A Quick Guide To Settling Pets Into A Holiday Home

22 February 2017

The perks of having a holiday home are endless, and they’re a great place to take the family away for some quality time. But what about that certain furry member of your family?

Pets are sensitive to change and it can be difficult to settle them into your holiday home – especially in the first few days.

To help out both you and your pets, here’s a quick guide to settling pets into a holiday home.

Be cautious of the climate

If your holiday home is likely to have a different climate to your main home, you should keep your pet in mind.

If the climate is going to be warmer, a paddling pool could be a great addition for your pet. It could also be beneficial to bring a fan specifically for your pet so that they can lie next to it during warmer periods.

If the climate is going to be colder, make sure your pet has a bed suitable for the temperature. If you’re unsure if your pet’s bed provides the right temperature, you can read this article on finding the right bed for your pet.

Be mindful of big events

When you’re on holiday it’s your time to have fun, so you’re likely to be engaging in loud events.

Although parties, fireworks and other loud events are great fun, you should keep your pets in mind.

If you’re going to be having a party, it could be beneficial to create a calm and quiet environment in a separate room for your pet and keep the door closed. Be sure to give them plenty of food, water, toys and bedding to keep them satiated.

If you’re going to be having fireworks or other loud noises outdoors, keep your pet inside to limit their stress levels. If your pet is particularly anxious, you can purchase a calming aid. 

Set the scent

Pets are often comforted by the smell of their home, so make sure you bring along some items that hold that scent, such as clothing and your pet’s bed. When you get to your holiday home, provide your pet with the items that hold the scent of your usual home really helps with settling pets.

Plan ahead

You never know when a disaster is going to strike so before you go away, make sure you pack all of the essentials to avoid any potential crises.

Does your pet need any medication? Make sure you bring it with you. Does your pet have a particular toy or blanket that it goes to in time of stress? Make sure you pack it.

It’s also important to be aware of where the nearest vets is. If you’re unsure, you can use the RCVS’s vet finder service to find the nearest vets to your holiday home.

Try to stick to a routine

In order to get your pet completely settled, you should stick to a routine.

Waking up at a similar time of day every day and sticking to a bedtime routine can be endlessly beneficial for your pet. Sleep schedules are important for everyone, so making sure your pet is getting the right amount of sleep can improve their mood and stress levels.

Irregular meal times can be stressful for your furry friend, so you should also have scheduled meal times that are similar to those of your usual routine home so that they don’t fall out of sync.

If possible, and if your pet requires regular walks, try to walk them at the same time each day so that they’re aware of when they’re going to go out.

We hope these tips on settling pets have helped!

If you’re looking to buy a holiday home, read our ultimate guide to choosing the perfect location for your holiday home.