Traveling With Pets

Whether you have a dog or other household pet, there’s much more to keeping your furry friend safe and happy than just opening the passenger door. Here are tips to make your long road trip ?or even your Sunday drive ?problem-free.

Here are a few things to consider when traveling with your pet:

1. Temperament - Make certain that your four-legged pal enjoys traveling before taking him on a long trip. Take time during the weeks leading up to your vacation to take him on several short trips so that he will be more accustomed to the sights, smells and sensations of riding in a car. If your pet is aggressive, ill-mannered or simply terrified of traveling, you may want to consider a qualified pet sitter or reputable boarding facility.

2. Pack ?and plan ?for your pet. Just like you, pets like the comforts of home: their own bedding, toys, brush, even their own dishes. Bring them with you if possible. Pack a bowl for his water, treats, a first-aid kit, medications (both oral and topical), and a copy of his medical records. Most important, though, bring your pet’s own food. Trust me; this is not the time to get experimental with your pet’s digestive tract. (If you’ve ever changed your dog’s food all of a sudden, you know what I mean.)

3. Before a road trip is a good time to take your pet for that overdue visit to the veterinarian. Beyond ensuring your pet’s health, it’s the only way to get a bona fide health certificate. That certificate ?and proof of an updated rabies vaccine ?is necessary if you board your pet at your destination.

4. Accommodations - As more people take to traveling with pets, more and more hotels are catering to pet travelers. By using the search term “pet-friendly” in your query, you will receive a wealth of information about pet-friendly accommodations and destinations, RV parks, dog parks, beaches and campgrounds. Pet barriers ?which merely separate your pet from the rear of the seat ?don’t do much to protect animals. Pet carriers, however, do. Carriers are essentially boxes made to confine and secure your animal. They come in different shapes, sizes and materials, but all should be well ventilated and have a secure door and latch. They should be large enough so your animal can sit and lie down.

5. Safety - When traveling with pets it is important to ensure their safety and not to do anything that could put them in danger. Always have your dog or cat on a leash and never allow a pet to roam freely in the vehicle, as it could get tangled around the driver’s feet or get in the driver’s sight of the road. Always crate your dog or cat in a sturdy, well-ventilated carrier big enough for them to stand up and turn around in comfortably. It’s a good idea to get them used to the crate a few weeks prior to departing. Also be sure to have collars and I.D. tags for your pets in the event that they become separated from you. Investing in a microchip may also be something to consider if your pet has a tendency to get loose.

6. Some people get car sick; so do some animals. If this sounds like your pet, give him a light meal a few hours before you leave and feed him minimally during the drive. Offer him small amounts of water periodically in the hours before the trip. If you can, take along ice cubes, which are easier on your pet than gulping down large amounts of water. (They’ll also keep him busy.) If your dog isn’t accustomed to car travel or to a carrier, break him in gradually, well in advance of the trip, by taking short trips and using lots of praise.

7. Take frequent breaks. A dog’s legs need to be stretched just like yours do ?perhaps twice as much. Your pet also needs water, exercise and potty breaks at regular intervals. Having your dog lie beneath the caf table while you eat lunch is not exercise, so be sure to take Fido once around the block before jumping back in the car. Taking time for your pet may also help you to take in some interesting sights along your trip.

Preparing in advance for traveling with pets and keeping its best interests in mind on the road will help make it an enjoyable trip for everyone.

Pets are definitely an important part of the family. In order to include them during your next trip or family vacation and make the experience enjoyable for all, be sure to take the time to plan and prepare for their travels.