Pet sitters and kennels sometimes are a necessary part of pet ownership. Pets can't always go on trips. But when they can, we want to take our beloved four-legged family members with us.
The following information my be useful when traveling with pets. Traveling the road or friendly skies with your pet can be stressful for both pet and owner, unless you take the proper steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Pets may become excitable at the prospect of traveling and disruptions to their meal times or other schedules can have a negative impact on the quility of travel. So, how can you make this trip a happy one? Anticipating your pets needs.
Some pets will only drink their home water. When possible bring water from home with you.
Bowls, bedding, collars, leashes, ID tags (you may want to have a special one for trips with a cell phone number or, a toll free pet protection service tag), toys, poop bags, towels (for muddy paws or who knows what) food, and medications should all be ready for your trip. (1 or 2 current photos of your pet and your pets medical shot records in your belongs should be packed as well.....one in a wallet and one in a suitcase is best.) Also a list of animal clinics are important to have go to www.pets911.com type in the zip codes from your travel route.
When traveling it is best to have your dog secured in a carrier or a pet harness and seatbelt combination. Keep your pet hydrated and provide plenty of bathroom breaks and a chance to exercise during this time will keep your pet calmer. If your pet is not use to traveling it is better to start preparing your pet as soon as possible...short car rides at first( less then 5 minutes watch for excessive panting) then graduate to longer rides. If your pet shows signs of motion sickness would require treatment. Be wise never leave your pet in a car with the window partially open. Extreme cold or hot temperatures can be fatal in just a matter of minutes.
If staying in a hotel with your pet you may want to bring a crate or carrier. Your pet may want this familiar home away from home to help them adapt. Other tricks that may help is placing the do not disturb sign on the door.....this will keep hotel staff out of your room. Use the Television or radio or a fan to help keep unfamiliar voices or noises from upsetting your pet ( remember keep the volume considerate of other guest as well).What hotels allow pets? You can use any of the following sites to locate a hotel near your destination.
www.dogfriendly.com
www.fidofriendly.com
www.petfriendly.com
www.petfriendlytravel.com
www.petswelcome.com
www.pettravel.com
www.pettravelcenter.com
www.puppytravel.com
SPECIAL NOTE - The three pictures rotating at the top of this information section are of actual trips taken with our pets. *photo 1 -camping with pets ...is of both my dogs and special camping items I purchased to make the vaction more comfortable for them. The SRS (sun,rain,snow) tent helps to keep the dogs out of the elements. The portable pet bed stows in its own bag for easy packing. The red Colman dog cot keeps them off the ground. *photo 2 -transporting your pet...is of my dog waiting to ride on the motorcycle...proper dog bags such as the TBAG for motorcycle pets help keep your pet safe. Dogoggles (goggles for dogs) keeps eyes safe from bugs,wind,rain and sun. *photo 3 what is my room number, please..my dog is well behaved at all times. This is important, your dog is with the public, a dog with manners is much more enjoyable for all...train at least the basics. It will be well worth your time. Pets bring so much joy to our lives ...every day remember to show them how much they mean to you.
