Going Away for Easter? Who Will Feed Your Pets?

It is estimated that thousands of people won’t be at home for the Easter holidays. But, while many families make arrangements with a friend or loved one to take care of their animals while they are away, others seek fun and enjoyment elsewhere leaving their pets in harsh conditions. Some are even left tied in the sun with no one to feed them over the course of their owners’ absence. Others are locked inside, again with no means to access food and fresh water. This is when the various humane societies advise that just as we have a right to these basic needs, so too do the animals in our care. Paola Osorio of the Orange Walk Humane Society has some suggestions for ensuring Belize’s pets have a safe holiday weekend too.

Paola Osorio

Paola Osorio, Public Relations Officer, Orange Walk Humane Society

“When it comes to leaving their animals for an extended period of time, the same way that they have planned their vacation, planned their holidays and their budgeting, that is the same way that we encourage families to plan for taking care of their pet during this time. Are they going to leave them with a family member? Are they going to leave them in the house where they live? If they’re leaving them in the house where they live there are a few things that need to be addressed. Does this animal have access to clean running water? Because the heat these days is unbearable and we need to keep hydrated and they need to keep hydrated, so do they have access to clean water? Do they have access to food? Are they being fed at the times that they need to be fed? Some families have automatic feeders or they have containers that dispense the food in plates, that is a great option to look into for a lot of families if they know they’re going to be leaving their pets. Not everyone does it. Not everyone looks into things like this, saying things like “Oh, it’s too expensive” or “why should I waste (money) on that.” But in reality, that is your pet, that is your responsibility; it is a living being, it is a living creature that as persons we have to be fully aware of the responsibility we are taking on when we’re getting a pet and that includes making arrangements for them when we go on vacation.”