If you have ever wanted to take a vacation with the whole family, including your pet, this article will give you tell important tips to follow. The key to a great travel experience is planning, and it is no different being on the road with your pet. Read on for 10 tips on how to keep your pet safe and happy. Enjoy a great vacation together!
- Sleeping
Comfort is of the utmost importance to your pet and having a familiar place to sleep is one way to keep them happy. Bring along their bed, which turns any space into a little bit of home. Their bed has familiar smells and textures and helps your pet relax.
If your pet’s bed isn’t easy to transport, consider one of the many portable, lightweight beds on the market. Be sure to order it well ahead of your trip so your pet can spend a few nights (or days!) getting used to the travel bed.
- Food and Medications
Keep collapsible bowls with you and your pet at all times in case of delays that mean unexpected feeding times in awkward places. Bring along a supply of your pet’s favorite food, if possible, in case it is not available at your destination.
If your pet requires medication, be sure to get a refill for them before your trip to make sure you have a sufficient supply.
- Take a Test Drive
Before you go on a long car journey, take a two or three hour drive to see how your pet handles the trip. Look for signs of motion sickness, anxious behavior or anxiety. If your pet can’t handle a short trip with a calm attitude, they will not be happy on a longer trip. This means you should leave your pet at home for his or her own comfort and safety.
- Health Check
Make sure your pet is healthy to travel by taking them to the vet for a checkup. Inform your vet of the upcoming trip in case they have any tips for supplements or medications they recommend for pets on the go. Now is a great time to get your pet micro-chipped before your trip for their safety in case you become separated.
- Map Your Pit Stops
Specifically for our canine friends, choose several locations along your trip route that they will love. Dog parks with day memberships are great and can be found with a simple online search. You can also find hiking and swimming stops that are dog friendly if you would rather have more active time during a stop. Plan enough stops to keep your dog from getting bored or going to long without a potty break.
- Get These Apps
These apps will make traveling safer and more fun for your pet:
Dog Vacay just in case you can’t bring your dog to an attraction or restaurant, this app helps find insured, safe dog walkers and sitters near you and isn’t just for dogs.
Bring Fido helps you find activities, events, restaurants and more at your destination or along your route.
Red Cross offers pet first aid tips that are important to know whether on a trip or at home. It also helps you find the closest vet, should you need to.
Dog Park Finder is great for last minute pit stops or to help you plan your route.
- Pack the Essentials
Here is a great packing checklist to use, with outdoor items listed separately in case your pet loves adventures:
- Favorite toys, blankets, etc.
- Bed
- Brush
- First aid kit
- Medications
- Food
- Jacket or rain coat
- Extra collar and I.D. tag
- Hiking pack to carry their own water or food
- Hands free leash for hiking or running
- LED lighted collar for evenings or backup lighting
- Accommodation
It may be hard to find accommodations that accept pets or some may restrict on size, breed or even number of pets. Just because a place says they are pet friendly doesn’t necessarily mean all pets are welcome. Be sure to investigate all pet policies including any extra fees you may owe because of your pet. Use GoPetFriendly.com to find accommodation that is appropriate for your pet.
- Make Good Choices
Now is a great time to bring up choosing your destination wisely. Your cat or ferret may not be a fan of travel at all and better left at home with a trust-worthy sitter. Your farm dog won’t appreciate a big-city visit very much and a city dog may be terrified of open spaces. Make sure that the places you choose allow pets and are appropriate for your pet’s activity level. Don’t overwhelm your pet with strange situations or people as they can become overwhelmed and anxious.
- Settle In
When you arrive at your destination, plan to spend some time with your pet to allow them to settle in to their new surroundings. Set up their food, water, toys and bed and let them explore their temporary home. Most importantly, enjoy your stay with your pet!
