Top 10 Tips for Traveling with Pets
Traveling with pets can be very scary for pet owners. Not only do they worry about how their pets will act, but they also worry about the safety of their pets. When traveling with your pets there are many things to organise and several steps to take in order to ensure that nothing goes wrong on the way to your destination. These are our top ten tips for traveling with your pets.
Vet check
Book your pet in for a visit to the vet before you go on your trip to ensure that they are in good health and their vaccinations are up to date. Ask the vet to print out your pet’s medical history in case of an emergency.
Secure licenses and certificates
Once you have established that your pet is the picture of health, we suggest you take all the latest paperwork with you in a folder. Ensure that you have your pet’s license, health certificate and proof of vaccinations.
Book suitable accommodation
If you plan to stay in a hotel or bed and breakfast, it is always wise to book well in advance because it can be hard to find residences that will allow. If you are able to find pet-friendly accommodation, make sure there is secure fencing and find out whether you need to bring bedding and pet food. It’s also a good idea to clarify that your pet will be allowed inside.
Take IDs seriously
Ensure that your pet is always wearing a sturdy collar with his, or her, identification attached. Your pet’s ID should have all the necessary contact details. Additionally, you may choose to include contact information for the hotel or house that you are staying in while on vacation.
Flying with pets
If traveling involves flying then you will need to pre-book your pet on the flight. Contact the airline to see if there are any specific requirements for your pet to travel with them. It is likely you will have to arrive much earlier than you normally would for check-in and your pet may need to go into an airline pet crate.
Keep a first aid kit handy
Whilst you will have all your pet’s vaccinations in place, long-distance journeys may make your pet restless and they might unintentionally hurt you. That’s when a first aid kit would come in handy.
Take along a comfort item
Traveling to a new locale can cause some pets to be anxious or even depressed. A favourite toy or blanket can help to ease their anxiety and provide a source of entertainment while away. In addition, ensure that you are using a carrier that is going to be comfortable for a long period of time. It would also be preferable to have a carrier that can double as a bed or you can also take a portable playpen with you.
Stock up on necessities
When you’re on vacation the last thing you need to worry about is refilling your pet’s medication prescription, finding their preferred food – or worse, introducing new food that they react negatively to. To avoid this, pack enough food for your entire stay and then some. Don’t rely on purchasing food at your destination.
Make sure there are no restrictions on where your pets can travel
It stands to reason that whilst your accommodation may allow your pets to stay, places you visit during the day may not be pet-friendly. For example, there are restrictions on bringing domestic animals into parks, historical sites, nature reserves and many other places. If your vacation includes outings to these areas or similar, it is advisable to think about what you are going to do with your pet when they aren’t welcome somewhere.
Have your vet’s contact
It is always advisable to take your veterinarian’s telephone number with you. In a non-emergency situation, this could prevent you from having to make an expensive trip to an unfamiliar vet.
Last but certainly not least, have lots of fun on your pet-friendly vacation and if you need supplies for your journey, take a look at what we’ve got for you!