Any time you plan a trip, it can be stressful. However, are you planning to take along your dog or cat? If so, you have another list of things to do and plan for. There’s a lot to do and consider, from taking along the right supplies to checking with the hotel where you plan to stay and ensuring your pet is healthy enough for traveling with your pet.
It doesn’t matter if you are traveling cross-state, cross country, or taking cruises to Mexico from California; if you plan to take your pet along, be sure to use the tips found below.
Purchase a Comfortable Travel Crate for Your Pet
You may want to provide plenty of “legroom” for your pet during a long road trip; however, providing a smaller space that is just for them is usually better for everyone. Usually, this is better for your pet because if they have been crate trained, this is their “safe space.” It is also safer – animals are better protected in a quality crate than they are untethered and sliding around in your car.
Don’t Overfill the Crate with “Stuff”
Your pet may love toys and having several options at home is great. However, it’s another story when you are on a long car trip. Trying to pack all your pet’s toys in their crate will take up the small amount of space they have.
If the crate is overfilled, it’s also going to be difficult for them to get comfortable. While you want to ensure your pet is comfortable, you also want to ensure you don’t fill up the crate. In these situations, less is definitely more.
Take Steps to Avoid Losing Your Pet
Losing your pet at any point is digestating; however, if this happens in an unfamiliar location far away from home, it’s even worse. Before you go on a trip, ensure your pet can be tracked just in case they get lost. One of the best ways to do this is by having a microchip put under their skin. This ensures they can be tracked no matter where they happen to wander off. If you don’t want to have your pet microchipped, make sure the information included on their gags is updated. When you do this, they are much more likely to be returned safely if they are found.
Go Easy on the Food on the Days You Are Traveling
Regardless of how much you meet your pet’s needs and how comfortable you make them, they are bound to experience some anxiety when you travel. Stress diarrhea can occur when your pet feels anxious. For most people, this is the last thing you want to have while on a long plane or car ride.
Even if your pet doesn’t seem too stressed before your trip, motion sickness may upset their stomach suddenly. Because of this, you should make an effort to feed them less on the days you will be traveling.
Gather the Needed Paperwork
Do you have a longer pet planned with your trip? If so, you must have the right paperwork. Some places require that all incoming pets have updated health certificates that their vet signs. Before you sign the documents, your vet will ensure your pet isn’t sick and that they have the needed vaccinations for the country or state you are traveling to. If you plan to fly or go on a cruise, it’s important to find out if there is any specialty paperwork required for transporting your pet.
Making Travel Pleasant for You and Your Pet
If you plan to travel with your pet, be sure to keep the tips above in mind. These will help ensure you and your pet have a pleasant experience and that you don’t have any negative issues or problems arise. Traveling with your pet can be a pleasant experience, but you must plan ahead. Being informed is the best way to travel safely with your pet.
