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It’s hard to believe the festive season is mere weeks away! After the way 2020 turned out, you’d be forgiven for leaving your holiday planning to the last minute – up until a few months back there wasn’t a holiday to be had, with many of us thinking we’d be stuck indoors for the foreseeable future.
However, with many restrictions lifted, the festive season can still be festive – albeit with safety precautions in place. If there was ever a year we needed a break, this would be it. While our pets are our priority during the year, with all the year-end hustle and bustle, we often find ourselves forgetting to make arrangements for them over the December period.
David Roache, dotsure.co.za’s Chief Operating Officer, says that arranging pet care over this period can be very stressful for pets and pet parents alike. “We have found that over this period, there is an increase in claims. This is because of pets being stressed by changes that may occur in their usual schedule. This unfortunately can lead to them becoming sick or attempting to escape, especially if they have a pet sitter or are left on their own for long periods of time. Plus, this year may be even more tricky with many people having worked from home, or are still working from home, and your pets have become used to having you around.”
There are a few things that responsible pet parents should add to their checklist as December approaches, says Roache:
- If you are going away and can’t take your pets with you, be sure to arrange a pet sitter or book them into a kennel or cattery, preferably one they have happily stayed at before or one that comes highly recommended.
- If your pet is on regular medication, have the script filled for the December period as your vet may be working reduced hours or be closed over certain periods.
- Don’t forget to add your pet to Santa’s nice list – who better to buy a chew toy or new bed for?
- If you’re staying at home for the December break, schedule in some family walks with your dog – it’s not only great bonding time, but you’ll all get some exercise, especially after long and indulgent lunches.
- Sign-up for pet insurance – with dotsure.co.za it takes less than five minutes online and, with different options covering accidents and illness, it gives you one less thing to worry about.
“After a hectic 2020, we are all in need of a break and, with our pets taken care of, we will be able to relax that little bit more,” concludes Roache.
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About dotsure.co.za dotsure.co.za is a passionate pet insurer in South Africa that provides pet insurance cover for cats, dogs and a range of exotic pets. Dotsure Limited (Registration number 2006/000723/06) is an authorised financial services provider (FSP39925). www.dotsure.co.za