Are you planning to do any summer travel with your pet? If so here are some tips to help ensure a smooth trip.
Pre-planning: Is your dog ready for a trip?
If you are not going very far with your pet then you don’t have to worry, if you have to, you can always simply go back home. But if you’re traveling any distance where you cannot easily make a return trip home, you’ll need to plan your trip thoroughly and take your pets needs into consideration.
Are your dogs’ Vaccinations/titer up to date?
Before going on a trip make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations or better yet get a titer done. If it’s been a while, schedule an appointment with your pet’s vet and have a check-up before you leave. A sick pet will not travel well and could cause unexpected messes. Remember your pet can’t tell you when they are feeling ill, pay attention to their behaviors.
Plan out your route if you are driving.
If you are going by car you’ll want to pre-plan your route for pet-friendly rest spots. These are places where you can safely take your pet without worry of him/her getting into any trouble. Traveling with pets is common and you should take note of rest areas, parks and recreational areas along your route, most of these places will have areas to accommodate pets. Be considerate and use the pet potty bags you brought to clean up any messes your animal left behind. You did bring them, right?
Offer your dog plenty of water during stops. I use a collapsible bowl and have a thermos filled with water to ensure I do not run out.
Make reservations for where you will be staying.
Many hotels and other places to stay think Airb&b or campgrounds are becoming very pet-friendly, but some are not. Picture this: You drive all day; you are tired and looking forward to a nap. You pull into the hotel and drag yourself inside eager to check yourself in. Your dog barks and the clerk says, “Sorry we don’t allow pets.” Trust me, avoid this nightmare. Before you book your lodging learn what your destination’s policy is regarding pets.
Play Santa, make a list and check it twice:
Besides potty bags, you’ll want to bring other things. Make a list otherwise you might arrive at your destination only to discover you forgot something important. I recommend bringing the following:
- Dog Food (Enough for the trip, plus a few extra days worth. Changing food halfway through a trip could cause your pet to get sick.)
- Bowls (for food and water.)
- Water in a thermos.
- Your pet’s favorite toy(s). (You don’t want a bored Fido to pick something expensive to chew on.)
- Towel (To dry your pet. Imagine the beach.)
- Pet Wipes (Always plan for possible messy clean-ups)
- Potty bags (Let’s face it this is a reality. Be considerate.)
- Dog tag and microchip (With your dog’s name, and your current contact information.)
- Leash and harness
Keep your dog(s) safe in the car
I also recommend a crate or a pet seatbelt in order to keep both you and your pet safe in case of an accident. You wouldn’t want your dog to go through a windshield or to hit you.
Before you go:
Right before your trip, make sure your dog has a chance to go potty. This is especially important if you plan on putting them in a crate. Nature will happen and in small spaces, it will be messy.
Traveling with your pet can be a joy. Taking the time to plan for the journey will help to ensure a good time.