Bringing your pets on summer trips can be great, but you need to plan ahead and know the rules. Different places have different requirements for pets, including vaccinations, health certificates, and travel arrangements. To make traveling easier for your pet, get them accustomed to the process by gradually introducing them to the experience. Pack their favorite things and plan your trip around their needs by taking frequent breaks and staying at pet-friendly accommodations. If you plan well, everyone, including your furry friends, will have a wonderful vacation. Here are some tips on summer travel with your pet.
Traveling by Plane
If you’re traveling by plane with your pet this summer, here are a few things to consider. Before you embark on any travel, ensure your dog or cat receives a clean bill of health from your veterinarian. Some airlines require a copy of the certificate before they issue you tickets. Please carry this health certificate with you on board the plane and keep it within easy reach in case of an emergency. Be sure to check with your airline before purchasing your ticket to determine if there are any restrictions regarding the age, size, breed, or species of pets allowed to board with passengers or placed in cargo holds.
For comfortable travel, invest in a carrier that will comfortably fit your pet under or in front of your seat for the entire flight. You will need to check with your airline regarding size restrictions, and your pet must remain in the carrier for the entire flight. Please label your carrier on the top and at least one side with your name, the name and breed of your pet, a picture of your pet if possible, your address, cell phone number and the phone number of your destination. Additionally, write down the name, phone number, and address of the closest emergency veterinary clinic nearest to your destination and keep it with you. If your pet develops a medical problem in flight, you will be able to obtain veterinary treatment more quickly once you land with this information at hand.
Lastly, to prevent accidents during travel, withhold solid food from your cat or dog for approximately four hours before boarding to avoid stomach distress or vomiting. If your animal is predisposed to travel sickness, you may want to consult your veterinarian for medication before travel.
Traveling by Car
Pets can either love or hate car rides. Before embarking on a long car trip, consider how your dog behaves in the car. If they become anxious or carsick, you may want to consult your veterinarian for medications to help alleviate the problem. During your trip, be sure to take frequent rest stops to allow your pet to exercise and eliminate. However, never let your pet out of the car or carrier without a harness or collar, a leash, and an ID tag. You’ll also want to bring along food and cool water for your furry companion. If you are traveling with a cat, include a small litter box in the carrier for them to use when needed.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, the best place for your pet (dog or cat) is in a crate or carrier that has been secured in the back seat with a seat belt. Dog restraints or canine harness/seat belts are helpful, but they haven’t been reliably shown to protect dogs during a crash. Since most cats aren’t comfortable traveling in cars, keep yours in a crate for safety. Be sure to keep the name and phone number of the emergency vet closest to your destination with you. As we suggested with airline travel, please write your name, address, and cell phone number on a card and tape it to your pet carrier. You may also include the breed, name, and a photo of your pet in case of an accident.
Lastly, always remember to never leave your pets alone in the car, even with the air conditioner running. On an 85ºF day, the temperature in your car can reach 120ºF in just 30 minutes, and your pet can suffer heat exhaustion/heat stroke that can cause permanent organ damage and even death.
Pet-Friendly Hotels and Motels
Be prepared and do your research before you travel. Go online or check with your reservations agent to ensure the hotel, motel, or bed-and-breakfast where you’re staying allows pets. Most pet-friendly facilities add a surcharge to your fee if you bring your pet with you during your stay. Keep in mind that dogs that bark at the slightest noise probably will not be tolerated in any facility that has paying guests.
Be sure to bring enough food and water on hand for your entire residence. If your animal is staying in your room while you’re out, place the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door so that the cleaning service won’t let your pet loose and get lost. If they know there is an animal in residence, most maid services will work around your schedule so that you can take your pet out of the room to exercise it and have your room cleaned.
Do You Need to Leave Your Pets at Home?
Sometimes, summer travel with your pet isn’t possible. Instead of boarding them somewhere unfamiliar, why not let them stay in the comfort of their own home? Overnight services from VIP Pet Services are the perfect solution! We love to cuddle up on the couch with your pet and watch their favorite TV show or snuggle in bed as it’s time to fall asleep. It’s the next best thing to having their pet parents at home!
Click here to learn about VIP Pets overnight services.