Tips for Traveling with Your Pet
With the holiday season upon us, many of us will be traveling with our four-legged family members. And just like we all have special needs and considerations when we travel, the same is true for the dogs and cats in our lives. To make the travel as stress-free as possible, keep in mind these tips:
- Ensure your pet is up-to-date on vaccines.
- Pack your pet's essentials: food, water (bottle local water if your pet has a sensitive stomach), medications, kitty litter, and a favorite toy, blanket or other comfort item that smells of home.
- Have a crate for your pet to travel in. This is important for the safety of both you and your pet, especially in the car.
- Make sure that your pet has identification tags on his/her collar, especially if your pet isn't microchipped.
- Stop frequently for potty breaks.
- Do not leave your pet alone in the car. Thank goodness for drive-thrus on long treks.
If your four-legged family member isn't used to traveling in the car, or doesn't do it frequently, it's a good idea to have a few short car rides leading up to the big travel event so he/she will be more accustomed to the experience. Of course, make sure the car is kept at a comfortable and well-ventilated temperature for everyone's sake!
If you are traveling by air, check with each individual airline regarding requirements for traveling with pets well in advance to make sure you comply with the rules and have everything you need. Most airlines even offer the option for in-cabin travel, but only for one pet per cabin.
Following these tips should ensure as pleasant as possible trip for two legged and four legged family members alike!