This summer, millions of Americans will be hitting the roads to spend time with friends and family, vacationing in cities and national parks, and many will be bringing their companion animals with them. It turns out that more than 70 percent of us go on vacation or travel with our pets on a regular basis. There are hotels and places you can stay in that are pet-friendly, which make it a bit easier, but you still need to do some basic planning yourself.
Should I Bring My Pet?
Remember that some pets are not too comfortable with traveling. Before heading out on the road with your four-legged friend, ask yourself the following questions:
• Is traveling safe for my pet?
Honestly evaluate your animal's health and his ability to travel.
• Is my pet used to traveling?
If your dog runs and hides when you open the car door, consider hiring a pet sitter and leaving him at home.
• Will this trip be appropriate for my pet
For some destinations, you can tell right away that it's not good for your pets.
After going through the questions, and you feel the trip will be good for your pet, or if the trip is a must because you are relocating, it's important to plan and minimize the risk to your 'best friend'.
• Preparation
If your dog's only travel experience has been going to the vet, you may want to practice him on the art of traveling in a car, preferable a few weeks before you really take him on long trips. You can start by taking him on short trips first, for example, when you shop for groceries and when you do your errands. When you get home from these short trips, don't forget to give him a treat , then start lengthening the next trips.
• Road Safety
We fasten our seatbelts, so why not our pets? For your animal's safety, always restrain him when traveling. A variety of restraints are available that offer added mobility and provide an option to the traditional metal travel crate. Safety harnesses, which attach to any seatbelt, allow your animal to sit or stand comfortably, while safety gates, made either of metal or mesh, give him mobility in a restricted area. Sturdy, well ventilated crates are a must for smaller animals, such as cats, that normally don't travel as much as dogs.
RV's offer pet-owners more freedom and interaction with their animals, but it's still important to pet-proof these rolling homes. Make sure all items, such as food or medicine, are properly stowed and secured inside your RV. Use gates to block off space for smaller pets, to minimize injuries as you do sudden stops or turns. Whether you drive an RV or a regular vehicle, make sure you do regular pit stops for your pets. And always remember to put the leash on your pet before you open the vehicle's doors.
• Travel Kit
Always pack a separate bag for your pet. To avoid an upset stomach, take some of his favorite food, as well as a gallon of water because water characteristics change regionally. For cats, it's a good idea to bring a disposable litter box. It should come in handy for those emergencies or overnight stops. You will also need to bring a pet first-aid kit and some extra towels, in case of accidents. Also bring a favorite toy or object that you feel will make your pet more relaxed as he travels to new surroundings. And last but not least, bring your pet's health certificate especially if you are traveling across state lines, as most states might sometimes ask for it.
Author Resource:
Jane is a retiree living in the heat of Fort Lauderdale Florida. In an effort to relieve boredom, she has created a varied collection of sites, so if you are shopping for toys or even tiffany lamps for the holiday season, try visiting her sites.
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