Vacations and business travel sometimes require that people leave their pets behind, perhaps with friends or family, in a kennel, or even on their own.

For some animals, a stay with friends can be a welcome break.  However, some animals find this change disturbing and have a low tolerance to changes in their routine.  Older cats and dogs, and some exotic birds can be particularly susceptible to the upsets that a change in environment can bring.

For others, it may be a change in their own lives that makes caring for their pets difficult.  Ageing and long or short term disabilities can make it hard to care for a pet, but giving up the pet is not an option as they are usually valued and loved members of the family.

In addition, some people live a lifestyle that is just too busy to allow the time for the maintenance of their animals.