Sometimes, pet owners tend to think that traveling with pets can be challenging and stressful. But if you plan your travels and make the necessary prior arrangements to meet your pet’s needs, it can be a rather pleasurable experience. If you are planning on traveling with a pet, do consult with your veterinarian beforehand to make sure your pet is fit and healthy. Keep a copy of all your pet’s necessary documentation and get your pet microchipped so that you can easily track it if it gets lost.
Also, do prior research and find pet-friendly accommodation before you set out on your travels to ensure a smooth trip. There is no need to spend large amounts of money on pet sitters, when, with some pre-planning, it is possible to take your beloved pet along with you on a trip.
If you are traveling with pets internationally, be sure to discuss your plans with a veterinarian to meet the requirements for your desired destination. Many countries may require blood tests, vaccinations and microchips for identifications before you are allowed to take your pet with you. In case your pet has travel anxiety, do discuss this with the veterinarian as well. The doctor may suggest medication to help your pet relax, such as calming supplements.
It is always a good idea for pet owners to keep a copy or two of their pet’s all-important documents handy. These can include health records or vaccination certificates. Also, if you need to visit a vet while you’re in another country, you might need these records to provide your pet’s medical history.
Microchipping a cat or a dog ensures that they are not separated from their owners or lost. Microchips are usually implanted into a cat or a dog near the shoulder area by a licensed veterinarian through a quick and painless procedure. Once the microchip is inserted, you need to register the microchip with the manufacturer, and your contact information can be available if scanned in case your pet is lost.
Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with an ID tag before you set out on your trip. This should contain your pet’s name, owner’s name and contact details in case the animal is separated from you.
Air travel can be risky for pets at times. Driving is always a better alternative. However, if you have no other option, you can opt for air travel. Most airlines allow cats and dogs in the cabin for a small fee. If your pet is larger in size, it will have to be transported in the cargo hold. This can have some risks, such as the animal being exposed to very hot or cold temperatures or poor ventilation systems.
When traveling by road make all the necessary arrangements so that you can travel with your pet easily. Remember to carry your pet’s favorite snacks, chew toys and bowls. Never feed a cat or dog in a moving car. Always make sure to take plenty of breaks in which you can feed your pet. Just like breaks while driving is necessary for humans, they are just as necessary for animals.
Whatever your destination may be, you have to do thorough research to find suitable pet-friendly accommodation. Be sure to find a suitable place before you start your travel. This will include dog-friendly hotels or Air B&B Cottages. Today more and more people are choosing to travel with pets, and many hotels and homeowners are adjusting to these demands.
It can be tempting to let your pet sit in the front seat or on your lap when traveling by road, but this can be extremely dangerous for both you and your pet. An anxious cat or dog might interrupt your line of vision and cause a distraction while you are driving or may jump down and interfere with the car pedals. In case of a collision, your pet can also get seriously injured if they are not adequately restrained.
If your pet is small-sized, keeping it in a pet carrier is always a safe option. Make sure the pet carrier is the right size. It should be big enough for your pet to stretch out and move around a little. If your pet is larger in size, for example, a medium-sized dog, be sure to restrain it using a dog seat belt or a car harness.
Traveling can leave your pets exhausted. Whenever you stop for breaks during road travel, give your pet a break too. If you have a dog, you can take it outside for a while, let it stretch and relieve itself, but make sure to keep a good grip on its leash or harness so it does not start running. Don’t forget to offer your pet water to keep it hydrated and refreshed.
If you are aware of these tips, traveling with pets can be a wonderful experience for most pet owners. The pet travel market has seen recent growth, and a larger number of hotels are introducing pet-friendly policies.
A recent survey by TripAdvisor showed that out of 1,100 travelers, 53% chose to travel with their pets, and 52% chose to lodge in pet-friendly accommodations. (Skift.com)
Air travel may still be a hassle even though airlines are working towards crafting newer policies due to the increasing demand for pet-friendly travel. But air travelers still face confusion as different airlines have different pricing scales and regulations outlining how pets can travel.
by Maria A Davidson || You can’t buy love, but you can rescue it™ .
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