Traveling with your Pets

Tips for Stress-Free Summer Travel with Pets

Vacationing during the hot summer months can be stressful, especially with pets. Planning ahead and proceeding with caution can make your trip safer and easier.

Preparation and Planning

  1. Create a Checklist: Write down everything you need to do and pack for your pet, including food, supplies, and equipment.
  2. Set an Itinerary: Plan each day from start to finish. This gives you a starting point, even if plans change.
  3. Health Records: Obtain a copy of your pet’s health records and a health certificate if traveling out of state or country.
  4. Pet-Friendly Accommodations: Ensure your nightly accommodations are pet-friendly. Prearrange care for your pet if sightseeing spots don’t allow pets.

Health and Safety

  1. Vaccinations and Protection: Ensure your pet’s vaccinations and flea and tick protection are up to date.
  2. Identification: Use a collar with a current ID tag and consider a microchip for added security.
  3. Travel Essentials: Pack your pet’s regular food and familiar water to avoid gastric upset. Bring a current photo of your pet in case you get separated.

Travel Safety

  1. Vehicle Safety: Take your pet on weekend trips to see how they handle car rides. Use a seat belt or crate for safety. Avoid letting pets hang out of windows or ride in the open bed of a truck.
  2. Crate Safety: Never place your pet’s crate on a cargo carrier or platform on the back of a vehicle.

Accommodation Verification

  1. Confirm Pet Policies: Verify by phone or email that your accommodations allow pets. Don’t rely solely on website information.
  2. Understand Rules: Know the rules regarding pets, such as unattended pets, weight restrictions, and extra costs.

Weather Considerations

  1. Avoid Leaving Pets in Cars: Temperatures in cars can quickly exceed 90 degrees, even on mild days. Arrange for boarding at a local kennel or vet clinic if needed.
  2. Designate a Pet Companion: If traveling with family, have someone stay with the pet while others sightsee.

Stay Alert

  1. Monitor Other Pets: Be aware of other pets in distress and have local authorities’ contact information handy. It's better to notify authorities than to allow the pet to die in a too-hot vehicle. 

 

General Tips

  1. Use Designated Pet Areas: Walk your pet in designated areas and always pick up after them.
  2. Cat Care: Keep your cat’s litter box fresh and clean. Dispose of waste in the hotel dumpster or use flushable litter.
  3. Responsibility: Don’t expect hotel staff to clean up after your pet; it’s your responsibility.

Air Travel Tips

  1. Contact Your Airline: Discuss pet travel rules and procedures with your airline in advance.
  2. Veterinary Advice: Consult your vet about making air travel comfortable for your pet. Essential oils can help reduce stress.
  3. Crate Training: Acclimate your pet to sitting in a crate for the duration of the flight. Ensure they have a positive association with the crate.
  4. Cargo Hold: If your pet is too large for the cabin, they will travel in the cargo hold. Verify the cargo hold’s climate control and soundproofing.
  5. Sturdy Crate: Use a sturdy crate that bolts together and has a padlockable door. Avoid crates with plastic hinged clips.
  6. Airport Familiarization: Take your pet to the airport a few times to get them accustomed to the environment.
  7. In-Flight Comfort: Secure a mat in the crate with double-sided tape and provide a stuffed Kong for entertainment.

Travel Safety

  1. Safe Equipment: Use a collar that your pet cannot slip out of. Ensure harnesses and collars are properly fitted.
  2. Practice Recalls: Train your pet to come when called using high-value treats.
  3. Safe Walking Areas: Avoid high-traffic areas like truck stops. Use a six-foot leash for better control.
  4. Leash Safety: Ensure the leash snap is secure and the leash is not worn or chewed.

Alternative: Leaving Your Pet at Home

  1. Boarding Arrangements: Book boarding kennels well in advance, especially during peak travel times.
  2. Trial Boarding: If your pet is new to boarding, send them for an overnight stay to get used to the facility.
  3. Get a Cost Estimate: Understand all boarding costs in advance.
  4. Vaccination Requirements: Check what vaccinations the boarding facility requires and provide this information ahead of time. Your vet can send it directly to the kennel.
  5. Pack Familiar Food: Bring your pet’s regular food to avoid dietary changes. Some kennels offer food, but familiar diets are best.
  6. Facility Security: Ensure the boarding facility is secure. Request a tour and ask about their exercise and emergency procedures.
  7. Family or Friend Care: If a family member or friend is caring for your pet, ensure they are comfortable with the responsibility. Offer to pay for their time and work out all details in advance, including feeding and walking schedules.
  8. Acclimate Your Pet: If your pet will stay in a new environment, take them for several visits to get used to it. Ensure the home is secure to prevent escapes.   

Taking these precautions can make traveling with your four-legged co-pilot a fun and exciting adventure!  Safe and happy travels!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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