If you have a pet, you may plan to take them along on your next trip. And why not? Pets can be great company, as they can accompany you wherever you go. Moreover, you don’t have to worry constantly about them while away. Since animals enamor most people, you can make new friends as you navigate through your destination spot. Statistics indicate that 78% of Americans travel with their pets annually. Despite these, traveling can be stressful for your pet. However, you can make it more comfortable for them with the right tips. Here are a few worth considering for the best results.
Visit the vet before you set off
The law requires you to take your pet for a complete checkup for good reasons. This way, you can rest assured that they are in good health and can move around without breaking down. Likewise, your vet can issue the needed documents and certificates to allow your furry friend into your destination country. You should expect certain procedures during your pet’s examination. For instance, they will be vaccinated to reduce their risks of developing diseases like rabies, parainfluenza, leukemia, etc. Also, your vet will insert a microchip into your pet to meet the travel requirements and promote easy identification. Other things to expect are blood tests, internal and external parasite treatment, and general grooming.
You’ll find it helpful to bring some of their favorite toys to make them more comfortable. You should also speak to your vet to determine if they can eat before their checkup or if they can recommend packing additional medications such as CBD oils for pets. Smaller pets, like hamsters, ferrets, smaller dog breeds, cats, etc., can be kept in carriers. Also, larger pets can be kept on a leash, so keep this in mind. You also want to inform the vet if your pet doesn’t interact with other animals to prevent chaos.
Prepare them for long-distance travel
You don’t want to deal with pet drama when traveling, making preparation essential. Indeed, you risk making your pet uncomfortable, especially when they aren’t ready for the long trip. Fortunately, you can psyche them up with the right strategies. For instance, you can take them for longer rides than usual to prepare them for your upcoming road trip. While at it, judge how they react to the change. You can get the medication to help them manage if they get car sick. On the other hand, they may be hyped for longer rides if they are calm or compliant.
If you’re traveling by air, you don’t want to introduce them to their carrier one day before departure. Instead, introduce them to it long before the due date, so they get used to it. As a tip, put them in their carriers when going to the grocery store or home by scratching posts and beds. Also, avoid putting food or water in their crate when traveling, as they can spill and make your pet uncomfortable. Instead, pack these items in your bag and allow them to fast to prevent vomiting. These tips can also be beneficial, so feel free to consider them.
Pack their supplies early
It’s common to start packing your stuff earlier to ensure you don’t forget anything. But why wait till the last minute when your pet is involved? Doing so may increase your risk of forgetting something vital. And this can mar your travel experiences. Therefore, packing your pet essentials before time is beneficial. As a tip, create a checklist to help you identify and locate them quickly. If you’re leaving the country, you may require a pet passport, so keep this in mind. However, interstate travel usually doesn’t require it.
You also want a generous amount of pet food and water to keep them satisfied and hydrated. You don’t want to forget their toys, portable litter, food and water bowl, identification tags, pet seat, seatbelt harness, etc. You also want to consider your destination area’s climate to help pack the needed accessories. For instance, if the area is very cold, you can purchase a dog snood to protect your furry friend. Likewise, get a leash, especially if you have a larger pet. You also want to plan for emergencies by packing their first aid kit, medical records, and your vet’s contact.
Book pet-friendly accommodation
Admittedly, not all hotels, guest houses, or Airbnb are pet-friendly, and booking them without understanding their policies can cause more problems. Therefore, it’s prudent to research various accommodation options to ensure they can cater to your pet. Fortunately, their websites can give you the needed info, so feel free to leverage them.
