As a pet owner, it is difficult to think about being with your pet family even when you have exciting travel plans or for holidays.
For many, this means finding a pet boarding facility that is suitable or asking a friend or family member to stay with the pet. For some, the only option is to bring their pet on an adventure.
The act of traveling in any way is stressful for pets which is why it should not be done when you can. Pets may be confused and stressed, and may not know why they’re in a different place than they are used to. But sometimes, traveling with pets is essential, and there are numerous things to keep in mind to make the travel as simple as possible for them.
Before you leave,
It is essential to make sure that all your travel items are in order prior to departure. A collar that has your name along with your address and contact information is required by law for any dog that is on public property. If you plan to take your pet on vacation with you, make sure you attach your address and the location you’re staying on their collar in case they are lost. It is also important to make sure that your pet’s microchip is in place and that the information in the pet’s register is current to date.
Make sure that the place you are going to contains everything your pet will require and consider what you’ll need to take along. A lead is necessary along with foods and meals, bottles of water, and any other item like a pooper scooper and waste bags.
Bring some toys to help your pet feel at ease also consider sleeping in their bed and the familiar scent can help them feel more at ease in a new space.
It is crucial to ensure before you leave whether your pet is fit enough to travel, whether any medication is required to be taken during the trip, and whether they’ve had all their vaccinations.
Consider whether booking your pet in hotels that allow pets is beneficial for trips that last longer. If so, make sure that you’ve booked ahead otherwise, you could have a difficult time finding a place to stay that is suitable for pets.
Car travel
Car travel can be stressful for the pet and you, if you do not ensure that you are taking the appropriate precautions. Certain animals might not be able to handle long journeys, while others do not like traveling in a vehicle in any way.
It is important to ensure that your pet is secure during the trip since it is an obligation of the law.
It is essential to have a comfy crate or pet carrier to stop the pet from jumping up and getting out. The crate should be well-ventilated and big enough to allow your pet the ability to sit and rotate around inside. Secure the crate properly is vital since you don’t want it to slip around or be unstable while traveling or, in the event of accidents could happen.
If you don’t have a cage buy a pet-friendly belt or harness that can restrain the pet properly. Also, make sure that there is a person who sits with the pet to calm them and ensure they are in control. Keep in mind that in case of an incident, you could not only let your pet suffer serious injury but traveling with them in a loose manner can also put you at risk as well as the lives of passengers.
Test runs to determine whether your pet is able to handle the stress are a good idea when you’re planning an extended trip in your car. Consider taking your pet on short trips first, then gradually increasing the length of the journey until they are more comfortable. Dogs might be enticed to poke their heads out of the car’s window, however, it’s safer to keep them in the car since they may strike a moving object or become stuck.
Let your pet know that traveling in the car is not something to be scared of by bringing food and toys to entertain them and plenty of water bottles. Make sure to provide plenty of rest stops for eating and going to the bathroom or stretching out their legs. Do not leave your pet alone in the car for too long because a hot car could cause death for animals.
Do not feed your pet right away prior to departure to avoid suffering from an illness that can be caused by travel.
Train travel
Before you travel on a train, make sure you know the regulations of the railway company you’ll use. Certain rail companies charge additional fees when traveling with animals while other companies permit pets to travel on specific conditions like first class.
Dogs could have to be on a leash or in a cage throughout the day, and the crate might not be able to meet certain dimensions. Contact the rail company prior to you purchase any tickets to ensure you know what your restrictions will be.
Make sure your pet is taken to the toilet prior to getting on the train as you do not want any incidents that could result in having to remove them. Be sure to keep your pet in your hands at all times, as you might be asked to get them out if other passengers are dissatisfied or you are ordered to transfer to another train. In such instances, your pet may be placed in a container inside a van for luggage.
Think about whether it’s beneficial for your pet to go along with you on your trip. There are many animals that suffer during prolonged periods of confinement in unfamiliar surroundings. Consider whether you’re in a position to leave your pet with a family member or pet friend instead.
While you might miss them but taking your pet on an unintentional trip may not be worth the stress levels they might experience.
Leave a Comment