With summer on the horizon it’s time for a family vacation and it wouldn’t be complete without your pets. Dr. Ruth, “The Pet Vet,” shared some simple ways to ensure that traveling with your pets is not a problem or you have to overspend.
Do your research before you leave
Make sure your destination is pet-friendly. For example, if you plan to take the family dog to Yosemite to enjoy the outdoors, you may be disappointed to learn that dogs are not allowed on the hiking trails. Check in advance to avoid last-minute surprises that could ruin your trip.
Check that your accommodation is pet-friendly
Not all hotels, campsites, or VRBOs are pet-friendly. Even those that allow them may have restrictions on the number of animals, size limits, or whether they can be left alone in a hotel room.
Make sure your pet is ready to travel
Before embarking on your adventure, make sure your pet is healthy enough to travel. Take your pet to a veterinarian to make sure she is healthy, up to date on vaccinations and parasite preventatives. If you are traveling out of state or by plane, you will also need a health certificate.
Dr. Ruth also recommends obtaining a copy of your pet’s vaccination record. If your pet becomes anxious when traveling, talk to your veterinarian about products and medications that can help keep him calm.
Packaging for your pet
Depending on the mode of travel, your needs will be different. If you travel by plane, you will need an approved airline and a health certificate. If you have a small dog and travel by car, you may want to get a booster seat for your pup.
Make sure you bring food for your pet
Make sure it’s enough for the entire trip, including treats and, of course, food and water bowls. Don’t forget to bring his collar with identification tags and a leash. If you have space, bring your pet’s bed and some of her favorite toys. Finally, upload your pet’s health certificate, vaccination records, and any medications your pet needs.
Preparation for the trip
Before taking a long road trip with your pet, get him used to traveling by car. Start by taking them on short, frequent car trips. Use lots of praise and treats to make the experience positive.
Safety reminders
Make sure your pet is microchipped and its contact information is up to date. Tag collars are important but they are not foolproof and can fall off. Finally, it goes without saying that you should never leave your pet unattended in a car, as she can overheat and die within minutes.
Conclusion
Traveling with your pet requires some extra planning to make everything go smoothly without overspending, but it is worth it and will provide you, your family, and your pet with priceless memories.
For more information on pet health or some pet-friendly ideas, go here.
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