A lot of pets found homes during the lockdown. It was a blissful time with everyone at home looking for company within the family. Things however have gone back to normal and human family members are trying to make up for lost time with their friends and the extended family. This normal is not what many pets have ever known. For them, it is normal that everyone is at home. A dog walk or a quick trip out with his humans is what a dog knows. A cat didn't even need that many a times. Also most trips outside homes during lockdowns were moments of stress and a smart cat or dog picks up on it immediately. This is true for most pets actually given their strong intuitive abilities. 

In this scenario families taking holidays without pets is a moment of great stress for the pet. They feel abandoned and experience anxiety. An inexperienced pet parent may assume that a pet which plays with strangers during morning walks would be comfortable when it is left at a boarding. This however is far from the truth. The best of boarderers would want pet parents to put in some effort in familiarizing a pet with the idea of being away from the family before setting off on a trip. 

The process is simple. The pet needs to know that it is safe and more importantly that the family will come back for it. This reduces the abandonment fear and it is able to enjoy the attention which the pet border lavishes on her guest. 

The idea is to start off small. Leave your pet with a familiar neighbour or friend ideally first in the pet's own home and then in another location. The duration should not be for long and the departure should be low excitement. The feeling should be that something routine is up. If the pet frets low key, do not rush back. The pet needs to experience and accept that it was worried but in due course the family came back for it. Next, have a pet sitter at home while the family goes off for a few hour long sojourn. This can be followed up by or be replaced by a stay at a pet border. Then increase the duration of the separation to include a night. Do not do this too close together or too far apart so as to manage stress levels.

Always leave familiar objects with the pet. A recently worn, unwashed garment which still carries the parent's smell, a favourite toy or blanket, the pet's own food and water bowls as well as the regular brands of food and treats should also be kept with the pet. The idea is to minimize change for the pet. 

The pet should be rewarded for good behaviour in word and kind. Also do not punish the pet if there is simple bad behaviour or even some peeing. The unknown can be very frightening and involuntary accidents add to the anxiety and are not worthy of punishment. Some pets might show preferences for different types of boarding homes, for example those with longer walks offered or those with more space to play. Understand your pet's requirements when you choose the place which suits it best. 

Most boarders and sitters want the best experience for a pet. They will have varied methods and ways of keeping pets happy. However it is you who knows your pet best and can make the transition easier for it. Finally, having a happy pet in boarding is possibly the best way to ensure that you have a stress free holiday experience.