Traveling With Pets
People love their pets and often skip much needed vacations because they don’t want to leave their furry friends behind. Family vacations aren’t just for two-legged children. In a recent study by AAA, more than half of U.S. pet owners take their cats and dogs with them when they travel.
The two obvious travel options are hitting the open road or flying the friendly skies. Either is doable with the proper preparation and planning.
If you are going to take a road trip one of the best ways to make sure your pet is comfortable is to take a shorter drive to see how your 4-legged companion responds. If he gets car sick or anxious you may need to consult your vet. You should definitely buckle all pets into a restraint. Allowing your pet to wonder freely around a moving vehicle is not only a distraction to the driver but pets are more likely to be injured in the event of an accident. Pit stops are important. You should stop a minimum of once every three hours for water, exercise and potty breaks. Never leave your pet unattended in the car! If you’ll be visiting a destination where pets aren’t allowed plan ahead to leave them at a pet friendly hotel or doggie daycare.
Flying with fluffy presents a different set of challenges. Appropriate provisions and research will make air travel less stressful. Regulations and fees vary depending on airlines so check to verify whether your pet flies in the cabin or as checked baggage. Purchase a kennel that has room for your pet to turn around and stand without hitting its head. If your pet hasn’t traveled before, spend some time getting the animal used to being in the carrier. Airlines have different crate dimension requirements, but the USDA requires the following: food and water dishes, “Live Animal” stickers, upright arrows and bedding. Attach contact information to both your pet’s collar and its carrier. Keep a familiar blanket or toy with your pet to help it feel more comfortable during the trip. Lastly, before the flight, play with your cat or take your dog for a walk. The more tired your pet is, the more likely it is to sleep during the trip.
When booking accommodations remember to confirm that your hotel is pet-friendly. If there are no hotels that accept pets then consider alternatives like Airbnb.com or Wayfarer.com for unique lodgings that are flexible and more like home. You could also rent an RV or just pitch a tent at a campground for an outdoor adventure.
Separation anxiety no more for you and your faithful companion – take your pet on vacation and enjoy the benefits that a much needed get away can provide.