IT'S that time of the year again!
The annual ritual of balik kampung beckons; a time when Malaysians traverse back to their roots, embarking on journeys that are as much about tradition as they are about careful logistical planning.
It's a season marked by the collective hum of preparation, a prelude to the joyous familial reunions that lie ahead. Yet, beneath all that anticipation, a multitude of decisions awaits — chief among them, the strategic calculus of avoiding the traffic gridlock that can turn highways into parking lots!
Of course, there's the perennial worry that our homes are safe and secured while we're away.
"Should I pause the newspaper?" you wonder, contemplating the fate of those unread dailies that scream "nobody's home!" to anyone with questionable intentions. And then there's that planning and packing to think about.
In the whirlwind of prepping for the balik kampung journey, figuring out what to do with our pets emerges as a crucial puzzle.
After all, our cars aren't designed as modern-day arks, capable of ferrying a menagerie through the dense weave of traffic to our hometowns without a hitch. Ever attempted to fit five cats into a vehicle already bursting with family?
WHAT TO DO WITH OUR PETS?
Navigating the conundrum of pet care during our hometown journeys or vacations requires creative thinking, especially to avoid the stress a long drive can impose on our furry friends.
What's more, if you've been feeding the neighbourhood cats or dogs, thinking about their welfare while you're gone deserve some thought.
Before you board your pets, consider this essential checklist to ensure their stay is safe and comfortable:
1. Verify that their vaccinations are current, providing them with protection and peace of mind for you;
2. Your pets have to be tick-free of course. If you are unsure, consult your vet;
3. Provide a detailed list of any medications they're taking, ensuring that their health needs are met;
4. Consider neutering your pets to prevent unexpected surprises during their stay;
5. Bring their favourite toys or blankets to make them feel at home if they're boarded in a pet hotel or with a sitter;
6. Leave emergency contact information and any special care instructions with the boarding facility;
7. Schedule a visit to the boarding facility with your pet beforehand, if possible, to help them acclimate to the new environment; and
8. Ensure you supply enough of your pet's food and treats, as some facilities or pet sitters may require you to provide them.
Nowadays, you have a wide array of options available for taking care of your pets while you're away.
PET SITTERS
Why not give your pets their own holiday at home? Hiring a pet sitter who can stay at your place or drop in daily to feed them and take them out for walks can provide your pets with a sense of routine and security.
PET HOTELS
For those inclined towards a more luxurious solution, pet boarding facilities or "pet hotels" offer a range of services, from basic care to spa treatments. Imagine your pet having more spa days and gourmet meals than you do on vacation!
TRUSTED FRIEND OR FAMILY NETWORK
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. Enlisting a trusted friend or family member to pet-sit can provide you with peace of mind, knowing your pets are in good hands.
Choosing the right option depends on your pet's personality, needs, and your own peace of mind. Whatever choice you make, it's all about ensuring our furry, feathered or scaled companions are safe and content while we embark on our own adventures. After all, a happy pet makes for a guilt-free getaway.
Still not sure which to pick? Here are some suggestions from people who know what to do!
So, whether it's taking care of pets or strays — or both — you can be sure that you'll be receiving sound advice from people who know best!
WONG EE LYNN
(Animal rescuer and volunteer with various shelters and protection organisations for more than 28 years)
THE best option for a companion animal is always to have someone come to your home to care for them. This way, they are in a safe and familiar place, and there is very little disruption to their routine.
Bear in mind that if you are away during the festive season, your pet will have to deal with the noise of fireworks on their own.
Prepare a hiding place for them that they can retreat to when afraid. A curtain over a table to create a cave would suffice. Line the hiding place with soft fabrics and perhaps an item of clothing of yours that has not been washed.
Your scent will provide comfort. You will need to arrange for a pet sitter, neighbour, or friend to drop by daily to carry out basic feeding and cleaning tasks and reassure your pet that they have not been abandoned.
Even if you are using an automatic feeder and self-cleaning litter tray, you will still need someone to come in at least once every two days in case of accidents, spillages and pets getting accidentally shut in rooms or cupboards.
Before you leave, ensure all gas and electrical outlets have been turned off, all potentially harmful plants, chemicals and other items are put away safely, and all windows and doors are secured.
Have the pet sitter visit in advance before your departure so you can show them where everything is, and make sure they know how to enter and exit safely without letting your pets escape.
Request a daily photo from the pet sitter as proof of their attendance for your peace of mind. Provide a spare set of keys and the number of pets you have to a trusted neighbour or building management in case of emergencies, even if they are not the ones carrying out the pet-sitting duties.
The next best option is to board your pet with a reputable vet or boarding centre. Pet boarding centres that charge suspiciously low rates are likely to be overwhelmed with clients during the festive season, and your pets may not receive the best of care.
Provide your pet with a familiar toy and an unwashed item of clothing for comfort while they are in the boarding facility. Request daily updates from the vet or boarding facility.
TRAVELLING WITH PETS
If you have no option but to travel with your pet, ensure that you have the right travel carriers and foldable cages that will serve the purpose of keeping your pet safe in the vehicle and in an unfamiliar place.
Unsecured pets have been known to run out into the road when the car door is opened. Once you have arrived at your destination, set up the folding cage in a quiet and hidden area, away from noisy guests, excitable children and fireworks.
Provide your pet with a familiar toy and unwashed item of clothing for comfort. Ensure the premises — whether your family home or a hotel room — is escape-proof and safe for your pet.
Take your pet outdoors only on a leash or harness because being in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people may increase their stress and confusion, and cause them to behave differently from how they behave at home.
There are products on the market to calm anxious pets but many are costly and not guaranteed to work on every animal. Each animal will respond differently to a different scent or stimuli. There is no necessity for you to purchase these products unless you have used them before and know that they will work on your pet.
KELVIN CHEAH
(General manager, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
FOR responsible pet owners, ensuring the wellbeing of their pets while they're away is paramount. It's not just about finding a temporary solution; it's also about making thoughtful arrangements that prioritise the comfort, safety and happiness of their furry (or not so furry) family members.
There are the usual options of pet sitters, boarding facilities or even family and friends to help out. But if you must leave your pet home alone, having someone drop by to check on them can make all the difference. They can provide essential care like feeding, watering and a bit of social interaction.
Don't forget to leave emergency contact details with your pet's caretaker, covering all bases in case something unexpected happens.
To protect your pets from potential stressors like fireworks or loud noises, make sure your home is secure. Additionally, outfitting your pets with microchips or GPS trackers can offer you further reassurance about their safety.
For those who care for stray animals, here are a few tips:
1. Create feeding stations in known stray animal haunts to ensure they have consistent access to food and water; and
2. Engage with local authorities or shelters to support or initiate Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programmes, which help manage stray populations and improve their quality of life.
BETH NUR HAMISYAH
(Manager of Catzonia, hotel for cats)
PET hotels are a boon for cat owners in need of trustworthy care. These facilities ensure a secure, comfortable and engaging setting for cats, meeting their unique needs while their owners are away.
With trained professionals like those at Catzonia, who are adept at caring for cats of various temperaments, owners can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their pets are in good hands.
Additionally, modern pet hotels are equipped with advanced facilities crafted for optimal comfort and safety. These include spacious suites with cozy bedding, engaging play areas and grooming services, all designed to cater to the needs and preferences of cats, ensuring they have a pleasant stay.
Good pet hotels maintain a routine akin to home, with consistent feeding, playtime and socialising, which keeps cats happy and healthy. Additionally, for owners with tight schedules or travel plans, pet hotels offer a convenient and reliable solution, eliminating the need to rely on favours or uncertain pet-sitting services.
DERRA BEH
(Pet sitter, Meow Motel cage-free pet sitting)
CAT boarding services have become increasingly popular among pet owners who find themselves away from home. However, cats are creatures of habit and often get jittery in the confines of a traditional boarding facility.
I have been providing cage-free cat boarding services since 2018, learning the ropes through rescuing and fostering cats while helping them find their forever homes.
Picture this: you're whisked away from your comfy home and dropped into an unfamiliar place. Not fun, right? So, I've made it my mission to make each client's cat stay as cosy as possible.
This includes asking owners to bring along their cat's favourite blanket and treats, mimicking the comforts of home for stressed-out cats. Plus, there's plenty of hiding spots in the boarding space, acting as a safe space for them to curl up in.
Every cat is a unique character, and it's important their individual requirements are catered for. Whether it's tending to a healing cat's wounds or keeping up with a growing kitten's feeding schedule, personalising their care makes all the difference.
I have a strict policy with my cat guests — they must be vaccinated and neutered to maintain a safe environment. To monitor their health, I keep an eye on their bathroom habits. While it might not sound glamorous, it's crucial for catching any health hiccups, especially for younger kittens as diarrhoea can be dangerous.
The best part of my job? It's the bonds I've built with both my furry guests and their owners. The trust they place in me to care for their beloved companions is something I cherish as an animal lover.
So, if you're ever on the fence about where to leave your cats, consider a cage-free pet boarding service — there's nothing quite like the feeling of seeing your cat purr.
