Nothing beats the excitement of going on vacation with your pet as you won’t want to leave them at home while you explore and enjoy some off-time alone or with the entire family. However, as much as this idea sounds fun, the reality is it’s not as easy as it sounds. Especially if you’re travelling long distances, you need to make an effort to ensure that your four-legged extended family member is happy with the journey.
Before you decide to tag your fur baby along, there are some considerations to make before you choose to tag your fur baby. First and foremost, you have to seek a veterinarian’s advice and approval to bring your pet on the trip, especially if they’re aged and have some health condition. Finally, when you get their go-signal, it’s imperative to apply some tips to keep your pet happy and safe while tailing you around on your trip.
Consider some invaluable tips below:
1. Research For Pet-Friendly Accommodations Early
The first and ultimate thing you need to do early is to ensure that your hotel accommodation is pet-friendly. If you’re planning to discover some of England Hotspots or other country’s famous tourist spots, make sure that the hotel you’re planning to stay in accepts pets. It’d be a huge disaster when you arrive in your hotel after long hours of drive or flight only to get your pet unaccepted.
Make sure you’re aware of the pet policies of your hotel before you book. It’ll help to clarify specific rules if you find them vague. You can simply call or reach out to them by email. Remember, you and your pet are on vacation together, and you want them to be treated the same way.
Some hotels do accept pets but with restrictions about breed or weight, so make sure you review them all before booking. Ask ahead if the hotel accepts more pets if you plan to bring more than one. Also, you should find out if your pet can be left unattended in a room in case you need to go somewhere without them.
2. Keep Your Dog Safely Restrained
During the ride, it’s essential to restrain your pet. You and your dog are at risk if they jump around in the car while you drive. Driving needs your full attention, and if your dog gets excited or scared, it might distract you. It’ll be ideal for placing your dog in the back seat, along with your other family members or by themselves if you’re travelling solo.
If you plan to travel with your pet, the best option for you is to place them in a carrier that can be strapped and attached securely as an anchor. You need a carrier that can handle your dog standing, lying down, and turning around. They could be uncomfortable and in pain if they won’t move inside their carrier.
Pet owners should keep their animals inside their vehicles while travelling, not in the truck bed. In situations where your passenger seats are occupied and full, you don’t have a choice but to place your pet at the back of the truck bed. While doing so, securely anchor your DIY dog crate to prevent any accidents and injuries for your pet.
Also, keep in mind to keep your pet’s face away from the window. They tend to enjoy the fresh air, but this could be dangerous. There might be some flying debris or particles that can harm them easily through the open windows. It’s best to close the windows with your pet safely tucked inside the car.
3. Let Your Pet Wear Identification
Another essential tip when travelling with your pet is to make sure they wear identification. Make sure your pet has an ID tag with the address and phone number of your home in case of any emergency.
If you’re travelling with your pet for an extended period of time, you should get a temporary tag with the telephone number of your destination in case it gets lost. Never overlook this tip as it’s crucial to make sure you can easily access and find your pet in case they get lost. Consider attaching a collar and leash on them, especially when exploring crowded places and parks.
4. Keep Your Dog Hydrated Always
Ensure your pet is sufficiently hydrated by packing a portable dish or bowl. Stock up on water, or at least stop for some water break when driving on a long-distance trip. Both dogs and cats may suffer from dehydration, so be sure to give them plenty of water. Also, when they drink a lot, they may need to pee a lot, so make sure they’re equipped with pet diapers, or at least allow them to pee out of the car during your pit stops.
5. Prepare For Emergency Situations
Emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere. This could lead to a disaster if you’re not well-prepared as a pet owner. You need to look out for your pet’s safety, so invest in some tools to help you during emergencies. For one, you can invest in a pet GPS tracker. You can attach them to your dog or cat’s collar or leash.
Also, download some pet apps that allow you to track down their medical records and history wherever you are. If you need to visit the vet clinic for an emergency checkup, you can have their health files and documents ready. It’s also of paramount importance to keep your pet checked thoroughly before you bring them along on a long-distance trip.
6. Plan Ahead
Another valuable tip is to plan early. Consider stopping points and contingency plans for delays when planning your route. Know how much space your pet needs to be comfortable when travelling based on its size, habits, and behaviors.
Bring pet toys and their favorite blanket, as well as other pet accessories that make them feel relaxed and calmed down. When travelling with your pet, allow them to adjust to their new surroundings. You can even try to travel on a short-distance trip as a dry run, so your pet can gradually get used to travelling.
Conclusion
It’s common for your pet to wish to be with you as much as possible. Therefore, it’s a great idea to bring them along on your trip. However, some animals prefer to stay at home, so you need to respect their preferences if this is the case for your fur baby. Nevertheless, apply the tips mentioned above if your pet is tagging along on your next destination travel.
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