You’ve made a decision to take your pet along on vacation. It could be more fun, and you won’t have to be worried about leaving a member of your family behind within an unfamiliar kennel. With some extra planning and forethought, you’ll have a secure and enjoyable trip along with your pet.
Going for a Road Trip
If you’re driving along with your pet, you’ll need to find a comfortable and safe method for your pet to travel. You are able to place your pet in a carrier and secure it in the car. Alternatively, you can buy a seatbelt-like harness for your pet that will allow him to be out of the carrier but still safely restrained. It isn’t safe allowing your pet to roam freely in the car. He is able to be seriously hurt in the event of even a accident, and he is much prone to escape and become lost whenever you make stops.
Don’t leave your pet alone in the vehicle, especially in hot weather. The heat can ver quickly become life-threatening. If your pet becomes carsick easily, you may want to ask your veterinarian for motion-sickness medicine prior to the trip.
Carry some of your pet’s food together with you, and feed your pet only small levels of food at a time. If your trip is short, you may want to possess your pet wait and eat whenever you arrive in order to avoid carsickness. It’s also advisable to carry some of your pet’s water along, or purchase bottled water. Local tap water may contain different minerals or sulphur, which might upset your pet’s stomach.
Flying along with your pet
Many pet owners do not like to fly making use of their pets because it may be traumatic for them, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. Unless your pet is really small, he will fly as cargo and not in the cabin with you. Check along with your airline to ascertain what type of carrier is acceptable and what rules connect with flying with a pet. Also ask what safety precautions are in place, what conditions the pet will fly in, etc. Ask your veterinarian if your pet is well enough to fly or if you will find any special precautions you must take.
International Travel
Taking your pet out of the country requires careful planning. Check the regulations for the nation you’re visiting and verify your pet has the necessary vaccinations. Sometimes, you’ll have to have the vaccines administred weeks before your departure date.
Most countries will need a Rabies Vaccination Certificate and a Health Certificate. Your veterinarian can assist you to obtain both of these. The country you’re visiting may require that you complete paperwork gaining permission to bring your pet into the country. Also, some countries have quarantine regulations that may require your pet to keep in a kennel for several months.
Pet Friendly Hotels
An instant search on the Internet can help you discover hotels that are receptive to pets. Many travel sites also enable you to specify only pet-frienly accommodations. Check with the hotel to find their specific rules regarding sticking with a pet.
If your pet requires walks, look for an area that opens on the outside. This could be more convenient for those late night trips outdoors.
Many alternative lodging sites, such as for instance resorts, cabins and bed and breakfasts will also be open to receiving pets. Check in advance for availability where you’re traveling. Since a number of these vacation spots offer outdoor activities, they could be great options for pet owners.
What Will your Pet do All day long?
You know how you’ll travel, and you’ve found a hotel that will welcome your pet, so now what? What’ll your pet do all day when you’re out having a good time?
An outside vacation is a perfect choice if you’re traveling with pets. Consider renting an RV and going for a camping vacation. Many RV rental agencies allow pets with an extra deposit. A trip to the beach is another good option for pet owners. However, keep in mind that sand may be irritating to some pets, especially dogs with deep skin folds. Some animals are bothered by long sun exposure as well.
If you’re spending lots of time outdoors, keep plenty of cold water available and watch your pet for signs of heat exhaustion.
Some restaurants now provide outdoor seating that is also pet friendly. Check in advance if any can be found near where you are staying. If you’d like to pay mealtime along with your pet and no pet-friendly restaurants are close by, you may consider takeout as well as picnicing outdoors.
What if you’re going for a more traditional vacation? Many tourist attractions will not welcome your pet, and it isn’t recommended to leave your pet alone in a strange college accommodation all day. Perhaps you are able to place your pet in his carrier for shorter excursions, but for all day trips, consider researching pet daycare centers or kennels obtainable in the area. You are able to leave your pet for a couple hours in a secure environment but still enjoy his company on your own trip.
Things to Take Along
Bring your pet’s food along or plan to purchase it as needed. This is not a great time to alter your pet’s diet, and you must certainly avoid giving your pet any table scraps. Traveling may be stressful regardless of how careful you’re, and you don’t need the added complication of stomach upset for your pet.
Don’t give your pet the area water, especially when you’re traveling internationally. It’s safer to give your pet only bottled water in order to avoid possible stomach upset.
Bring along any medicines your pet takes, including vitamins, flea medicines, heart worm prescriptions, etc. It’s also advisable to bring some basic first-aid supplies in case of injury. Ask your veterinarian what must be contained in your pet’s first aid kit. These might include medicines for stomach upset and a delicate tranquilizer in the event your pet becomes extremely agitated. You can get pre-stocked pet first aid kits at many pet supply stores.
To produce your pet convenient, bring along a couple of items from home. Bring some of your pet’s bedding and some of his favorite toys. Bring only treats your pet has eaten previously with no stomach upset. Again, this isn’t the time to try any new foods. The carrier you bring must be large enough for your pet to keep comfortably inside for a couple hours. He should be able to stand, take a nap and turn around easily within it. Also, be sure your pet has fresh water available within the carrier.
A Pre-Trip Checklist
Make an appointment along with your veterinarian. Have your pet examined and any vaccinations done that are needed. Ask if your pet is healthy enough traveling, and look for advice concerning all of your pet’s health conditions. Remember that if you’re traveling outside the nation, you will need to plan weeks in advance.
Make fully sure your pet has current identification attached to his collar, and that it fits well and isn’t likely to slip off. You might want to consider having an identification chip implanted before your trip, but you’ll need to discuss along with your veterinarian how soon your pet can travel after the procedure.
Gather cell phone numbers for veterinarians, pet emergency care facilities, kennels, etc. when you leave for every single place where you’ll be staying. If an incident pet relocation or illness does occur, you’ll be grateful that you don’t have to make an effort to find anyone to look after your pet.
Create a packing list for your pet centered on his needs and what your veterinarian recommends. Double-check it as you pack his things. Take your veterinarian’s phone number together with you in the event you have to call and ask a last second question or have your pet’s records sent to a different clinic.
Take time to really get your pet used to his carrier, especially when it’s new. If you’re driving, take your pet in the vehicle for practice trips prior to the big day so that it won’t be so traumatic. Another benefit to this process is that you’ll learn if your pet become motion sick easily.
If you’re traveling along with your cat, bring a litterbox and litter along side you. It’s easier to purchase cheap plastic litterboxes and throw them away rather than try to wash and transport them. If traveling with your dog, make sure you bring baggies to wash up after your pet’s walks.
Embarrassing and Alarming Moments
Pets get stressed when traveling, so accidents can and will happen. Bring some disposable wipes and plastic baggies to wash up after your pet. Another good idea is bringing a small bottle of enzyme based cleaner. If your pet selects the hotel carpet as an ideal location for his accident, this may eliminate the odor and stain before it has a change to set.
Never open your pet’s carrier unless you’re in an enclosed room. Pets can move much more quickly than you can, and nothing will ruin your vacation faster than losing your traveling companion.