Often people are more conversant as to how to find cheap traveloptions such as cheapairplane tickets, cheapfares, cheapdeals, discount hotel rooms, cheap auto rentals, discounttravel deals, and cheap vacation packages, thenthey are in properly preparing to take a pet on a trip with them.
Before deciding whether to travel with a pet think aboutyour pets condition. If your pet isgetting older or is anxious, he or she might be happier laying on a couch athome or enjoying some time at a doggy spa.
When planning a trip with a pet call your hotel, airline,rental car company and any local establishments that you will want to have youpet join you. Dog friendly means manydifferent things ranging from dogs will be tolerated to welcomed with treats ortoys or dog specific facilities.
The following are pet travel tips that help save time andmoney, keep pets safe and happy, and can help travelers really enjoy theirtrips with their animals, according to Celia Shatzman:
- Packthe right supplies including a leash and harness, bed, crate, shot records,litter box, familiar toys, food and water bowls, bottled water, food, treats,any prescriptions, and poop bags. Writeyour cellphone number on your pets collar in big numbers. If your pet likes to be next to you in bed atnight, pack a towel or bedsheet to protect hotel linens. If your pet has a sleeping bed or blanket,bring it. Any reminders from home lowerpets stress levels on the road.
- Beforedeparting make certain that all of your pets tags, including hisidentification and rabies are current. Bring copies of medical records and vaccinations. Air travel requires a health certificate andother documents depending on the airline and destination. Have your pet microchipped in case you getseparated.
- Bringa first aid kit with essentials such as gauze, gloves, medical tape, bandages,cleaning wipes, and disinfectant. PackBenadryl for possible allergic reactions, cornstarch to stop bleeding, andhydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting in case your pet has eaten something heshould not have.
- Carrya printed photo of your pet which will be helpful if your pet is lost or youare trying to find your pet at an airport cargo pickup.
- Reservethe right hotel by confirming not only that your lodging is pet friendly, butwhether there is a weight restriction. Let your hotel know when you would like your room cleaned and at suchtimes have your pet elsewhere with you or in his cage. Inquire into dog walking areas in advance. Also ask if there are any additional hotelfees because of your animal.
- Unlessflying is mandatory, you should leave your dogs at home or find another type oftransportation. Usually only dogs andcats weighing under 10 lbs are allowed in a cabin. If your dog is going to fly in a transport crate,freeze treats and kibble in a water bowl so that the water does not spill andencourages your dog to work on the ice block to get to the treats.
- Tohelp your pet be calm and comfortable flying in a crate, do trial runs whereyou reward your animal for getting into the carrier. Do this frequently and increase the amount oftime he is in the carrier each time. Then take your animal in the carrier and drive him around in your car.
- Bringwhatever device you prefer (such as harness, booster seat, or special seat belt)to secure you dog or cat in a car. Loosecats tend to go under gas pedals while dogs can affect a drivers field ofvision.
- Keepyour animal entertained by giving him an interactive toy, such as ones thatdispense treats when certain acts are performed, that will occupy him on longtrips. If your dog will be by himself inthe backseat while you are driving, do not give him anything that he mightchoke on such as bones or hooves.
- Planto take plenty of breaks when driving. Dogs, like humans, usually need a break every two and a half hours on aroad trip. If possible, stop at dogparks to let your dog stretch his legs. The BringFido app locates dog parks near you when you travel.
- Ifyour dog or cat gets motion sickness easily, they likely will be happier ifleft behind. To minimize the likelihoodof motion sickness, avoid feeding your pet within three to four hours of traveland give him controlled amounts of water. Ask your vet if he recommends any medications or supplements for motionsickness. Motion sickness is more commonin puppies than older dogs. Encourageyour dog to face forward by lowering a window a bit or distract him with a toyto help alleviate nausea.
- Do notsedate your pet, especially when traveling by air, because cargo holds havedifferent air pressurization and temperatures than cabins. Your pet needs all of his faculties to handlestress.