Have you ever thought of bringing your pets along for a trip? There are many reasons why people love bringing their pets with them on vacation. Some think that their pet is part of their family and can’t be left alone in the house if everyone else is coming along. Others have pets that get anxious when left with strangers, and they’d rather bring their pets than check them into a pet hotel. Whichever your reason may be, there are ways to prepare for your trip with your pet in mind. Here are a few tips about traveling with pets.
Check how well your pet handles travel.
Before you begin planning your trip with your pet in mind, it’s best to check how well it could handle travel. Some pets love being able to explore, while others get anxious at the thought of going outside. Knowing your pet’s personality and its limits can make or break your vacation. You can test how well it can handle travel by taking it on ‘test runs.’ Start by taking your pet on short car rides to nearby destinations and observing how it reacts. If it reacts badly, it might not be a good idea to bring it along. Instead, look for willing loved ones or pet hotels that can take care of your pet for you.
Take your pet to the vet.
Some countries have strict rules regarding pets. They may require you to secure a health certificate to prove that your pet is up to date with its vaccinations. They might also not let you in if your pet has a case of the fleas or ticks. To make sure your pet is healthy enough to go with you, book an appointment with your veterinarian for a general check up.
Pack all of your pet’s necessities in advance.
Once you’re sure you want to bring your pet along for your trip, pack its necessities as soon as possible – even before you pack your own things. Make sure to bring pet food, a leash, a pet bed, and a pet first aid kit, which should include any prescribed medications. You should also bring your important documents in case of emergencies, such as a copy of your pet’s medical records. Double-check everything you’ve packed before leaving – forgetting something crucial when traveling with pets is the last thing you want.
Give them a sense of familiarity.
Pets can get just as homesick as humans do! Providing them with things that feel like home can help them feel less nervous about the trip and give them a sense of comfort. You can bring your pet’s favorite toy, blanket, or bed to help it feel more at ease throughout the trip. Pets also feel comforted when they smell their human’s scent, so if you have an old t-shirt, you can give it to them to help them feel truly at home.
Keep your pets trackable and identifiable.
There’s still a chance for the worst case scenario to happen when traveling with pets, even if you keep a close eye on them 24/7. This is why it’s important for you to make your pet as identifiable and trackable as possible. Getting your pet microchipped is one of the most important things to do if you want to bring it along for your trip. This way, you’ll easily be able to track it down if it ever strays away from your side. Also, make sure to put a tag on its collar with its name and your contact information, just in case someone finds it before you do.
Traveling with pets may be a challenging endeavor, but following these tips will surely result in a fun and stress-free traveling experience for everyone. Now go out and make sure unforgettable memories with your family, furry friends included!