The District Magazine LIVE.WORK.PLAY 2018 | Page 29
you looked at what the weather has in store for your
home while you're gone? Allowing your home to get
overly hot while you're away isn't good for your pet. You
can control the temperature in your home - even while
you're away - with the remote access thermostats. They
are WiFi-enabled smart thermostats and provide more
than just comfort, it monitors the temperature in your
home, allowing you to always be aware of your home's
temperature. And best of all, they are completely
controllable from your smartphone, so even if you
forget to make adjustments before you go, resetting the
temperature in your home is just a click away.
3. A little cleaning goes a long way.
Your pet really isn't that different from you; they
appreciate a nice clean area to live in as well. Give it to
them before you go by making sure the litter box or the
yard is clean and that you've picked up as much clutter
as possible. Wash the blankets that adorn their favorite
sleeping places and make sure the space is ready for
their use.
4. A little TV time.
If commotion is the name of the game in your home, a
house that is suddenly too quiet could have a negative
impact on your pet. To alleviate this concern, leave
the television on in one of the rooms so your pet can
enjoy a little noise in the background. Just make sure
you choose a room that is different from where your pet
often sleeps so they can comfortably avoid the sound if
they want to. With today’s technology you can connect
your TV to a smart switch that will allow you to turn it on
and off while you are away.
5. Leave a little bit of yourself.
Is it possible to be in two places at once? In some ways
yes. Leaving items out that smell like you - laundry or
blankets, for example - can be a wonderful source of
comfort in instances when your pet is feeling stressed.
Just remember that if your pet likes to chew, these items
could be their first target, so only leave things you're
comfortable losing.
Having a pet doesn't mean you need to put travel plans
on hold or loose a promotion to your colleague with no
ties, it just adds another layer to your planning process.
Apply the tips above, and you and your pet will be
happy and comfortable until the trip is over and you're
reunited.