What to do with your pets

Most career breakers have a trusted friend or relative look after their pets while they're away. If you're having trouble finding a home for yours, contact your vet or breeders' group - they may have details of fostering schemes.

Ask a friend to take care of your pets

If you ask a friend to take care of your pets, consider the following:

• Are they experienced with your type of pet, and if not, do they know anyone who they can ask for advice?
• Can they take your pet for its annual check-up?
• Who will pay for the pet's food and anything else it needs?
• What is going to be your plan in the case of an emergency vet visit? Do you trust your friend to make decisions on your behalf?

It is unusual, but sometimes pets get injured or ill (or even die) while someone else is looking after them. How might you feel if that happens?

You may also want to consider that your friend and pet may become attached to each other in your absence, especially if your pet is old, or your friend lives alone. Elderly cats, particularly, have trouble adapting to new environments.

Have a housesitter look after your pets

If you have a housesitter, they will take care of your pets. Check if the charges relate to the number of pets, or if there is a surcharge for exotic animals. Read more about housesitters here.

Sell or give away your pets

If you're not particularly attached to your pets, or you are going to be away for a long time, you could pass it along to someone else. Selling it is an option if you have a pedigree or exotic pet; if not, offer it for free through your local paper or word-of-mouth. Whatever you do, don't give your pet to a shelter - they have far too many animals already and they'll put it to sleep if they can't rehome it.