Going home for Tet? How to board your dog or cat safely

When Tet comes around, everyone gets excited about going home to see family. But if you have a pet, the biggest question is usually: "Who will look after my boss while I'm away?" When you can't bring your fur baby along, a pet hotel is the choice many families make. This article will help you choose a safe place, prepare everything your pet needs, and enjoy your holiday with peace of mind.

Tet is peak season for pet hotels. Reputable places often fill up quite early, so start looking and book a few weeks ahead. That also gives you enough time to take your pet to the vet, update vaccinations if needed, and let them gradually get used to their new temporary home.

Photos online can't replace a real visit. Go and see the boarding area with your own eyes, notice the smell (a clean facility won't have a strong odor), and watch how staff interact with the pets currently staying there.

• Are dogs and cats kept in separate areas? Cats are often very sensitive to barking.
• Is each kennel or room big enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably?
• Is someone looking after the animals at night and during the Tet holidays?
• How many times a day do the pets get walked or exercised?
• What does the facility do if a pet shows signs of illness? Do they work with a nearby veterinary clinic?
• What does the price include, and what are the Tet surcharges?

A good pet hotel will answer your questions clearly, provide a contract or boarding form with full details, and have clear rules about vaccinations. Read reviews from previous customers to help you narrow down your options.

This is the most important part, because when many animals stay in one place, the risk of disease spreading is higher. Responsible facilities usually require pets to be fully vaccinated as directed by a veterinarian, dewormed, and protected against fleas and ticks. If a place doesn't ask about your pet's vaccine record at all, that's a sign you should think twice.

Before boarding, make sure to:

• Take your pet for a general check-up and ask the vet whether they are healthy enough to board.
• Check the vaccination schedule. If a booster is coming up, ask your vet about the right timing.
• Write down any underlying conditions, food allergies and medications your pet takes as prescribed by the vet.

If you keep an electronic vaccine record in the PetID App, just open your phone to show the hotel, with no worrying about leaving the paper booklet at home.

• Book a spot, confirm drop-off and pick-up dates, and ask about opening hours during Tet.
• Health check, review the vaccine record, deworming, flea and tick prevention.
• Update the phone number on your pet's profile and give the hotel the number of a relative who lives nearby.
• Check that the collar still fits well and the name tag or QR tag is still clear.
• Write a note: feeding schedule, portion sizes, habits, and things your pet is afraid of.
• Bring your pet for a get-to-know visit, or a trial night if the facility allows it.

• Their usual food, enough for the whole stay, pre-portioned per meal if possible. A sudden change of food can easily upset your pet's stomach.
• Current medication (if any), with the vet's instructions written clearly.
• Things that smell like home: an old T-shirt of yours, a familiar towel or bed.
• Favorite toys and safe chews.
• A sturdy collar and leash with contact information.
• For cats: the litter they're used to, and a carrier that can double as a "hiding spot".

A change of environment always makes pets anxious. A few small tips can help:

1. Get used to it gradually: If possible, bring your pet to spend a few hours there before the actual boarding day.
2. Keep goodbyes gentle: Don't drag out an emotional farewell. If you stay calm, your pet will feel less confused.
3. Keep the routine: Give the staff your pet's usual feeding and walking times so they can keep things as close to home as possible.
4. Familiar scents: Your old T-shirt is a natural, very effective "comfort blanket".

If your pet is scared of loud noises, let the hotel know in advance and read our article on keeping dogs and cats safe during Tet and fireworks.

• They won't show you the boarding area, only the reception desk.
• A strong smell, dirty kennels, empty or cloudy water bowls.
• Too many animals crammed into a small space, dogs and cats mixed together.
• No questions about vaccinations, underlying conditions or your pet's habits.
• Nobody on duty at night or during the Tet holidays.
• Staff who are rough, shout at the animals or dodge your questions.
• No boarding form, vague pricing, surprise surcharges you weren't told about.

If you notice any of these signs, don't hesitate to look elsewhere. Your fur baby's safety matters more than saving a little money.

No matter how careful a hotel is, a frightened pet can still slip out, especially when fireworks go off. That's where a PetID QR collar or tag comes in. Anyone who finds your pet just scans the code with their phone camera to see how to contact you, no app needed.

With the PetID App, your pet's profile includes photos, identifying features, health notes and an electronic vaccine record. You can show the hotel the information they need instead of explaining it verbally and risking missing something. If your pet ever goes missing, you can post on the lost pets page so the community can help search. See also how to prevent your pet from getting lost to be even better prepared.

Boarding your pet over Tet doesn't have to be scary if you prepare early and choose the right place. If you decide to bring your pet along instead, our guide to moving or traveling with dogs and cats will help. And if the days before Tet turn chilly, don't miss our article on cold-weather care for dogs and cats. Wishing you and your fur baby a happy and peaceful Tet!