We all need to take a vacation to recharge our batteries and get away from day to day life, but what’s to be done if you have pets at home? Take them with you! Most pets enjoy travel and with a few tricks and tips, the family vacation can include all family members, even if they’re of the feline or canine variety.
The first thing to consider is whether or not your pet will be more comfortable with you or just staying at home. Most dogs do not mind being in the car and in fact, some really love it. Cats on the other hand do not usually like to travel and prefer to stay at home. That being said, there usually comes a time when everyone has to travel, such as a move across town or across states, or a need to evacuate from a dangerous situation. Being prepared for traveling with your pets will save time and allow you to move quickly if necessary.
If an animal is pregnant or sick they should never travel as the stress could be very detrimental to their health. Before taking a pet on any trip their vaccinations must be up to date; some campgrounds will not allow pets to stay unless proof of vaccinations is provided. Make sure your pet has their rabies vaccination tag on their collar as well as emergency contact information in case your pet gets loose or lost. A microchip is a great investment; the chip is very small (like a grain of rice), and will ensure that if the pet is found and scanned, it will be returned to you.
When travelling your pets will be safer if they are confined to a carrier; a dog or cat roaming free around the vehicle while it’s moving is not safe for the driver or the animal. Be sure to place a label on the carrier with the name of the pet as well as your own personal information in case you are separated. If a dog will be travelling with you take them for a good walk before placing them into their carrier, and be sure to make several stops along the way to let them out for a stretch, some food, and water. Depending on where you decide to stop, check the ground to ensure your dog won’t burn their paws when you put them down! Once when we were travelling across Arizona in the summer, we stopped to let our little guy out for a stretch but the ground was burning hot. I had to carry him to a tree with shade just so he could pee real quick. Needless to say, that was a short stop. Never leave your pets alone in the car; it only takes 10 minutes for a car to reach unbearable temperatures for your pets which can cause organ damage and even death. Place window shades in the vehicle to help prevent sunburn and keep your pet comfortable.
The smallest dog breeds and travel almost go hand in hand. Who hasn’t seen a tiny dog face peeking out of a bag or purse by now? It’s pretty obvious why it would be easier to travel with a smaller dog, but their delicate systems and temperament should be taken into consideration. Some of the smaller dogs can be very nervous and do better on their home turf. Small or medium-sized dogs are going to be easier to travel with than the larger breeds for obvious reasons.
Almost anywhere a person travels now pet-friendly options are available, from simple campgrounds to luxury resorts to bed and breakfasts. If camping is going to be the family vacation this year check out the pet-friendly campgrounds located around the world.
Ensure that your canine pal has basic training so that they can remain under control while travelling. If your pet happens to get loose, some basic commands can help to keep them from running away and getting hurt. Training your dog yourself is the best option as you will both learn how to communicate with each other.
With proper preparation, a vacation with your family pet can be a fun adventure for the pet and the entire family.
Comments