Travel Tips Vacation time is just around the corner. If you're taking the whole family, consider including your pet, too! It's not hard to do.
Your first consideration is your pet's attitude -- is his behavior flexible enough to deal with change? If so, a little planning will make traveling a breeze. The second part of the equation is how welcome your pet will be at your destination. If your chosen vacation spot welcomes animals, there's no reason not to proceed.
Before you hit the highway, get your pet used to car travel. Taking him with you on short jaunts around town will help both of you know what to expect.
Dogs When traveling with your dog, keep him safe and out of the driver's way. You can put him in a crate. A collapsible crate is the most convenient because it can be used at your destination and at motels along the way. Or you may use a pet barrier. Pet barriers are designed for sport utility vehicles, vans and wagon. They come in several styles, are easy to install and keep your pet in the rear of the vehicle. Bring along a piece of your dog's bedding to make him feel at home and provide padding for the outside bottom of the crate to cushion bumps.
Other items you'll need are a collar and leash. Always put your pet on a lead before opening car doors. And, an up to date identification tag is a must. And a special "vacation" tag can provide information about your destination and how to contact you should he get lost.
Make sure your pet's vaccinations are up to date and carry copies of these records with you. Another pre-trip arrangement is to verify that motels along the way welcome pets.
Pack your pet's customary food for the entire vacation. Food changes can add to possible travel stress. Also consider bringing along a supply of water from home. Changes in water can be almost as distressing as changes in diet.
Be sure to take rest stops along the way. Allow your pet to exercise and drink water. And, always clean up after your pet.
Never leave your pet alone in the car. During warm weather, the inside of a car left sitting in the sun can zoom to oven-like temperatures in minutes. Dangerously high temperatures can kill.
Cats Traveling with your feline is similar to a road trip with your dog, with the following exceptions. Keep you cat in a pet carrier throughout the trip. Be sure to position the carrier so you and your pet can see one another.
Provide a litter box for stops and unless your feline friend is trained to a leash, don't let him out of the vehicle or motel room for rest breaks or jaunts.
If you leave your pet in the motel room, be sure put him in the carrier. If a maid opens the door in your absence, you don't want your pet rushing out the door!
Consider a collapsible cat cage for use at your destination. They come in a variety of sizes and will be a more comfortable restraint for your pet than the smaller pet carrier.
Air Travel Many airlines allow for pet travel. If you're flying internationally, be sure to check out quarantine and vaccination regulations before you go.
Make reservations in advance and anticipate that there will be a charge. Your pet will need an airline-approved carrier and make sure it meets your airline's size guidelines. Be sure there is plenty of identification on the carrier and try to book a non-stop flight so your dog or cat doesn't get lost along with misdirected luggage. For your pet's comfort, do not feed for eight hours before the flight. |