With the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) gearing up for its busiest time of the year — large numbers of animals get lost or are abandoned over the holidays — the organisation has outlined some guidelines for people planning to go away on holiday.

The National Council of the SPCA advises people to make the health and general well being of their pets a top priority.

The SPCA suggests two options for caring for animals over the festive season: using a reputable kennel service, where animals are sheltered, fed, exercised and their health is carefully monitored; or using an animal sitter, who will check up on the animal in its own home, and make sure that it is fed and is comfortable.

Whichever option is chosen — and by now most kennels are fully booked — certain steps should be taken by the pet owner prior to leaving on holiday.

Pet owners should bear in mind that despite precautions, animals can go missing. Fireworks, unauthorised entry into properties and even deliberate theft of pets does take place.

It is essential that pets have some form of identification, and the SPCA recommends animals are micro-chipped, as "collars and discs can get lost". Here a veterinarian will insert a small microchip with a unique number under the animal's skin. If the animal gets lost the number can be referred to a database, which has the owner's contact details. "The only sure way to prove an animal is yours or for the owner to be traced is through microchip identification."

Animal-minders should be given details including the name and contact number of the veterinarian and, for emergencies, the address and phone number of the local SPCA. One suggestion is that the animal-minder takes a drive to the vet and SPCA to become familiar with the routes.

Neighbours and friends should be told that an animal-minder will be checking up on the family pets. "Also make a contingency plan in case something happens to the animal-minder," warns the organisation.

Stick to the routine

Pet owners should give the animal-minder as much information about the animal as possible, including its habits and routine, as keeping closely to this routine will lessen the stress for the animal.

If the dog is walked in the early evening, the animal-minder should keep to this time. It is important to adhere to the usual feeding times, food, play times and house rules. The occasional treat may be acceptable, but stern warning must be given regarding the potentially dire consequences of feeding leftovers to pets or treating them to chocolates and other goodies which invariably cause an upset stomach.

Other useful information is the pet's reaction to thunder storms or fireworks. It is vital the sitter is made aware that the animals must be kept indoors and safe — preferably with company — and comforted at times when there may be fireworks.

The SPCA warns that an animal should not be exercised after it has eaten, especially in hot weather. Exercise is best in the early morning or evening. Remember, hot surfaces can burn paws.

Animals should never be left in a vehicle, even with the windows open, as a parked car can quickly become a furnace and the animal could die. "Rather leave animals at home on their own property."

Courtesy of the Johannesburg News Agency