Going away? The pet-care checklist

Oak & Paw: family-run dog and cat care in Potters Bar

Leaving a pet is easier when everything is written down and ready. Work through this list a few weeks before you go. Tick as you go.

4 weeks before

• Book the care you need, so your dates are settled.
• Check your pet's vaccination record. Find the date of the last booster.
• Ask your vet if anything is due before you go. For dogs staying where other dogs are, that usually includes the kennel cough vaccine.
• Check flea and worm treatments are up to date.
• Check your pet's microchip details (your current phone number and address).

2 weeks before (the latest)

• Vaccinations done. Aim for at least two weeks before the stay. PDSA says kennels and doggy day care centres will ask for the kennel cough vaccine two to three weeks before, and some places want a set gap between any vaccination and the stay. Ask your vet how long yours needs.
• Check your pet insurance is in date. Note the policy number and the claims phone number.
• Write down your vet's name, practice, phone number and opening hours, and find an emergency vet for out of hours.
• Decide what you want to happen if your pet needs a vet while you are away and the carer can't reach you, including how much you are happy for the vet to spend without calling you first. Tell whoever is caring for them.
• Make sure your dog has a collar and a tag with your contact details on. Dogs in public must wear one.
• Order more than enough of their usual food, and enough of any medication to cover the whole trip.

1 week before

• Write your routine notes (see the box below).
• Count out medication, and write the dose and times on the box.
• Choose a bed or blanket that smells of home to go with them, and any favourite toys.
• Choose your emergency contact: someone local who knows you are away and can be reached.
• Tell us about anything that worries them (fireworks, other dogs, men in hats, the vacuum).

What to pack

Dogs

• Their usual food, in labelled portions, plus a few extra days, with written feeding instructions
• Any medication, with written instructions
• Collar with ID tag, and a lead
• Their bed or blanket and a favourite toy
• Vaccination record and insurance details
• Treats they love, if they have any

Cats

• Their usual food and bowls, plus a few extra days
• A carrier they are used to
• Their litter and tray
• A blanket or bed that smells like home
• Favourite toys
• Any medication, with written instructions
• Vaccination record and insurance details

Routine notes: what to write down

• Meal times and amounts (and what they won't eat)
• Walk times and how long
• Where they sleep at home
• Toilet habits and any accidents
• Commands they know and what they respond to
• Fears and triggers
• What they do when worried, and what helps
• Medication: what, how much, when, and how to give it
• Habits that make them them: the toy they carry, the spot they like

Emergency contact card

Fill this in and give a copy to whoever cares for your pet.

The day you leave

• For dogs, keep goodbyes low-key and don't make a big fuss. Get everything ready beforehand so you can leave calmly.
• Hand over the food, medication and paperwork, and the emergency contact card.
• Check your phone is on and your mobile number is right on the card.
• Tell the person looking after your pet when you will be back.

Looking after your pet while you are away? Here's what we can do

We look after dogs and cats in our family home, never in a kennel or a run, in small numbers, with lots of walks and a photo and video update every day. We also do walks, drop-in visits, day care and house sitting. We ask for up-to-date vaccinations, your pet's own insurance, your local vet's details and an emergency contact, and we send you a short form to fill in so the routine notes above are all in one place.

We can also help at short notice: emergency care is available any time, either the same day at ours or a visit at yours using a key safe.

WhatsApp or call us on 07957 377694, or check dates and book online.

We're insured through Protectivity Pet Business Insurance, including Public Liability and Care, Custody & Control cover for dogs while they're with us.