Your pet will undoubtedly be happy to see you after your trip. Following a few simple steps will help ease the transition back to home life.

• Overexcitement can make a pet pant a lot and look thirsty. He is probably not really thirsty, and has had plenty of water available at Pawz N Clawz. Give your pet a few ice cubes to tide him/her over until they settle down.

• Food: ditto. Please be aware that excessive drinking and eating may lead to digestive upsets and bloating. Do not feed your pet for at least three hours after coming home from the kennel, and then limit the food and water you provide until they have settled back into home life.

• Allow access to a yard area straight away. Excitement may also cause a change in urination or bowel movements outside his normal schedule.

• Give your pet some personalised attention—some playtime or sitting and petting or brushing him/her will help them get through the excitement stage and calm down.

• Kennel life can be very exciting, and some dogs charge around barking at other dogs, having a wonderful time. These dogs often leave the kennel exhausted but happy, and sleep a lot the first couple of days home.

• After collecting your cat from the cattery, be sure to keep him/her in the house for a few days before allowing them to go outside again. Just as they had to adjust to the cattery, they have to adjust to being home again. Allow your cat to find that “at home” feeling again before letting him/her out of the house.