The amount of food you need to leave depends on how many mice you have. If you have more than one, leave two extra food bowls, especially if one mouse tends to eat more than the other.
If you decide to ask a friend to watch your mice, make sure their schedule will allow them to come at least once every two days to check on your mice. [3] X Research source Hiring a sitter is costly but ensures that your mice will be taken care of in your absence. Be sure to check references and have your sitter come over and handle the mice in front of you first to make sure it’s a good fit. [4] X Research source You can also hire a house sitter to live in your house while you’re away. A house sitter will not only take care of your mouse, but also keep your house clean and safe while you’re gone. [5] X Research source Like people, mice get lonely. The females especially love the company of their owners. Try to find someone who is available to check in on your pet daily to prevent your mouse from becoming too lonesome. [6] X Research source
Be certain that your caregiver knows what kinds of foods are toxic to mice, such as chocolate, peanuts, acidic fruits and vegetables, and raw meat. Type up the information and leave it in an obvious spot next to the cage just in case your caregiver forgets.
Mice need to chew. Their teeth are constantly growing and need to be worn down. Make sure that they have sufficient chew toys to last the course of your trip to maintain the mice’s dental hygiene. [9] X Research source
It’s hard to find a pet hotel or boarding facility that will take rodents, but you can talk to somebody at a pet shelter or humane society to see if they can find you a reliable sitter or volunteer. [11] X Research source If your mouse is sick, you can have it stay at your local vet. You will have to check first to make sure your vet provides this service. It may cost extra. [12] X Research source
If the caregiver has other pets, make sure they are dedicated to keeping the mice out of harm’s way. Animals such as dogs, cats, ferrets, snakes, or rats might try to eat your mice if they are left out of the cage. [14] X Research source Mice can overheat and die if left in sunlight for too long. Have the caregiver store the cage away from heavy sun exposure, especially if it’s summertime. In winter, be sure the mice get sufficient warmth and are not left outside. [15] X Research source
Type up instructions for your caregiver in case they forget. [17] X Research source If you’re leaving your mice in a family that has children, it’s especially important that the children know how to take care of the mice as well. Leave a list of foods that are toxic to mice (chocolate, peanuts, acidic fruits and vegetables, raw meat) next to the cage.
If you are traveling in a way other than your car, make sure that small pets are allowed on board. Some airlines, trains, or busses may have rules pertaining to animal travel. Call ahead to make arrangements to ensure a safe journey for your mice. [20] X Research source
Purchase a travel water bottle. These are designed to be spill-free on the go. You can purchase these at Petco or any other local pet store. [22] X Research source
