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The best possible solution for pet care while you're deployed is to entrust your pal to a good friend or committed family member.

Small animals in cages - like birds, hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, and guinea pigs - shouldn't cause too many problems for a "fostering" situation. Some kind-hearted animal-lover will probably step up in a moment to honor a serviceman's or woman's need.

Even cats may not mind staying over in a known relative's home for, possibly, months before an owner's return.

But dogs can be possessive, aggressive, lack proper housetraining manners, or dislike children or other pets. A conscientious owner must plan ahead for his animal friend. A long-term boarding facility will probably be prohibitively expensive.

Hopefully, you can find someone who loves your dog as much as you do, who knows your buddy very well, and who will take care of him/her for weeks or, very probably, months.

If you do not have such a trusted friend - or you suspect your pet will not do well in such a long-term situation - don't overlook the resources of vets, animal rescues, or shelters for valuable referrals or suggestions during this time. Some agencies even foster homes or animal rescues for almost any kind of animal might harbor your pet safely until your return. (Some may have to request a reasonable donation.)

For animals attached to their surroundings, if you're going to vacate your apartment or home, which you plan to return to, consider allowing someone to live in and care for your buddy (buddies). It could be less traumatic for the pet(s). Otherwise, transferring the pet to the pet keeper's place might be your only viable option.

With advanced planning and a written agreement, the transfer should be less stressful for all. To help with such arrangements, the Humane Society, www.hsus.org, provides downloadable agreement-forms, pet personality profiles, and a checklist for military pet owners.

If the caregiver can visit the animal in its surroundings ahead of time and become familiar with its routine, everyone, including the pet, will be more comfortable after the transition. Children who will become attached to the animal must understand this is only temporary care.

Give the pet keeper a list of the pet's needs and care with a copy of its vet records. Discuss emergency vet care and an ongoing payment plan - for food, grooming, vet visits, etc. - with the caregiver. Cats and dogs should be neutered ahead of time to avoid behavioral problems like humping, spraying, and running away to find a mate. The animal should be up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations.

Send everything along with the pet - license, rabies tag, collar, leash, kennel, blankets, toys, etc. If the animal is allowed outdoors, the owner should provide a "temporary tag" with the caregiver's contact information in case of loss.

If the caretaker is not a trusted family member, like a spouse, parent, or sibling, (but really, even then), you should discuss issues like: What if the animal destroys property?, What if the placement doesn't work out?, What if the animal gets injured or sick?

If everything is settled before you leave, you can plan to come back to a friend who will simply love you "happily ever after."

Learn more about this author, Karon Brandt.
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