How To Travel Smoothly With Your Pets
Your pets are a part of the family, so it’s natural to want to include them when you travel. With the right planning, this can be a fun adventure for you and your four-legged friend. Read on to learn more about keeping your pet safe and happy throughout your travels.
First-Time Travels with Your Pet
There are a few things you need to know about bringing your pet with you while traveling for the first time. For example, you always need to clean up after your pet. Keep poop bags with you when you’re outside, whether you’re enjoying a park, at your resort, or exploring a rest area.
Keep in mind that not all lodgings allow pets. Ask about their pet policy before booking. If the one you’re considering doesn’t allow dogs or cats, keep looking. Many nice hotels welcome dogs and cats.
Road trips are fairly easy when it comes to bringing a pet, but flying is a different story. You’ll need an FAA-approved crate or carrier. Some airlines will allow small dogs to ride in the cabin with their owners. Larger dogs are typically placed in the cargo or baggage area. Bringing along your small dog can be quite affordable, but large dogs can cost as much as $1,000 per flight.
Tips for Traveling with Your Pet
Keep your pet comfortable.
Some pets don’t travel well due to their age, temperament, injury, or illness. If your pet doesn’t enjoy traveling, you may want to consider leaving them at a boarding facility or with a trusted pet sitter.
Bring proper identification.
Get your pet an updated identification tag with your current contact information. Attach it to their collar. Microchipping increases the odds of having them returned if they wander off.
Pack the essentials.
Medications
Collar, harness, and leash
Bed and blankets
Crate
Food, water, and dishes
Toys
Stay Safe and Healthy
Make sure your pet is healthy and safe while traveling. This starts with a trip to the veterinarian as soon as you have your travel details confirmed. Your destination may have specific health requirements for visiting animals. You may need to get diagnostic testing, updated vaccines, or administer specific treatments before arriving. After a thorough exam, you’ll get a health certificate signed by the vet, which is required of you to fly.
When traveling in the car, plan on stopping every two to three hours so your pet can get some exercise and relieve themselves. While on the road, use the proper restraints. Never let them ride in the driver’s lap or by their feet. Discourage them from putting their head out of the window. They can easily get debris in their ears or eyes.
Make sure your dog or cat is up to date with their flea and tick medications and carry a first aid kit with you at all times. Look them over carefully for anything unusual after spending time outdoors. Watch for ticks that carry disease, allergic reactions, cuts, and scrapes. With these handy tips, you and your furry friend are sure to enjoy yourselves while traveling together.
