Traveling with pets – what you need to know
Traveling with pets requires extra preparation and work. Still, pet owners who don’t want to leave their dogs or cats behind when they travel still make that extra effort, especially if they don’t want to be separated for long periods of time. For them, the extra work is worth it when they can enjoy their trip with their furry friends.
Preparing for a trip starts with a visit to the vet. Make sure your pet’s photos are up-to-date. Also, ensure that you have the necessary medications, if your pet is taking any, during the trip.
When making hotel reservations, mention that you will be taking your pet with you and whether they charge extra for this. If you use the services of a travel agent, have them find several pet-friendly accommodations for you to choose from. Not all hotels are pet friendly. It’s better to find out in advance rather than putting yourself through the stress of looking for accommodation at the last minute in an unfamiliar place.
Be sure to get an appropriately sized pet crate. It should be large enough to allow your pet to lie down and stand up. However, it shouldn’t be so big that it’s difficult for you to remove it.
When you finally arrive and walk and explore around, always keep your pet on a leash. Being in a strange and unfamiliar place can cause them to stray or bark at other people. Also wear a flea collar or apply flea medicine to their skin to avoid infesting them with fleas or ticks from the place you visit.
Always carry a water bottle and a small bag of treats to keep your pets happy as they explore their new environment. Just like humans, they need bathroom breaks too. Be especially attentive to your pet’s signals to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Finally, be a responsible owner and always clean up after your pet. A small vacuum cleaner will come in handy when you need to pick up leftover dog or cat food or cat litter. Some hotels will add an extra charge for the mess caused.
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