Do your homework
Make sure your destination is pet friendly. For example, if you plan to bring the family dog to Yosemite To enjoy the great outdoors, you would be disappointed to learn that dogs are not allowed on the hiking trails. Check in advance to avoid any last-minute surprises that could ruin your trip.
Check that your accommodation is pet-friendly. Not all hotels, campgrounds or VRBOs accept pets. Even those that allow pets may have restrictions on the number of animals, size limits, or whether they can be left alone in a hotel room.
Make sure your pet is ready to travel
Before embarking on your adventure, make sure your pet is healthy enough to travel. Take your pet to a veterinarian to make sure he is healthy, up to date on vaccinations and parasite preventative measures. If you are traveling out of state or by plane, you will also need a health certificate. I also recommend getting a copy of your pet's vaccination record. If your pet becomes anxious while traveling, talk to your veterinarian about products and medications that can help him stay calm.
Packaging for your pet
Depending on your mode of travel, your needs will be different. If you are traveling by plane, you will need an airline-approved carrier and a health certificate. If you have a small dog and travel by car, you may want to purchase a booster seat for your pup. My dog Jett loves his K&H bucket booster seat. He likes to look out the window and I like the peace of mind of knowing he is safe. If you have a large dog, you may want to get a security barrier for travel to keep them in the rear and avoid driver distraction.
Be sure to pack your pet's food (enough for the entire trip), treats, and of course food and water bowls. Don't forget to bring their collar with identification tag and a leash. If you have space, bring your pet's bed and a few of their favorite toys. Finally, bring its health certificate, its vaccination record and all the medications your pet needs.
Preparing for the trip
Before leaving for a long car trip with your pet, get him used to riding in the car. Start by taking them on short, frequent car trips. Use lots of praise and treats to make the experience positive. My dogs love it Wellness® Old Mother Hubbard® Wholesome Indulgences Treats and now wait for them after every car ride! If you're traveling by plane, get your pet used to his carrier beforehand by putting treats inside and leaving it open so he can explore it on his own. If you are traveling with your cat, Wellness® Lickable Treats are a great way to make the experience positive.
Safety reminders
Make sure your pet is microchipped and your contact information is up to date. Collars with tags are important but are not foolproof and can fall off. Finally, it goes without saying, never leave your pet unattended in a car as they can overheat and die within minutes.
Conclusion
Traveling with your pet requires some extra planning, but it's worth it and will provide you and your family with priceless memories.
To learn more about pet health or for some animal-friendly ideas, check out: https://drruthpetvet.com/
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About Dr. Ruth MacPete, aka Dr. Ruth “The Pet Vet”
Dr. Ruth MacPete is a veterinarian, media correspondent and author. She appeared on The Doctors, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, The Weather Channel, as well as numerous news broadcasts across the country. She has written about pets and their health in various magazines and published the award-winning children's book Lisette the veterinarian. To learn more about Dr. MacPete, visit: www.DrRuthPetVet.com.
SOURCE Dr. Ruth MacPete — The Pet Veterinarian
