Isn't facetime fantastic …?
It's a free and easy way to keep in touch with loved ones while you're away. The only drawback is the odd slick of spittle on the screen. I'm not talking about the kids; it's from the pets.
"There are loads of people who facetime their dog or cat when others are looking after them," according to vet Katrina Warren.
This kind of catch-up is great for kids who miss their pets terribly. Sure, there are plenty of places to take doggy, or even moggy, on holidays.
But what if the accommodation provider doesn't welcome pets, or the destination is too far away?
SmallPaws in Sydney offers Skype sessions with your furry friends, plus a free spa bath upon checkout. Hanrob Pet Hotels, in Melbourne and Sydney, will take a video of your pet and send it via email. Or, you can choose to receive a PetPic: a postcard-style photo sent to your mobile phone.
In holiday season, kennels cost up to $50 a day, while catteries are close to $30.
Dr Warren warns you should inspect any boarding facility thoroughly, "to make sure you're comfortable with the level of cleanliness … and care shown by staff".
She usually recommends keeping cats at home, because they become stressed by the change of environment. A live-in house-sitter/pet-minder is the best option. If you can't find a friend who's happy to do it, try mindahome.com.au or aussiehousesitters.com.au.
A visiting dog-walker or cat-feeder can be expensive, charging between $20 and $40 an hour.
There are new businesses popping up that could be described as a dating service for our four-legged friends.
Dogs Bed and Breakfast in Melbourne will place your pet in the care of a loving family. "If the idea of your pup staying in a large, impersonal dog boarding kennel concerns you, then our services are perfect for you," according to the blurb on the website.
Woofers World even supplies an In Case of Emergency dog tag, with 24-hour support from a vet, for "sleepovers" from one night a year.
Then there's the thorny issue of insurance. Interestingly, pets are usually covered if you take them on holidays with you – but not necessarily if you leave them at home.
"The claims incurred for any condition arising when your pet was not under your direct care are not paid for under a pet insurance policy," says Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia. She recommends asking for references, and licensing documentation, from boarding facilities.
"Ask what they do in an emergency situation, and if any animals have taken ill/been injured in the past from their facility. Accidents do happen but you want to be sure you take every step to ensure you are 100 per cent happy that the place you choose to leave your pet, has their safety and wellbeing in hand."
This will also comfort the kids, who yearn for pets during long absences. (Three weeks into our last long trip, Grace began crying because she missed our border collie, Arabella. No amount of ice cream could console her.)
A little bit of doggy slobber on the screen is a small price to pay for peace of mind.
