Only some cruise ships offer the opportunity to take pets with them. At the moment, only one such liner is known. It can be difficult to be away from your four-legged friends while traveling, especially if you are going with the whole family. After all, they are also a part of it.
Animals are not allowed on board for various reasons. There are safety concerns, as it is not always possible to secure safe conditions for animals during a voyage, especially in case of storms or other unpredictables. Additionally, there are space limitations on ships, both on deck and in cabins, making it hard to offer healthy conditions for animals. They can also be noisy, disrupting the comfort of other passengers.
For these reasons, your pets should be left on land. It is important to think about the place you leave them before the trip. Also important is with whom, to make sure that your absence goes as smoothly as possible for them.
Choosing a Responsible Person or Care Service
- Relatives and friends: Ask the person you trust to take care of the pet during your absence. Be sure to explain the specifics of the animal’s care, habits and diet.
- Hotels and kennels: Special places for animals where they offer care, nutrition and walking. They have whole cozy rooms or aviaries with comfortable bedding and toys. Some hotels even offer individual rooms with webcams. So you can check your pet’s condition online at any time.
- Professional pet sitter: If you prefer your pet to stay in a familiar environment, and there are no willing relatives, home care services can be an excellent option. Many companies carefully select and train their sitters and they offer flexible timetables. This way you can schedule visits on days when your relatives or friends are busy.
Whoever you choose to leave your four-legged friend with, you should carefully prepare before leaving.
Not to Forget Before the Cruise
- Leave the instructions: Note in detail the nutrition schedule, the number of servings, walking time and other care features.
- Stock of food and things: Prepare food, bowls, toys, leash, tray and filler, as well as medicines if they are needed. For cats and dogs, you can use automatic feeders that will help to keep up with their diet.
- Make the location known: If you plan to leave your pet in a hotel or kennel, then bring him to get acquainted a few days before departure. It’s gonna be easier for the animal to get used to the new environment. There you can leave your pet’s favorite blanket or toy to reduce stress. These items retain the smell of the house and the owner, which can calm the pet.
- Heed about the health care: Make sure your pet is vaccinated and treated against fleas and ticks before leaving. We recommend conducting a home DNA test for your cat or dog. This way you can specify the breed, genetic characteristics, potential risks of diseases and the general health of the pet. Services like basepaws review and provide such data.
- Check your veterinarian: Give the contacts of a trusted veterinarian in case of an emergency. Many clinics offer round-the-clock medical care and monitoring of the condition of pets.
- Upgrade the picture: Install the webcam in the house so that you can watch your pet in real time. Some cameras even allow you to interact with your pet through a microphone and speaker. Make sure that the camera is well attached and located in a place where the pet often spends time.
A few weeks before departure, start gradually increasing the time that the pet spends alone. This will help him get used to your absence. Start with short periods of absence and gradually increase their duration.
Use positive reinforcement to associate your absence with pleasant moments. This means that you should learn to give your pet your favorite treats or toys before leaving. Create positive associations with your absence so that the pet does not feel anxious.
***
Ensuring the mental health of your pets while you are away requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following these guidelines and examples, you can reduce your pet’s stress and unease, providing them with comfort in your absence. This will allow you to embark on your cruise with peace of mind, knowing that your furry companion is content and well-cared.
