During holiday season, it is very common for seniors to be visiting houses—of friends or families or both. During these times too, you may find yourself as the visitor today and the host tomorrow. No matter what role you play, you’re bound to be in a roomful of people whom you have to get along with for a day or two. These people may like you but there’s no guarantee they will like you “tag-alongs” too, especially if they are of the other kind, i.e your pets.
It is important to note that not all people share your fondness with animals. Some people prefer to have nothing to do with them while others just prefer a different kind of animal from yours. For example, there are cat-people who love cats dearly, while on the other side, there are dog lovers who get along with dogs better. Just imagine how riotous it can get if a visitor, carrying their beloved cat, went visiting a house with dogs as pets. To save you from potentially stressful situation, it is best to keep the pets out of the house during these times or better yet, have them board somewhere comfortable for the time being, especially if you’re traveling.
Also do note that pets can sometimes be health threatening to others, that is why you don’t have to take rejections personally, instead you have to be sensitive of other people’s need for their own space not being violated by your pet. A person who is allergic to pets can find himself in the emergency room minutes after exposure to the allergen—a great way to break the holiday spirit!
If you are planning to visit or perhaps, receive guests, this holiday season and you’re not quite sure where to put your pet, find a sitter. Just make sure your pet is welcomed even if the sitter is an immediate family. Moreover, if you have decided to just bring your pet along, make sure that he is welcome in that house as well. It wouldn’t hurt to ask the house owner for ground rules, you see, than have yourself embarrassed upon your arrival. If you’re told no, then you have to respect that.
However, if there’s absolutely no one to leave your pet with and you really have to bring them with you or if time is not with your side as there’s no more room left in the doggie hotel to accommodate your pet, ask the house owner if you two can meet halfway. Some people let pets into their homes granted that they will have to stay in one place, so it’s either you put your pet in a crate or have him on leash. It will also do your situation good if you promise to clean up after your pet. Again, never push if the owner firmly said no.
Holidays need not be a stressful occasion for both pet and seniors. You just have to learn how to deal with the situation if it occurs. Your veterinarian will be able to help you find places which accept pets as transients. This is the best option for your pet so far, since you are sure your pets will be taken cared of in these places.
