There is nothing quite like the excitement of going on holiday, but this can be dampened somewhat when you have pets. Though having pets won’t stop you from travelling at all, it does require a little bit of extra planning on your part. When you go to Portugal on holiday, it’s unlikely that you will be taking your pet with you. This means you will have to arrange someone to care for them during your time away. It’s important to make sure that your furry (or scaly!) friends are taken care of while you’re away. Whether it’s hiring a pet sitter or sending them to a boarding facility, there are plenty of options available when it comes to taking care of your pets when you’re away from home. In this blog, we will explore some of the best ways to make sure that your beloved animals are safe and sound while you’re enjoying everything that Portugal has to offer.
Who Should Look After Your Pet When You’re Away in Portugal?
What you do with your pets when you’re holidaying in Portugal will largely depend on the type of pet that you have. If you have a goldfish, you will only need someone to pop in once or twice whilst you’re away. If you have a dog, you will need someone to be around for a lot of the time. Below, we have listed some of the key things that you can do with your pets whilst you’re holidaying in Portugal. Of course, not all of these suggestions will work for you and your pet.
Hire a Pet Sitter – One of the simplest ways of having your pet cared for when you’re in Portugal is to hire a pet sitter. These are people who ‘pop’ in to check on your pet once or twice a day, or someone who lives in your house until you are back. The type of pet sitter you choose will largely depend on the type of pet you have. Whereas small animals – such as hamsters and rabbits – and cats are usually okay with someone coming and going, dogs require a lot more attention. There are a lot of companies and individuals who offer pet sitting services, so you shouldn’t be short of choice in your area.
Book a Cattery or Kennels – If you have a pet that can’t be left alone for long periods of time, you could book them into a cattery or kennel. This is somewhere for them to safely stay during your time away, where they will be looked after by trained professionals. Though this does mean taking the animal from their home, it provides peace of mind that they are safe and socialising with someone. You can enjoy your holiday, knowing that your beloved pet won’t come to any harm.
Ask a Friend to Take Care of Them – If you have a friend or family member that lives close by, you could ask them to look after your pet for you. If you have a cat, you could ask them to pop in a few times a day to feed them. You could offer to drop your hamster, rabbit or gerbil off at their house. If you have a dog, you could ask if they could go and stay with them for the duration of your trip. This is a good way of doing things if you are worried about leaving your pet behind, as you can relax knowing that they are being looked after by someone you trust.
Have Someone ‘Pop’ In Occasionally – If you’re lucky enough to have a neighbour that you trust, and your pet doesn’t need constant company, you could have them pop in occasionally. This could be once a day to feed them, or a few times a day if they need to come and go. This won’t be an option for dogs, but it usually works okay with cats and other smaller animals.
It’s not easy to know that you are leaving your pets behind for a week or two, but planning their care far in advance will help to reduce the stress. You’ll find it a lot easier to relax and enjoy your time in Portugal, knowing that your four legged friend is safe and happy at home.
Enjoy a Portuguese Holiday Without Having to Worry About Your Pets
One of the major concerns about going on holiday is what to do with your pet, and this is understandable. A pet is part of the family, and leaving them behind can be difficult, but a holiday to Portugal is unlikely to be suitable for your four legged friend. To ensure that you enjoy your holiday as much as possible, start planning your pet’s car far in advance. This might involve going to look at catteries or kennels, or it might involve deciding which neighbour you trust enough to pop in and feed them. You will also need to stock up on food before you go, and provide information on what to do if something should go wrong.
It’s also a good idea to pack a bag for your pet, to make sure that they have everything they need during their time away. You could include their favourite treats and toys, as well as their bed and anything they like to snuggle up with. Most animals are quite happy to go somewhere new, and most are happy to be cared for by someone else. But, having their own belongings around them will ensure they are relaxed as possible.