games like fetch or tug.
Medications and Supplements- amounts, timing, and how you typically give them(for instance, do you have to hide pills in cheese or peanut butter)
Allergies or Health Concerns- any information that will be important for the care of your pet considering their health
Grooming and Hygiene- if your pet needs to be brushed daily or ears cleaned weekly, your pet sitter will need to know this routine.
Emergency Contact Information- Your vet’s contact information, the nearest emergency vet clinic, and any other information you feel is important in a pet emergency
Leave Quietly and Calmly
When you’re ready to leave, don’t make a fuss. Cats and dogs can pick up on your stress and may react accordingly. They may appear anxious but it’s more about feeding off your anxiety than their own.
If you’re leaving your pets at home, just leave calmly like you were going out for the afternoon.
If you’re dropping them at a boarder or pet sitter, try to stay calm and relaxed.
The best thing you can do for your pet is keep everything as normal as possible. This will cause them the least amount of stress.
Getting Updates
Talk to your pet sitter about getting updates for your pets. They can send you pictures, live or recorded videos, or simple texts or phone calls to let you know how your pet is doing.
Also, if you feel like you need a break from it all and would rather have “radio silence” for your trip, don’t feel guilty!
Presumably, you have chosen a responsible, trusted person to care for your pet. They’ve got this. You don’t have to have constant updates.
But, if that’s what will make you feel better and relax, don’t feel guilty asking for those updates either. Just keep it to a minimum so your pet’s caregiver can concentrate on your pet and you can concentrate on your vacation or work trip.
Doing What’s Best
Not all pets are comfortable with travel. It can be way more stressful than missing you. So, as a pet parent, it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your pet’s care.
Trust The Science
Pets do understand changes to your routine when you’re getting ready for a trip. They’re masters of observation.
They see the open suitcases, they observe the extra laundry and gathering of your travel supplies, and they can sense your stress and excitement. They can learn to associate those changes with you leaving.
Some pets may become more clingy. Cats may hop in your open suitcase. Some will hide away. It doesn’t mean that they’re going to be upset the entire time you’re gone. They’re not stressing or worrying about your departure in the “human way”.
Remember, your pet lives in the present. They aren’t thinking about the past. They aren’t thinking about the future. While they absolutely are capable of missing you, and may even display signs of sadness and depression, they will adapt, I promise you!
With a trusted person caring for them, they’re probably even going to enjoy some extra attention from a new friend while you’re away.
And though they’ll be very happy to see you, and may be a little extra clingy for a few days, soon life will return to normal!
So, if you are getting ready to leave on a trip, don’t feel guilty.
Find someone you trust to care for your pet, give their caretaker the instructions they need for that care, plan for how you will get updates if needed, remain calm when you say your goodbyes, and take your trip knowing that your pet is in good hands!
