Summer Road Trips with Your Pet
With summer fun comes traveling for vacations or for visiting friends and family. Taking your pet with you can be part of the fun and memory making, just remember a few safety precautions when you go and pack them a travel bag too. Before you even pack your bags make sure your pet tolerates travelling. Take them for short cars rides to ensure they don’t get car sick or too anxious. There are some options for motion sickness and anxiety should it arise, please contact your veterinarian for help.
Wherever you are going please call ahead to make sure the motel or person you are staying with will accept your pet. Once that is settled you can get to packing a suitcase for your furry companion. Make sure you have heartworm, flea, and tick prevention on your pet and another dose if one will be due while you are away, also make sure you have plenty of any other medications your pet currently takes. Pack along their favorite blanket or pillow so the comforting smells of home will be along for the ride, and don’t forget their favorite toys. Put a current vaccination record in with the suitcase too, just in case you may need veterinary information. I know you have a great photo of your furry fella, put that in too on the off chance they may get away from you and you need a picture ID.
Now, don’t forget about the road trip part of it. Pack extra bowls for food and water, along with the extra food and water. When you stop to stretch your legs they might appreciate a fresh drink. Ensure that a current ID tag and rabies tag are on their collar (maybe consider getting a microchip too) and on your pet before you leave. Whether your pet is free to move in the car or confined to a cage make sure they have room to easily get up and turn around without getting cramped. Carry along extra plastic bags so you can clean up any deposits they make while out and about. Throw in an extra leash just in case yours gets misplaced along the way. Lastly, but most importantly, never leave your pet in an unattended car. It doesn’t take long for a car to get extremely warm on the interior and dogs and cats can suffer heat stroke quickly.
Should you be a jet setter and plan to fly with your faithful, furry friend please call your airline ahead of travel time. All airlines have different regulations in regards to health certificates, cages or carriers, and travel tickets.
Traveling with pets this summer can make all your plans even better. Just take a few extra moments to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything and that they will be protected and safe while exploring the world. Have fun!