Traveling with your pets during vacation presents unique challenges. These tips will help you avoid the five most common mistakes when traveling with your pet on vacation!
It’s a wonderful time of year! Far-flung friends and families will come together to reconnect, celebrate traditions, and enjoy each other’s company. And millions of pets will travel with their families.
Including your four-legged family members in your holiday festivities brings more joy to the season. But when traveling with pets, simple mistakes can lead to major inconveniences…or worse.
Whether you’re an experienced traveler with your pet or embarking on your very first pet-friendly adventure, these tips will ensure you have a happy and safe trip.
Tips to Avoid Travel Mistakes with Your Pets While on Vacation
1. Make reservations early
Getting derailed before even leaving the house would definitely be a blow during the holidays! If you are traveling by plane, train or rental car, be sure to book early.
Be very clear that you are traveling with a pet. Airline pet policies differ when it comes to pet reservations, required documents, and pricing. So make sure your I’s are dotted and your T’s are crossed.
READ MORE ⇒ US Airline Pet Policies
Pet Policies for Rental Cars also vary a lot. So get all the details up front and document your conversation (including who you spoke to) in case you have questions later.
Next, think carefully about where you will stay during your vacation. Camping out on someone’s couch might be an option. But is your host happy for your dog or cat to stay too?
Reservation pet friendly accommodation gives you a comfortable, quiet space to relax – a respite from the holiday chaos. This may be the best gift you can give yourself (and your pet) this holiday season.
READ MORE ⇒ Hotels where pets stay free
2. Good manners count
Nothing spoils the fun like knowing that your pet’s behavior is causing tension. If your puppy can’t stop digging in trash, barking, or jumping on kids, you’ll spend your time trying to keep him out of trouble rather than enjoying your family and friends.
Set your pet up for success – and impress your hosts – by perfecting basic obedience skills before you go!
READ MORE ⇒ Training your dog to travel
3. Hit the road
More vehicles on the roads during the holidays translates to more car accidents. For their safety and yours, it is important that your pet is properly restrained in a carrier, crate, or seat belt harness while you are driving.
Start acclimating your pet to their carrier or harness well in advance of your trip to ensure a smooth journey.
READ MORE ⇒ Best Crash Tested Dog Harnesses for Car Travel
4. Avoid spoilage
With all the eating, drinking and merrymaking, pets are often given foods they shouldn’t eat during the holidays. Chocolate, raisins, macadamia nuts, alcohol and others foods are dangerous for your dog. And who wants to spend the holidays at the emergency vet?!
To avoid any gastrointestinal issues, it’s safest to stick to your pet’s regular food and treats.
READ MORE ⇒ What You Need to Know About Emergency Vets (Before You Need One)
Even when you’re careful, animals still manage to get into things that can make them sick. In this case, have your pet’s veterinary records with you to help you treat any illness or injury.
But rather than lugging around a large file, make a hard copy of the most recent vaccination records and scan the rest of the documents onto an easy-to-package USB drive.
READ MORE ⇒ What to Pack for Your Dog for an Overnight Trip
5. Lost and Found
It’s terrifying to think about, but it only takes a split second for a pet to slip off their leash or run out the door and get lost. Remind guests who are not accustomed to having pets nearby to be careful when entering and leaving the house. And provide a telephone number where you can be contacted while you are traveling on your animal identification tags.
It’s also a good idea to microchip your pet before your trip. And bring a current photo in case you need to make posters.
Follow these simple steps and you will avoid the most common mistakes when traveling with your pet on vacation. We hope your trip goes off without a hitch!
(Visited 1,912 times, 1 visit today)