“CAN I have another hamster?” I asked my mum after my last one died last year.
“Who’s going to look after it if we head for our holidays?” she asked in return. It’s the usual dilemma that I face every time I get myself a pet.
Being someone who’s really fond of travelling and of course, residing in a country that’s listed as having one of the highest number of public holidays, I find myself being away from my furry friend/s more often than I’d like to admit.
Though that may be the case, I still find it hard to give up on the idea of having a pet at home. Even if it’s just a small hamster. The joy of seeing your little fur friend scrambling to greet you as you get home from a long day at work is just priceless.
All pet owners would agree that uppermost on their mind when planning a getaway for any length of time would be where to place the pet and who to trust their beloved furkid with when they’re not around. I know of pet owners who think nothing of taking their pets with them on their travels.
My friend Lee Pei Lynn, for example, would bring her beloved cat Ollie back home to Melaka with her whenever she heads home during festive periods.
However, not every destination is easily accessible or even convenient for pets.
Some journeys may not even be safe for them, especially long haul flights where animals have been reported to have died in transit due to unfamiliar environment and from fear. Unless you live in Japan, I guess, for JAL now allows your pets to sit with you in the main cabin.
Others opt to rope in help from family members or friends, like another friend of mine, Loong Wai Ting, who’d often get her aunt to make sure her dogs, Paico and Blackie, have enough food and water.
If you have kind neighbours, you could get them to fill up your pet’s water bowl from across the fence and replenish the food too from time to time.
There’s also the option of taking turns with your partner if you need to go on holiday. Like cat enthusiast Intan Zareena does.
She shares: “I have 24 cats and my husband would be the one staying home while I go on trips with my kids or girlfriends. I’m just glad he’s more than happy to stay home with them.” Nevertheless, if you find yourself without a helpline — like me — hopefully the following options will help to ease your worries somewhat.
LUXURY LIVING
Pet hotels are popping up like wild mushrooms and owners are spoilt for choice. So, if you’re the kind of owner who loves pampering your fur friends and have plenty of cash to spare, then this would be a fitting choice.
You’ll be assured that your pets are well-fed, well taken care of, and smothered with human love when you’re away.
William Lin, founder and owner of Pet Playground in Ara Damansara says: “As owners go away on holidays, it would be unfair if their pets are locked up in the house all alone. Pets are family too and you won’t leave your family behind right? So, what better than to send them on a holiday too?”
Five-star pet hotels such as Pet Playground and L Residence are masters in showering your pets with love and attention. Each pet gets a human-sized bed to relax and sleep on. There’s also a television in the room where the caretakers will play animal videos to keep them entertained.
The idea of these hotels is to provide a safe environment for all animals that they can call home, including your pet chicken.
All pets are fed according to their dietary plans as provided by the owners, have scheduled play times, and treats are also available at a cost.
“We can accommodate special care for ageing or paralysed pets too. Just let us know what they are in advance and we’ll prepare all the necessary,” says Lin.
The main thing is, you’ll have peace of mind and come home to a happy and satisfied pet. That said, there are no guarantees that they’ll want to follow you home after.
Pet Playground and L Residence
DOCTOR CARE
If you have a pet that requires careful medical attention and round-the-clock doctor care, there’s always the option of veterinary boarding.
Most vets will provide this additional service for their clients at a reasonable fee, such as Kristy’s Ark Veterinary Clinic in Uptown Damansara.
A smiling and friendly Dr Christine Nandy assures that she has the necessary treatment facilities and boarding space for all animals, including rabbits and hamsters.
There’s even a backyard where pets can take turns to run around and play.
Providing you more peace of mind is Dr Christine’s close links to the animal specialists at UPM (Universiti Putra Malaysia).
“If there’s anything more serious with the pet, I’ll usually refer them there and makes sure they get the necessary treatments,” she reassures.
Aside from herself, Dr Christine also has a trustworthy assistant on hand to help her out with daily duties. If need be, the assistant will also live-in to make sure all animals are looked after round the clock.
“My clinic is logistically near my house. And because of that, I’ll always drop by from time to time, even on my rest days to make sure all the pets are doing well, particularly those that need extra attention,” she adds.
Having your pet boarded at a vet is useful as you’ll be able to have access to the necessary medical check-ups for your pet.
“Most animals that come in for boarding usually also get neutered or have surgeries done on them. We groom them too and if we find any wounds or cuts, we’ll give it the necessary medical care,” shares Dr Christine.
Concluding, she says: “Pets are like children. They never grow up. You need to keep taking care of them. So, why not make sure they’re taken care of in the same way you would a human child.”
Kristy’s Ark Veterinary Clinic
PERSONAL NANNY
If you have a pet that’s introverted and detests playmates, here’s an option for them: get them their own nanny.
Nanny Sue, who’s been in the service for more than 11 years now, explains that a pet nanny works the same way as a baby sitter.
“You can opt to have me drop by your home to look in on your pet or have me stay in your home for the duration of your absence,” she says.
This service is popular with expatriates as US and most European countries have certified pet nanny associations to accommodate the long summer and Christmas breaks. The availability of such services is slowly growing in Malaysia.
However, Nanny Sue warns: “Not all pet nannies are certified. I’m officially certified and trained for animal emergency situations. My team of pet sitters with me are trained as well. I always make sure of that. It’s easy to call yourself a pet nanny after just caring for your neighbour’s dog, but in the real animal world, it’s not so simple.”
In addition to looking after your pets, Nanny Sue is also an animal behaviourist and trainer. She used to work with a company that trains zoo animals for shows and she’s known in the animal circle for being dedicated to her job.
“Nothing gives me more satisfaction than seeing these animals’ smile, especially ageing and wounded ones. I can’t stand seeing them being left out in the cold just because they aren’t the cute little things that everyone likes. They’re still a life after all,” she confides.
Furthermore, if you ever find yourself in a bind of how to take your pet to the vet or are relocating but have limited space in the car, Nanny Sue’s pet taxi service will be a blessing. She’ll be your Frank Martin and ensure that your pets get transported safely from door to door.
Pet Nanny Malaysia