Bringing your furry friend along on vacation can make your summer adventures even better! Whether you are embarking on a cross-country road trip or flying to a neighboring city for a weekend getaway, traveling with pets requires preparation to keep everyone on the journey comfortable and safe! Begin planning your animal-friendly holiday with these useful tips for driving, flying, and traveling with pets!
Driving with pets
- Have a feeding schedule: Make sure your pet has enough food and water for the journey and prevent accidents by creating a food and water schedule. Determine the best times to feed your pets according to your route, especially on longer car rides.
- Make frequent stops: Long car rides can result in anxious and restless pets and humans. Stop every couple of hours for potty breaks and a chance for everyone to stretch their legs and paws.
- Secure pets at all times: For protection against potential car accidents, make sure uncaged pets are fastened with an animal-approved seatbelt, especially when traveling with open windows.
- Maintain a comfortable car temperature: A must in the summer months, be sure your vehicle's air conditioning is functioning properly when traveling with pets. Keep cooling on during extreme outside temperatures, and never leave your pet inside a closed vehicle unattended.
Flying with pets
- Book in advance: Many airlines require passengers to book pets on flights ahead of time. Check your airline’s requirements to avoid disruptions and denied entry.
- Get the appropriate cage: Pets should be comfortable and able to stand up and turn around in a safe, waterproof cage. Many airlines will check to see if you have the appropriate cage during check-in.
- Check breed restrictions: Some dog breeds, such as French Bulldogs, are restricted from flying cargo due to breathing difficulties and must fly in the cabin. Check which breeds are restricted before making arrangements for the safety of your pet.
- Have vaccinations and shots up to date: Current vaccines are vital for the safety of your pet and others while traveling, especially for international travel. With an increase in canine illness, vaccinations can help prevent its spread during these prime travel months.
Additional pet travel tips
- Keep microchips current: Microchips are lifesavers when it comes to finding lost pets, especially when they are away from home.
- Book pet-friendly accommodation: Pet-friendly hotels and accommodations are becoming increasingly common, and they can sometimes be less expensive than overnight pet boarding.
- Use trusted pet-sitter apps: There are numerous apps available for booking pet daycare, overnight boarding, walks, and other services. These convenient apps help make sure your pet is exercised, fed, and cared for by a fellow animal lover and gifts you more freedom during your vacation.
- Practice caging beforehand: Your dog or cat may need time to get used to their travel cage. Before your trip, encourage your pets to sleep and relax in their new cage with treats and their favorite toys and blankets.
- Watch for symptoms of nausea: Animals, like humans, can also get car sick. Car sickness symptoms in pets include vomiting, excessive drooling, panting, whining, lip licking, and yawning. If you suspect your pet is becoming ill from the ride, crack open a window and make sure they are secured from the excessive bumpiness of the road.
- Never leave pets unattended: Supervise your pet at all times, especially while traveling. Keep pets in full sight, away from dangerous objects, and never leave them in a closed car without supervision.
Traveling with your pets is a valuable way to bond and create special moments and memories. Stay safe, hydrated, and aware during all of your travels this summer to guarantee a paw-sitive experience!
Have a question about pet health? Want to become the best possible pet parent? Find helpful tips, reminders, and insight to giving your furry friend the best possible care with For Pet's Sake! Learn more at drdevonsmith.com.
