Generally, travelers opt to leave pets at home. This isn’t because the family dog isn’t loved or wanted, but because traveling with pets can be difficult, not to mention stressful for both the pet and its owner. Sometimes, though, there’s no getting around it and the animal has to be taken on a trip. If you have to take your pet with you on vacation, here are a few tips to ensure that the strip is successful and as stress free as possible.
Make an advanced booking.
Before assuming your hotel will accept your pet with open arms, it’s a good idea to phone and confirm that the establishment is pet friendly. Finding a pet friendly hotel or motel can be tricky, so to ensure that you’re able to secure a location for yourself and your furry friend, book in advance and be patient when it comes to finding the right location.
Purchase an approved pet carrier.
It’s easy to think that as long as you have a secure pet carrier, you’re good to go. As nice as this thought is, however, it’s often far from reality. Many airlines and railways have specific guidelines that pet carriers need to abide by. These can usually be found on the company website. Also, be sure to mark the carrier with your pet’s name, your name and number, and a tag that declares the carrier as containing a live animal.
Bring your pet’s medical records.
Don’t forget to pack your pet’s vaccination papers, medical records, and proof of any medication that he or she may be taking. Some airlines (and countries!) are strict with admission of foreign animals, so having these papers will increase your chances of being able to admit your pet onto the airline or into the country without any hiccups. It’s also a good idea to treat your pet with a flea and tick solution as a preventative measure before leaving home.
Avoid introducing new foods.
Pets, like their owners, are prone to digestion changes and upset as a result of new and unfamiliar foods. To keep your pet’s tummy feeling up to par, be sure to bring an adequate supply of his usual food along on the trip. Try t avoid switching foods while on the road, as it could cause stomach upset. If you run out, try your best to find the same brand of food in a store within your immediate area.
Introduce the pet to its carrier.
If your pet is like many, it’s probably scared of being put inside of a carrier. To get the pet acclimated to tis carrier, try taking the top off and filling the carrier with your pet’s favorite blankets or comfort items and allowing the animal to lay inside of it without the lid. Once the pet is used to this, you could put the lid on but leave the door open while your pet is inside. Continue like this until your pet has no problem being inside of his carrier with the door closed.