DELMARVA – Planning a trip with your pets can be a daunting task, especially if you've never taken your four-legged friends on a trip.
Sara Smith, senior director of marketing and communications for the Brandywine Valley SPCA, says there are several things to consider when planning a vacation with your pets. Just like you would for yourself, you’ll want to make sure you pack all the essentials for your pet, including medications, food and extras like cat litter. Other items like your pet’s bed and favorite toys should also be on your list.
People don't always think to check that their contact information is up to date when they're preparing to travel with their pet. Smith recommends making sure your pet's microchip is up to date, putting an ID tag on their collar, and even carrying a second ID tag with you, just in case.
“It is inevitable that a pet may escape while on holiday or visiting relatives or friends, people who are not used to having pets in their homes. You need to make sure that if your pet escapes, you can be contacted immediately,” Smith said.
Another useful tool, Smith said, is the national database Petco's Lost LoveIt's a free tool that helps reunite lost pets with their loved ones; simply upload a recent photo of your pet to the website.
If you're traveling by car, Smith says it's imperative to make sure you have some form of restraint for your pet, whether it's a crate, a special car seat, or a carrier. She says in case of an emergency, it's best to have your furry friends restrained like humans and not let loose. Additionally, you'll want to make sure your pet is always on a leash, harness, or carried in a way that prevents them from escaping.
