Life Should Not Be Ruff When You are on the Road with Your Pet
Is it in your travel plans to see your distant relative who now resides in a different city? Are you stuck in a sticky situation where you need to take your pet along but don’t want to deal with the drama. Taking your pet with you on a trip, whether long or short, may be a fun way to enrich him/her life and expose to new experiences. Saving money on a kennel, pet sitter, or dog walker is possible. It’s not that straightforward, but there’s always a way for those who have the will. Let’s seek some advice on how to tackle this massive undertaking from the Sirwiss team of dog trainers and on-call veterinarians.
Making Plans for a Pet-Friendly Vacation
As with any new experience, taking your pet on the road for the first time may be nerve-wracking and uncomfortable for both you and your pet (This is why we only advise taking your pet on trips that are absolutely required). Some animals, however, are perfectly content with the jet set lifestyle and make excellent traveling companions. Each pet, like people, have their own ways of dealing with the world. Whether this is your pet’s first road trip or they are seasoned, four-legged global travelers, the following advice will ensure a stress-free trip for both of you. Check that your pet is healthy enough for the trip. Due to old age, disease, injury, or temperament, not all animals are suitable for transportation. Seek the advice of our veterinarians if you have any concerns.
When preparing for a vacation with your pet, keep in mind that not all hotels allow animals. These bookings may be subject to additional regulations in certain cases. When booking a hotel for a trip, it’s always a good idea to double check if animals are welcome. Every pet has the right to come along on trips with their owners, but if doing so causes them severe illness, you may wish to limit their travel companionship to trips to the vet and “special” events.
Consult Your Veterinarian
During long car rides, your pet may display behavior you have never seen before. Imagine feeling anxious or queasy, or both. If this is the case with your feline or canine friend, talk to our veterinarians about what you can do to ease their discomfort on the journey. Make sure to inform the vet if you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive drooling.
One way to make things simpler for you both is to give him medicine before you leave. Medications designed to calm the anxieties, or cat pheromone sprays like Feliway travel spray, may be useful. Ask your vet whether your pet’s existing medications need to be adjusted in any way while you’re away from home. Don’t forget the basics of travel safety, such as packing a first aid kit and preloading your phone with emergency contacts.
Get the Required Items (Carriers and Meds) for the Car Ride
The ideal approach for transporting a cat over long distances is a purpose-built cat carrier, which can be obtained for minimal cost. It may be less stressful for your cat if you use a hard-sided carrier with front and top openings. Have the cat carrier accessible in the home so she may get familiar to it before taking a trip.
Preparing a dog for a lengthy vehicle ride, like you would a cat, requires several shorter excursions first. Take your dog for short rides about town to get him acquainted to the vehicle with the dog carrier or seat belt and to see if he is overly anxious or car sick. Instead of simply taking your pet to the vet in the vehicle, try taking them to a pleasant place (like a park, if you have a dog park close by) so they learn to link the car ride with good things.
In What Ways Should You Prepare Your Pet for a Plane Ride?
Any crate or carrier you choose to transport your pet on an airplane should be adequate for its needs. During transport, we want the crate to serve as a haven of sorts. If your pet is comfortable among new people, that is an added bonus. On a commercial flight, they will be in the company of complete strangers. You should expect employees or strangers to handle your pet’s cage if you’re transporting it as cargo. Dogs benefit from regular socialization, which helps them adjust to new environments. Taking your dog to places like doggy daycare, the dog park, and dog-friendly restaurants will help him adjust to new environments more easily. Traveling with a dog is less stressful when they are used to new people and places. The ability to recognize and respond accordingly to loud noises and other soundscapes is extremely important. Airports and airplanes have a lot of noise. Your pet will have a more tranquil and stress-free flight if they are habituated to loud noises.
Air Travel Concerns Pet Owners Don’t Always Anticipate
Gather the necessary documentation for your pet first. If there have been recent changes in airline pet policy, it’s important for pet owners to confirm details not just at the time of booking but also a few weeks beforehand.
Plan for delays at the airport. A pet owner may be subject to further inspection and verification of documentation. Your animal will experience stress if they have to haste. A responsible pet owner will also make sure there is plenty of time for a quick walk and bathroom break before leaving.
Traveling with a pet will be a little of extra baggage, but most pet owners are accustomed to juggling several big suitcases and a carry-on. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. With the exception of service dogs, passengers who bring pets inside the cabin must stow them beneath the seat in front of them (where a carry-on bag would typically go). So, think about packing light, sending your bags ahead of time, or only bringing what is possible on the plane with you.
The pet owner needs a plan B in case the animal is terrified of flying. Is the pet owner prepared to miss the connection and drive the rest of the way if the dog cries the whole first leg of the flight? Or the animal had such a terrible experience in cargo that she won’t go back in? Is the pet owner ready to take the wheel? Leaving the dog at a dog daycare until you get back is the best option if the answer is no.
Pet Identification Tags (Microchipping)
Ensure that your traveling companion has the proper identification before setting off. Get your pet both a permanent ID tag with your home address and phone number and a temporary tag with the hotel’s address and contact information. Now is a good time to microchip your pet, if you haven’t already. Should your pet ever break free of his or her collar, microchipping provides a secure and long-lasting form of identification. Verify the accuracy of the contact information stored on the microchip if your companion already has one implanted.
The Important Paperwork
Document your pet’s medical history by taking photographs of relevant paperwork and storing the images on your phone. These records may come in handy for the veterinarian treating your pet if ever an emergency arises. Some jurisdictions demand particular documents, like as a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, an Official Health Certificate, or evidence of rabies vaccinations, so a brief visit to the vet may be necessary just before going across the country if you plan on flying out. It’s also recommended that you acquire your pet an EU Pet Passport if you want to travel throughout Europe.
Food and the Essentials for Your Furry Friend
Longer vehicle journeys need additional preparations, including the pet leash, food, water, bowl, and food records in case of emergency, pet identification tags (or microchipping), and favorite toys. In case your return flight is delayed, you’ll be glad you packed extra food and drink. If you want your pet to feel more at peace in a new environment, bring their bowls with you. You wouldn’t embark on a trip unless you have something to read or watch on your laptop. Make sure your pets will stay entertained, too, with their favorite toys. If you must leave your pet in a motel or a friend’s house while you leave them for a short period of time, bring their bed or favorite blanket to make them more comfortable.