Tips For Taking Your Loyal Companion With You: Travel With Pets

More and more people are taking their canine companions or feline friend along with them when they take to the road or skies for a vacation. After all their pets are part of the family and should be treated as such. It also increases the fun having your pet along with you. More than half of U.S. pet owners take their dogs and cats with them when they travel, a study done by Best Western International and American Automobile Association. Here are some things to keep in mind for those who travel with pets.

For The Skies

For those who plan to travel with pets and take the airplane, these tips should be kept in mind.
Firstly make sure that your pet is fit to fly – very young or very old pets and those who have health issues are best left at home.

Check the airline’s regulations and fees for pet travel beforehand. These can vary depending on whether your pet flies in the cabin or as checked baggage. And for your own peace of mind, check the airline’s history of flying pets.

If you’re traveling abroad, check out if any vaccinations will be required for your pet. And attach contact information to your pet’s collar.

Try to take your pet for a walk before the flight, if they’re tired the more likely it is that they’ll fall asleep during the flight.

For The Road

If you’re planning to take a road trip these tips are for you.
Before going on the actual journey, take a shorter trip somewhere nearby just to check your pet’s reaction in the car. Does he get overly anxious or car sick? Seat belts don’t apply to humans only, an unrestrained pet in a moving car is asking for trouble, use a pet seat belt or similar restraining equipment. And while the dog may love poking his head out the window and feeling the breeze, don’t let him do it for too long as according to the ASPCA it may cause ear damage or lung infections.

Bring your pet’s medical records just in case and attach a second tag to your pet’s collar which includes the details of the place you’ll be staying at. Stop every two or three hours so your pets can use the bathroom and get some exercise. Bring ample amount of cold water to ensure they stay hydrated and do not, under any circumstances, leave your pet inside the car on a hot day. If it’s hot outside, it would be boiling inside with the windows rolled up. If you’re stopping at a place where pets aren’t allowed make sure you first leave them somewhere pet friendly instead of the car.

Et Cetera

Make sure that you visit the veterinarian before going on the trip, he’ll give your pet the green signal for traveling. It also helps to keep a familiar toy or blanket with your pet so they feel more comfortable during the journey. Whenever you can, book pet-friendly hotels. Check the website of the hotel you plan to stay at to see if it allows pets. Or you can go to websites such as GoPetFriendly.com to easily view which places allows pets.