Thinking about bringing your pet on vacation with you? It’s not as simple as you may think! Learn how to successfully plan a vacation with your pet with these helpful tips.
1. Be Prepared:Contact and call ahead to arrange details with airlines and hotels. There are usually additional fees associated when you bring your pet along. It is also essential to plan your mode of transportation in advance. Most buses and trains will not allow dogs on board.
2. Update Identification Tags:Your pet should also have an identification tag in he or she becomes lost at anytime on your trip. Consider having an active phone number and location of your hotel on the tag. Your home address will be of little help when you are traveling abroad!
3. Locate Vet Clinics: Find out where the veterinary clinics are located close to where you're staying. A lot of excitement, hustle and bustle happen on trips - and there is always a chance an accident could occur!
4. Update Vaccinations: Vaccinations may be required when traveling abroad. Rabies is one that is required to and from the United States. You should take your pet to your vet prior to the trip. Find out what vaccinations are required, and what diseases or problems may exist at your destination.
5. Avoid The Crowds: Avoid crowded times of the day and places that may make your pet nervous or skittish. Even if your pet is naturally docile and calm, it may suddenly bolt for open windows or doors when confronted with new and unusual surroundings, people, and smells. Using a leash is often the best preventative for a lost pet.
6. Use Best Practices With Your Pet In The Car: Car rides are filled with potential hazards. You should avoid leaving your pet unattended in the vehicle as it is easy for your pet to get heatstroke. Before the car ride, feed your pet only a few small meals to avoid motion sickness. Teaching your dog to lay down quietly or using a car harnesses will keep your pet safely restrained while riding in your vehicle. Though some cats may be fine with car rides, they are often safest while in a carrier.
7. Bring A Pet Travel Kit: You should keep a pet travel kit, just as you would a medical kit for yourself. In your pet travel kit, you should keep food, dishes, (a can opener if you have a cat), some treats, a favorite toy, a blanket, and a comb or brush. You may also want to bring a sedative, if prescribed by your vet, just to be safe. Paper towels, odor and stain removal supplies to clean up after your pet is also a good idea to bring along.
8. Be Prepared For Air Travel: Air travel is stressful enough without a pet, bringing your furry-friend along can amplify the stress level exponentially. Call ahead to make sure that your pet will be allowed in a carrier under the seat, or if he must be transported separately. Some airlines require a health certificate before they fly. Make sure that you and your pet’s identification, including the destination, is clearly labeled on your pet's tag and kennel. ‘Live animal’ should also be added on the kennel in big letters, as well as any additional care information your pet may require.
9. Consider Leaving Your Pet At Home:
Instead of bringing your pet with you on your travels, you can always keep your pet at home with someone your pet is familiar or comfortable with who can feed and take care of your pet twice a day. A boarding kennel or a professional sitter are also options.
10. Prevent Boredom:
Whether you decide to travel with your pet or leave him at home be prepared with toys, treats and essentials. Chew toys and bones are great for car rides to keep your pooch occupied in his crate or back seat. Keep an eye on your pet with any bones or chew toys and don’t leave them in a crate if you aren’t nearby to check-in!
