With hot weather upon us, a summer vacation seems like the perfect way to get that much-needed relaxation. A vacation can look a lot different if you decide that you want to be accompanied by your furry friend, and some people can’t imagine a trip without them! Whether you’re traveling to a neighboring city or across the country, your trip will be much more comfortable for everyone if you prepare accordingly!
Before even considering bringing your pet along with you on a trip, you must determine if they are fit to be your travel companion. Some pets cannot handle the strain of travel due to age, illness, or injury. Many pets thrive in familiar environments and find travel to be too stressful. It may be difficult to leave them behind, but it will be in their best interest if they are more content at home. If you are unsure of their condition, checking with your vet is always best!
You’ll also need to consider where you’ll be staying. If you are checking into a hotel or rental property, make sure it is pet-friendly! Read the pet policy carefully for any pet rules, extra fees, and damage liability.
Pet Care While You’re On Vacation
If you decide it’s best to leave your pet behind, there are several possibilities for pet care while you’re away. It can be stressful enough for a pet when they are away from their owner, not to mention having to stay in a strange environment. Hiring a professional in-home pet sitter to pamper your pet may be the best choice in this case. This way, your pet receives the care they need while staying in their usual habitat. You can schedule a time for the sitter to stop by your home prior to your trip so you can give them the rundown. A trusted neighbor or friend could be a candidate for this as well. Other options include traditional pet boarding at a kennel or cattery. If you are wary of how the facility is operated, ask to stop by for a tour and meet the staff. Boarding may be the best option if you believe your cat or dog won’t do well if left at home by themselves for an extended amount of time.
No matter who is caring for your pet while you’re away, make sure they know all of your pet’s medical conditions and special needs, and be sure to share your emergency contact and your veterinarian’s contact information.
Road Tripping with Pets
Planning for a fun summer road trip? If your pet has had little experience riding in a car, it is a good idea to ease them into it. Start with shorter car rides and gradually lengthen them when they feel more comfortable. This way, when it’s time to begin your road trip, they won’t feel panicked riding in the car.
If you prefer your travel buddy to ride in a crate, make sure it is spacious and well ventilated for maximum comfort. The crate should also be anchored to the seat with a seatbelt or rope. If riding freely is more their thing, make sure they never ride with their head out of the window.
Many pet owners love their pets to ride shotgun or even in their lap while they drive, but this is dangerous for multiple reasons. For one, it can serve as a distraction to the driver if the animal can’t sit still. Additionally, a direct hit from a front seat airbag can kill animals if deployed, so a backseat rider is the safest way to go. Your dog may be tempted to hang out the window to feel the wind in their fur. Unfortunately, hanging out the window isn’t safe for your dog in an accident. Crack the window enough to let in fresh air, but never allow your pet to stick their head out. A lesser-known tip is to attach your pet’s harness to a seat buckle in the backseat so they are stable while you drive.
Pets can get carsick too, so avoid feeding them in a moving car. If you’re traveling with a dog, plan your route in advance so you’ll know all the rest stops where you can stop to give your buddy a break.
Last but certainly not least, never leave your pet in a parked car alone. Leaving your windows down is never an excuse for them to stay in the car, even if you are only going to be gone for a few minutes. In hot weather, a car easily traps heat inside, which can cause your pet to get heatstroke. Cold weather is no better, as it prevents dangerously cold air from escaping the car, which can cause your pet to freeze. If you absolutely must go inside, possibly to use the restroom on a long car ride, leaving the AC on in the car is a must. Even still, this should be avoided if possible.
Flying with Your Pet
If a road trip isn’t in your plans for the summer, maybe you’ll be flying to your destination. Make sure you check with your airline to find out how they handle pet passengers. A small pet may be able to stay with you on the plane, while larger animals often need to travel in the cargo hold.
It is best to avoid flying with your pet if they will have to be in the cargo hold. However, if you absolutely have to fly with an animal, you will need to make sure you are fully prepared. If you can book a direct flight, this decreases the chances of airline staff mishandling the crate during a layover.
The crate your pet travels in should be a USDA-approved shipping crate. It should be labeled “Live Animals” with a photo of your pet, as well as your name and cell phone number. It should be spacious enough for your pet to be able to move around easily. A baggy of dry food taped inside the crate can be given to your pet by airline staff if they get hungry. Including a bowl of frozen water in the crate is a good way for your pet to stay hydrated without getting messy. Again, flying with a pet is not ideal, but we know that sometimes it can’t be avoided.
Schedule a checkup appointment with your vet within 10 days of your departure. This will ensure your pet is up to date with their vaccinations, and your vet can give you tips on how to keep your pet relaxed in a highly stressful situation like this. They will also help you prepare accordingly if you are traveling outside of the United States.
Packing Your Pet’s Suitcase
Sometimes, we pet parents focus so much on our own packing list that we forget our pet needs one of their own! Consider a regular day in your pet’s life and grab all the items you think are necessary. This should include essentials like a bowl, water, and food. Their leash and harness should also be on the list, as well as any medications they take. A comfort item like their favorite toy or a familiar blanket or pillow can help keep them calm in an unfamiliar atmosphere.
Plan to bring or buy bottled water for your pet to drink, as drinking unfamiliar tap water can cause an upset stomach. It is also important to take a folder with documents like their medical history. In case something happens to them and you find yourself making an unplanned visit to the vet, you can show the staff your pet’s history so that they can best treat them. You can also save these medical files to your smartphone for easy access.
Whatever your traveling plans look like this summer, we hope you’ll take these steps to ensure a fun and safe trip for you and your pet! Don’t forget to snap lots of photos so that you’ll always remember these special vacations with your pet!