Your pet is a part of your family. You like to take them wherever you go, including on vacation. Including your pet in your travel plans can take some steps to properly prepare. Here are some tips for traveling with your pet while ensuring that they stay safe and comfortable.
Buy Your Pet an Identification Tag
When you’re traveling with your pet, there is an opportunity for something unexpected to happen that might make you temporarily lose sight of your pet. Having your pet wear a proper and updated identification tag is the best way to make sure that you are able to find them in the case of a separation. This is extremely useful when traveling by plane to another location. The tag should include your pet’s name, your name, and any relevant contact information.
Acclimate Your Pet to Car Travel
If you’re planning a cross-country road trip with your pet it is a good idea to get them used to being in a car for an extended period of time. Take shorter trips at first and then increase their time spent in the car until they feel comfortable. Try to train them to remain calm and reassure them. The younger in age you get your pet used to being in the car, the better they will do when faced with longer travel.
Safety and Security
Pets can be unpredictable and should not be given the freedom to roam around the car. To prevent injury to you and your pet, always make sure that they are secured in a crate or another form of a safety precaution. The crate should have enough space for your pet to stand, sit, lie down, and turn around comfortably. Make sure that it is secure so it will not slide or fall in case of an abrupt stop.
Prepare for the Unexpected
Unexpected events are just a part of traveling, and traveling with your pet can prevent their own unique set of twists and turns. Travel delays or wrong turns can result in increased travel time so you want to make sure that you prepare and pack extra food and water for your pet to have access to in case of an emergency.
For some pet parents, a trip isn’t complete without the animal addition to their family coming along for the ride. If you are looking to do some traveling with your pet, the best way to ensure that everything goes smoothly is to prepare and understand the needs of your pet. Follow these tips to reduce stress for you and your pet and experience a fun, safe, and comfortable trip.