Leaving on Vacation? Let Your Pets Know
The relationship between you and your pets is a close one. You’re excited to be heading out for a few days of rest, relaxation, fun, exploring, and often family time which means the suitcases, changes in activity around the house, and your pet’s emotional behaviors shift as the unknown creeps in. They are wanting to know what’s happening?
For those pets who have been through this before or for the new kids to your home or to life in general or those that this is the first time solo without a sibling pet, this can be an anxious experience. Before the suitcases are visible you can start sharing with them in simplified speech:
- What is coming on the horizon (vacation, business trip, a child’s sport activity or the like)
- How many sunrises before you return
- What they can expect their experience to look like during that time (how often someone will connect with them, will they have exercise or play time, etc.)
- How much they are loved
- Let them know they can eat in your absence as some find it challenging as their calm environment has been disrupted and their muscle memory around this activity is with you being there.
- And for them to have fun!
As the day gets closer, in addition to the above if someone they know and like will be visiting with them tell them when approximately the person will arrive for the first visit as it gives them something to look forward to just as you are looking forward to your trip. When I arrive, I tell them as I am leaving when I will return and I connect in with them energetically when I am on my way to visit. You can ask your pet care person to do the same.
In the case of a boarding situation, you can also ask that the people tell your pet(s) how many sunrises remain before their reunion with you.
Yes, some get anxious or experience separation anxiety during the lead-up and on the first day of when I and others come to visit with your pets or when they find themselves in a boarding environment. Those of us who have encountered this with them before understand and accept them where they are knowing for some there is a transition period. I can also tell you that they will feel any of your emotions too, so the more relaxed you are the better they will be.
Some pets get more anxious as they have experienced awakening from a nap only to find themselves alone and not knowing when you have left. I have seen this often with those who have lost a sibling pet or grew up in a household with other pets and now they are the singular one in a new environment.
For those that experience anxiety, Remote Animal Reiki can be supportive of them. It is sent to them three days in a row: the day before you leave home, the day you leave, and the day after to help your pet(s) in the experience. Yes, they feel it despite me not being there in person with them. Ask about the special Remote 3-Day Animal Reiki Travel Package.
