photo courtesy of DrivingtheNortheast
When it comes to planning a family vacation during the holidays, many pet owners know how important it is to bring the whole family along—four-legged members included. But traveling with pets isn’t always an easy task. From packing special foods to finding pet-friendly hotels and everything in between, there’s a lot to think about when tagging along your furry friend.
1. Take your pet to the vet before your departure.
In addition to making sure Fido is healthy enough to be traveling long distances, seeing the vet within two weeks of leaving for your trip is a good way to get tips on how to safely and effectively calm him, should he become anxious or afraid along the way. Also, if you’re traveling internationally, there may be certain health care requirements that must be dealt with beforehand, so seeing a veterinarian may be the best way to find out in advance what those requirements may entail.
2. Bring along a pet-friendly travel kit.
Pets are typically creatures of habit and tend to get upset when there is a major change in their routine. Bringing along some of their favorite things, as well as the necessities, might make them feel a little more at ease while traveling to strange, new places. Some items may include: plenty of food (ideally, the same food they are used to having on a regular basis) and water, waste bags and a scooper, first-aid supplies, medication, comfortable bedding, a secure crate or carrier, favorite toys or treats, etc.
3. Gradually get your pet acquainted with traveling for prolonged periods of time.
If a road trip with your canine or feline companion is in the near future, prepare them for the journey by getting them used to being in the car. Take a few short drives together and, after a while, bring your pup or kitty along for a lengthier journey. One thing to keep in mind, too, is that there are some states that require certain documents outlining pet vaccinations, so remember to bring those with you, if available.
4. Use a pet carrier or special seatbelt to secure your pet while the vehicle is in motion.
Just like humans, pets can get flung around the car if they’re not properly secured. Your best bet is to get a crate that’s spacious enough for your pet to sit, stand or lie down in comfortably, and secure it to the seat so it doesn’t shift around a lot while the car is in motion. There are also special seatbelts available for animals that can help ensure a safe car ride without having to keep them in a crate for the entire duration.
5. Attach proper identification to your pet and its crate.
When you’re traveling, whether by car, plane, or both, there is always a risk of your pet getting lost. If your pet doesn’t already have a microchip, consider getting one before your trip. Plus, having contact information displayed on a collar or attached to the crate can be helpful, as well.
6. Make sure your pet is never left alone in a parked car.
Even if you’re just planning to run in to the store for something quick, leaving an animal in a car without it being on is very dangerous. On hot days, the temperature in a car can reach upwards of 120 degrees Fahrenheit in just a matter of minutes. Because cars lock in and amplify temperatures while they’re turned off, it’s important to know that your pet may be at risk for overheating, or even freezing, if left unattended in a vehicle.
7. If you plan on flying at all, try to book a direct flight if possible.
Not only does booking a direct flight mean less actual travel time for your pet, but it also means less time being away from you, less time for your pet to feel scared and uneasy, and a decrease in the chances that it gets mishandled during loading or unloading.
photo courtesy of chrisforsyth
Make your next trip with your furry friend easy and stress-free with these pet-friendly travel trips. Find even more helpful information like this from E-Z Rent-A-Car online, including travel-related blog articles, premium discounts, exclusive coupons and more.
