? How do you deal with extended travel?

[Salem & Angus]

Hey all,

I have an upcoming trip to Montreal in December, however because I planned to be away for 10 days, obviously I think I would have to have someone check and do my cats insulin. I don't really have anyone near me since I moved cross country from all my family and friends. I've heard people say some vets will board for stuff like this, but I am wondering about the costs? Obviously this would be dependent on vet office etc. I also worry about the stress this could cause him to have him boarded for so long.

I do have a roommate but they leave one day a week from 12PM to 9PM and Salem's shot time falls around 7:30AM/PM. I'd rather not have him miss 1 shot a week, but my options are limited so I'm curious how much of an impact this would be on him?

If all else fails, I can cancel my trip because my cat's wellbeing will always triumph travel, but I'm just curious if anyone has any experience here?

Thanks y'all!

 

[Wendy&Neko]

I can think of a couple options. First is to talk to your vet clinic and see if they have a vet tech or someone in the office that does petsitting on the side. I had a friend go to England for a month with a knowledgeable tech stopping by twice a day. If your vet clinic doesn't have such staff, try some of the other ones near you. Second, vet clinics often have a posting board, for businesses to put their cards or flyers. Some times you can find sitters that way. I am lucky that I have a sitter that is comfortable doing insulin shots. I found her after Neko, but she's also given meds to current kitty. Staying in their own home is often easier on a kitty.

Also check your neighbourhood social media like Next Door, FB for petsitters. Our local neighbourhood association has a website that lists child and pet sitters. If you have time, and you can find someone quickly, you should be able to train them on giving insulin if they are willing to learn. I have a neighbour who is a retired nurse as a backup. Since you have a roommate for most of the days, find someone for one or two days may be an easier problem to solve.

Boarding is an option, but if a vet clinic isn't open 12 hours, the shots might not be 12 hours apart. If you want to look at boarding, there may be other cat boarding options near you.

Any chance Salem could travel with you? Neko travelled with us a few times, one long car trip, one plane/car trip, and several shorter car/ferry trips.

 

[Salem & Angus]

Any chance Salem could travel with you? Neko travelled with us a few times, one long car trip, one plane/car trip, and several shorter car/ferry trips.

He's no stranger to travel for sure. He's moved with me from Texas to New England and now to the PNW I just wasn't sure about splitting him and Angus up for a period of time like that. I'd have to look into the costs of flying him if it comes down to that.

I'll have to talk to my roommate and see how they feel about this, but it's also possible they may just adjust their own schedule to be here on time for those 1-2 days.