1.  Turn off the water to your washing machine, ice maker, and any other appliance you can.
The water hoses on these appliances bursting is the number one source of water damage when folks are away- fortunately, it's easy to avoid!  If you don't know where the shut-offs are, most of the time you can see the hose coming from the appliance and follow it to the valve.

2.  Leave extra water for your pets.
If you come back later than expected, or a huge snow storm hits, or if the key you gave your sitter doesn't work, it's good to know your pet has enough water until someone can make it there.  Water is more important than food.  A nice big bowl can give you peace of mind.

3.  Give extra keys.
One set with your sitter, one with a relative or friend that lives close enough to drive over, and give each the other's phone number; or leave two keys with your sitter, incase one breaks or fails.  We've gotten many bad keys over the years, especially brand new copies, and a locksmith is about $100.00 to $150.00, plus wait time can be uncomfortable for your pets.

4.  Use your alarm system, locks, light timers, motion sensors and sprinkler systems.
These all help protect your home and make it look occupied, both very good ideas!  Detached garages are vulnerable- unplug automatic openers to lock down the big doors, and lock all windows and doors.

5.  Toys, toys and more toys.
Bored pets do damage- a bag of rawhides, given one per visit over the course of a vacation, can save your home.  Cats love catnip, and will often sleep for hours after playing in some.

6.  Clean out the fridge, take out the trash.
Old food and old trash stink, try not to come home to them.  They also invite pets to be bad.

7.  Unplug stuff.
Go around the house and unplug whatever you can.  We once found a blow dryer knocked to the floor in a bathroom, running on the high setting, and the guilty cat drinking from the sink.  Fortunately it was only heating up the side of the tub, but the potential for trouble is there.

8.  Tell your neighbors, family and friends.
Let them know you will be gone, when you'll be back, and who should be coming around.

9.  Check your home for the following items, and make sure your pets cannot gain access to them:

Common Toxins:

Antifreeze containing ethylene glycol has a sweet taste that attracts animals but is deadly if consumed in even small quantities; one teaspoon can kill a seven pound cat. Look for antifreeze that contains propylene glycol, which is safer for animals if ingested in small amounts.

Chemicals used on lawns and gardens, such as insect control products, fertilizer and plant food.

Cedar and other soft wood shavings, including pine, emit fumes that may be dangerous to small mammals like hamsters and gerbils.

De-icing salts used to melt snow and ice are paw irritants that can be poisonous if licked off.

Fumes from nonstick cooking surfaces and self-cleaning ovens can be deadly to birds. Be cautious when using any pump or aerosol spray around birds.

Human medications such as pain killers (including aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen), cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, anti-depressants, vitamins, and diet pills can all be toxic to animals.

Poisonous household plants include azalea, dieffenbachia (dumb cane), geraniums, mistletoe, philodendron, and poinsettia among others.

Strings, yarn, rubber bands, and even dental floss are easy to swallow and can cause intestinal blockages or strangulation.
 

Foods Your Pets Should Avoid:

Alcoholic beverages
Apple seeds
Apricot pits
Avocado- toxic to birds, mice, rabbits, horses, cattle, & dairy goats
Cherry pits
Chocolate (all types)- poisonous to dogs, cats, and ferrets
Coffee
Hops
Macadamia nuts
Moldy foods
Mushroom plants
Mustard seeds
Onions and onion powder
Peach pits
Potato leaves and stems (green parts)
Raisins
Rhubarb leaves
Salt
Tea (caffeine)
Tomato leaves and stems (green parts)
Walnuts
Yeast dough

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