Of all themushy-gushy raves about pets, there is only one undisputed truth: pets are (absolutely and undisputedly) members of the family! In cuddling time. Walk time. Frolicking time. Family routine time. Devouring food time. Quirky and cute posing nap time. And the 24/7 unconditional love. So, what happens when the family goes on vacation? Often, pets get booked into boarding kennels, most with chain link pens and runs. No cuddling time, walk time, frolicking time or quirky and cute posing nap time. Some pets get the back-seat, long-drive treatment. Some get the complicated, cramped-ina-carrier under the seat or in the cargo hold. Limited cuddling or frolicking time. But, thanks to technology, the innovative potential of apps such as Rover and the limitless possibilities of social media, many family pets get a vacay of their own. Lots of cuddling, frolicking and comfy good times. Some say that pet-sitter apps were a natural and inevitable development, after generations of guilt and anxiety for pet lovers who had limited choices − a generously willing family member or friend, a reputable kennel …or no vacation! Pet lovers deal with guilt and emotion, but there has always been much buzz about pet loneliness and all kinds of nasty warnings about such things as “kennel stress syndrome.” Vacay or no vacay, with the best of pet-lover intentions, veterinarians caution that kennel stress can happen, with symptoms such as pacing − a compulsive behaviour displayed by pets during times of anxiety. Depression, stress and a sudden change in diet and feeding routines may cause a loss of appetite in some pets. Nervousness, fear and a lack of exercise can lead to aggressive behaviour. Kennel stress syndrome also warns about boredom or separation anxiety causing excessive digging among dogs. And whether it’s guilt, folklore, word of mouth or professional opinion, vacationing pet lovers wonder (while non-pet owners cynically shrug) about separation anxiety. Vets explain that it’s legit and happens when a pet that’s hyper-attached to its owner gets superstressed when left alone. It’s more than a little whining when you leave, or a bit of mischief while you’re out. Sometimes it is howling, barking or whining to excess, indoor “accidents” even though the animal is housebroken, chewing things up, digging holes, scratching at windows and doors, isolation and sudden aggressiveness in cats. Separation anxiety is sometimes a nuisance, but it’s also a serious condition and, unfortunately, one of the main reasons owners get frustrated with their dogs and give them up. Separation anxiety is observedmost frequently in dogs, but has also been reported in cats, birds, horses, pigs, goats, sheep, cattle, primates and humans. Veterinary science notes that affected pets experience emotional distress when separated from the person to whom they are most attached, and they often react in a destructive manner. Until 2011, trusted familymembers and good friends − or boarding kennels − were a travelling pet owner’s only two choices.Then Rover happened. It is technology at its mushiest and most efficient best, using an innovative digital platform to reference, check out, screen, connect and arrange reliable, local pet sitters. According to a Rover Inc. spokesperson, “We believe everyone deserves the unconditional love of a pet. Our mission is tomake it easier to experience that love.The Rover app and website connect dog and cat parents with screened, referenced and loving, five-star pet sitters in neighbourhoods across the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Europe. “Pet parents can use the Rover website or app to find and book nearby sitters and walkers who will treat their pet like family − close to, or in their own neighbourhoods.” Because pets are such universally lovedmembers of the family, arranging for pet sitting either via word of mouth or digitally (such as with Rover) causes unavoidable concerns and anxieties – especially verification of the background and reliability of the sitter. The Rover platform offers a guarantee for all services booked online. That includes 24/7 support, mobile apps, photo and video sharing and, most important, background checks for pet sitters. “Rover empowers our community of trusted neighbourhood pet sitters to run their own pet-care businesses on Rover, with the tools and security of a global company to back them. Sitters manage their own rates on Rover and the total cost of a booking will vary depending on the service, the sitter’s rates and each pet’s unique booking needs.” It seems that pet owners’ worries are easing. More than 42 million services have been booked on Rover, in 10 countries around the world. Putting mush, sentimentality and guilt aside, it’s all about trust and reliability. Leaving a pet − or arranging a pet vacay −with a reliable, trusted sitter is actually taking responsibility for that pet. Although they’re away from their dog or cat, pet lovers are still doing whatever they can to keep their pet healthy, fed (cuddled), loved and safe. Almost as if it’s a pet vacay, as well! PET VACAYS by John Hardy Every time I think of you I always catch my breath, And I’m still standing here And you’re miles away -Missing You, John Waite 40 | www.snowbirds.org Travel
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