Traveling with pets is a developing trend and can be a nice experience for both you and your pet if you plan ahead. Family pets are often a big part of the family, and sometimes it's difficult to leave those adorable faces behind once you leave town. Failing to carefully plan a road trip with your pet can lead to an endurance ride of hourly stops, nonstop whining and barking in addition to a deficiency of pet-friendly places to stay. By using the internet for researching and preparation, you can rest assured your vacation will be relaxing and gratifying for everybody.
Here are a Couple of items to consider when traveling with your pet:
1. Temperament - Make certain that your four-legged pal enjoys traveling prior to taking him on a long excursion. Take time throughout the weeks leading up for your vacation to take him on several short trips so he'll be accustomed to the sights, scents and sensations of riding in a vehicle. If your pet is competitive, ill-mannered or simply terrified of travel, you may wish to think about a qualified pet sitter or trustworthy boarding facility.
2. Manners - It is only appropriate and accountable for you to be certain your pet is going to be a welcomed guest at your destination. You might be a sight for sore eyes for your favorite cousins, but your dog or cat may not be! Make certain that your pet is well-behaved and if you've got a puppy, make sure he understands basic commands before going on you trip. Take along a few favorite toys to be certain your pet does not become bored and find destructive ways to entertain himself with.
3. Medical Needs- If you are going out for a long trip, or if your pet is sick, take it to the vet for a pre-vacation check-up. Make sure that all vaccinations are current and take the correct documentation with you. In the unlikely event your pet gets into a fight or bites somebody during your trip, you'll need documentation that the pet has had its shots. Your vet can prescribe your furry friend a mild sedative or indicate a safe motion sickness remedy in case your pet has endured in the past. It's also a good idea to acquire the names of a couple of veterinarians at your destination just in the event of emergency.
4. Accommodations - As more people take to traveling with pets, more and more hotels are catering to pet travelers. By utilizing the search term "pet-friendly" in your query, you will be given a plethora of information about pet-friendly accommodations and destinations, RV parks, dog parks, beaches and campgrounds. Important online travel agencies, such as Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz, allow you to limit your resort search results to only those who permit pets.
5. Safety - When traveling with pets it is very important to ensure their security and to not do anything which could put them in danger. Always have your dog or cat on a leash and never let a pet to roam freely from the automobile, as it could get tangled around the driver's feet or get from the driver's sight of the road. Always crate your dog or cat in a hardy, well-ventilated carrier large enough for them to stand up and turn around in comfortably. It is a good idea to get them used to the crate a few weeks prior to departing. Also make sure you get collars and I.D. tags for your pets in the event they become separated from you. Investing in a microchip may also be something to consider if your pet has a tendency to get loose.
6. Food, Water and Potty Breaks- Pack food and water bowls and avoid odds of gut upset by packaging an adequate supply of your pet's everyday brand of meals. Switching pet food under some circumstances can cause stomach distress and can be particularly unpleasant for all concerned. . .especially while confined in a car! Stick to their normal feeding routine and provide the major meal at the end of the day or when you reach your destination. Traveling with pets may also cause dehydration so it's important to stop frequently not only for potty breaks and exercise, but also to allow them to get a fresh drink of water. Be sure that you maintain a source of "doodie" bags handy so that you can comply with local ordinances when necessary.
Preparing in advance for traveling with pets and keeping its best interests in your mind on the street will help make it a fun trip for everybody.