How important is it to make travel arrangements for your pet ahead of time..? If you are a family that has a pet like a cat or a dog, you may want to consider taking them on vacation with you.
Trips with pets, can sometimes make you feel a huge responsibility on yourself. Animals can get a bit uncomfortable with being outside of their own home environment. However it is essential to make note of some tips and instructions while planning your move with pets.
To ensure an enjoyable and memorable trip. Here are some traveling tips that you should review just before you leave, what to bring along, and what do while you are traveling to your destination:
Traveling Tips
- Pack plenty of pet’s treats, food and toys.
- Bring plenty of bottled water for exercise stops.
- Make sure that your pet’s leash is easily accessible on driving trips. Never remove your pet’s collar and be sure the contact information is on the I.D. tag in case he should get lost.
- Plan ahead and make your hotel reservations well in advance and make sure that they accept pets. Confirm the pet policy before booking.
- Do not forget to bring bowls for water and food if the hotel does not provide them.
- Pack your pet’s bed, blanket and favorite toy to remind them of home.
- When driving, be sure to plan stops about every 3-4 hours to allow your pet to exercise and burn some energy.
- Do not feed your pet a large meal immediately before a long drive. Break up meals throughout the trip to minimize the risk of motion sickness.
- Reward your pet for good behavior in the car, at rest stops and in public places.
- Plan activities with your pet in mind. If an activity cannot include your pet, try to make some alternate plans for your pet in advance (doggie day care, a trip to the groomer, etc.).
- When dining, try to look for restaurants with an outdoor patio. Ask if your pet is allowed – many will welcome you and your pet.
- Never leave your pet unattended. New surroundings and the stress of traveling can cause your pet to act out in uncharacteristic ways.
- Do not leave your pet in the car during the warmer months.
- Do bring plenty of disposable bags to clean up after your pet.
- If you have a plan to travel with your pet by car, then it is very necessary to take care of these points.
- Buckle up for safety is the first step for everyone in your car including your animal companion. Smaller dogs and cats are often more comfortable in pet carriers (crates). Carriers provide security and can easily be secured by a seat belt.
- If you have an older pet, it’s worth setting aside extra time for safely entering and exiting the car. Older pets with joint pain often have difficulties climbing in and out of vehicles. So be patient with them and be willing to give them a boost up if need be.
- Food, Water and Exercise: If your pet isn’t accustomed to car travel, do not feed him for 6 to 7 hours before the ride. Stick with your regular diet, giving his main meal at the end of the day’s road trip. Stop every two hours to provide water and exercise.
- Certification and Identification: Carry proof that your dog or cat is current on all vaccinations, including rabies. If traveling over state lines, you will need a health certificate from your veterinarian issued within 10 days of traveling. Make sure your dog or cat has current ID tags with a telephone number where you can be reached.
- It’s best to travel with your dog in a crate; second-best is to use a restraining harness. When it comes to cats, it’s always best for their safety and yours to use a well-ventilated carrier in the car. Secure the crate or carrier with a seat belt and provide your pet with familiar toys. Never keep your pet in the open bed of a truck or the storage area of a moving van. In any season, a pet left alone in a parked vehicle is vulnerable to injury and theft. If you’ll be using overnight lodging, plan ahead by searching for pet-friendly hotels. Have plenty of kitty litter and plastic bags on hand, and keep your pet on its regular diet and eating schedule.
Some Additional Helpful Hints:
- Pack your pet’s leash (even for cats), food and water bowls, favorite toys, a piece of bedding from home and any vitamins and supplements your furry family member requires.
- Never let your pet’s head extend outside the car window. Particles of dirt can penetrate the eyes, ears and nose, causing injury or infections.
- Be sure to always park your car in a shaded area to keep the car cool. Never leave your pet alone inside a car, even for a few minutes.
1. Update your pet’s tag.
Make sure your pet is wearing a sturdy collar with an identification tag that is labeled with your current contact information. The tag should include your destination location, telephone number, and cell phone number so that you can be reached immediately during the move.
2. Ask for veterinary records.
If you’re moving far enough away that you’ll need a new vet, you should ask for a current copy of your pet’s vaccinations. You also can ask for your pet’s medical history to give to your new vet, although that can normally be faxed directly to the new medical-care provider upon request. Depending on your destination, your pet may need additional vaccinations, medications, and health certificates. Have your current vet’s phone number handy in case of an emergency, or in case your new vet would like more information about your pet.
3. Keep medications and food on hand.
Keep at least one week’s worth of food and medication with you in case of an emergency. Vets can’t write a prescription without a prior doctor/patient relationship, which can cause delays if you need medication right away. You may want to ask for an extra prescription refill before you move. The same preparation should be taken with special therapeutic foods — purchase an extra supply in case you can’t find the food right away in your new area.
4. Seclude your pet from chaos.
Pets can feel vulnerable on moving day. Keep them in a safe, quiet, well-ventilated place, such as the bathroom, on moving day with a “Do Not Disturb! Pets Inside!” sign posted on the door. There are many light, collapsible travel crates on the market if you choose to buy one. However, make sure your pet is familiar with the new crate before moving day by gradually introducing him or her to the crate before your trip. Be sure the crate is well-ventilated and sturdy enough for stress-chewers; otherwise, a nervous pet could escape.
5. Prepare a first aid kit.
First aid is not a substitute for emergency veterinary care, but being prepared and knowing basic first aid could save your pet’s life. A few recommended supplies: Your veterinarian’s phone number, gauze to wrap wounds or to muzzle your pet, adhesive tape for bandages, non-stick bandages and towels. You can use a door, board, blanket or floor mat as an emergency stretcher and a soft cloth, rope, necktie, leash, or nylon stocking for an emergency muzzle.
These are some great pet travel preparation tips you need to consider before taking along your furry friend. If you plan well, you may be surprised how well your pet behaves and the excitement of your pet being with you everywhere you go, especially if you have children.
