The District Magazine LIVE.WORK.PLAY 2018 | Page 28

5
Pet-Friendly
Preparations
FOR WHEN YOU HAVE TO TRAVEL
On your most challenging
days you can always count
on your pet to greet you at the
door when you come home
or cuddle up in your lap in
the evening. They are a vital
part of your home life all year
long, but when your life takes
you away from home - as it
often does - are you thinking
of them before you head out
the door?
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With so much to pack and prepare for your trip, it's easy
to forget about those you'll leave behind, like your pets.
That's why if you're planning to leave for a day or longer,
you should make sure to employ these five tips to make
sure your pet is happy and safe while you're away.
1. Find a quality pet sitter.
Dogs need to be walked and let out during the day, so
when you're gone, you'll need a pet sitter to fill these
duties. Finding a quality, reliable pet sitter can be the
difference between a happy pet and damage to your
home when you return. Try to trade sits with a fellow
pet owner, and if that's not possible, the National
Association of Professional Pet Sitters is a nonprofit
organization with resources to help you find the best
pet sitter for you.
2. Be mindful of the temperature.
Knowing the temperature patterns of where you are
traveling to plays a big role in how you pack, but have