(content by Monica A)
Hitting the open road or jetting off into the sky for a much-deserved vacation is a time for fun and relaxation. When taking your furry best friends along for the ride, you want them to enjoy it too, and there are certain protocols pet owners should follow on vacation. Below are a few things to consider when preparing to travel with pets.
Every year, 53% of American pet owners take their pets with them when traveling. Whether they’re heading off into the woods camping or simply getting out of town for the weekend, these trips generally call for careful planning to make sure their cat or canine companion is safe and comfortable.
One of the first points to take into consideration is a health check. Ensuring your animal is up to date on vaccinations as well as flea and tick control should be at the top of the to-do list. If flying with the pet, there may be certifications required before being cleared for airline travel. You can get this clearance from the vet while also confirming the pet is in good mental and physical shape for traveling.
Along the same lines is gathering all the necessary information for travel. This may include proof of rabies shots, medical history, vaccination records and verification that the contact information is correct on the ID tag or microchip. Having all this information in order could be beneficial in a medical emergency or if the pet is lost on the trip. You should also stock up on prescription medication and pack ample pet food and bottled water.
Following proper pet etiquette when traveling is essential, as a well-behaved pet can make the trip more pleasant for everyone. Part of this is obeying all leash laws and picking up after your dog. As such, you’ll need to pack a collar with a sturdy leash or harness. It’s also recommended to look up pet policies before heading to your destination, including any park, restaurant or venue you plan to visit.
If staying in a hotel, consider opting for a pet-friendly establishment and go over its policy. At any form of lodging, be sure to limit your pet’s noise to prevent disruption to other guests. Clean cat litter boxes frequently to cut back on odor and be prepared to cover any additional costs due to damage caused by your animals. You’ll also want to avoid leaving pets alone for extended periods of time and give them plenty of exercise and attention to help with any anxiety they’re experiencing.
While all the stress of vacationing with pets can’t be avoided, there are several steps you can take to help make the adventure more enjoyable. A lot of it comes down to careful planning and preparation.
Looking for additional pointers? Check Stay Better Vacations.
