Let's face it, our pets are members of our family. The thought of leaving the behind when loading up the car for a road trip to the Grand Canyon or packing for a flight to the Keys is unbearable. If you want to include your pet in your next family vacation, check out these tips to help make sure everyone enjoys a fun and relaxing trip!
Let's face it, our pets are members of our family. The thought of leaving the behind when loading up the car for a road trip to the Grand Canyon or packing for a flight to the Keys is unbearable. If you want to include your pet in your next family vacation, check out these tips to help make sure everyone enjoys a fun and relaxing trip!
Talk to Your Vet
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is always important to schedule a vet visit when planning to take your pet along on a trip. You will leave with the confidence that your dog or cat is healthy enough for travel, but this will also give you a chance to pick the vet's brain about your specific travel plans and get a little advice from a professional expert. They may have tips for situations you won't necessarily be expecting.
Travel with Health Documents
It is always possible that someone will want you to verify the health of your pets. Make sure to have their shot records up-to-date and as accessible as your personal passport and ID. Also, if traveling with any pet medications, ensure that they are properly stored in their original, labeled containers. Vet documents explaining the necessity and use of any prescribed medications is also a good idea to keep handy.
Prepare for the Crate
We like to think that our pet will be happy to ride shotgun the whole way, tongue lolling as the wind whips by, but the reality is that travel can be stressful for pets. Make sure that they are comfortable in a crate at home, long before the trip starts. When traveling, make sure that the crate is largely empty. Toys, leashes, etc., can present the opportunity for injury, but also limit your pups' ability to adjust their position. Don't you like to shift around a bit in your seat after hours of riding the interstate?
Call Ahead
You need to make sure that there are pet-friendly accommodations waiting at your destination. Don't simply trust promises on websites and advertisements. Call the hotel, restaurant, or any other place you expect to visit so that you can clarify details. If you suddenly realize that you need to fork out for an unexpected pet deposit that was not in your travel budget, trouble can arise, not to mention the stress that will detract from your vacation!
Know when to Leave them Behind
It is unfortunate that sometimes, it's simply not the best idea to bring your pet. It might be that you plan to visit lots of museums and your pet will have to stay in a hotel room anyway. Or maybe you have a nervous pup that is uncomfortable at home. If you decide to kennel your dog or have trusted neighbors care for them while you are away from home, you are not a bad pet owner. Often, this is the best way to make sure that both pet and owner have a great experience over a vacation period. Don't worry, your dog or cat will be excited to see you when you get home, rested and refreshed, and they will forgive you quicker than they can wag their tail.
Traveling with pets doesn't have to be a stressful endeavor. Most of the planning and work will be done long before you leave home so that your trip itself will be worry-free for everyone. These tips will help youl travel carefree in no time!
