Some animals do not like to be in unfamiliar territory. However, having your pet’s favorite food, toys, and bedding readily available can help make your pet more comfortable. It may not be a good idea to take sick or physically impaired dogs and cats with you on your road trip. Chances are they will not be able to withstand the rigors of travel. Therefore, in these situations, you should discuss other options such as using a reliable pet sitter while you are away or leaving the animal with your veterinarian in a boarding facility. Cats should always be confined to a cage or crate while traveling. This not only allows them to feel secure but keeps them from getting under your feet while driving.
In the event that you will be staying with friends along the way, be sure to find out well in advance whether or not your pet is welcome. This is also important if you plan on staying overnight in a hotel or other similar facility. For those taking a camping trip, you will still need to contact the campground beforehand to inquire about their pet policies. Ask whether pets are allowed or if kennel facilities are available. If, for whatever reason, your pet must be left alone in a hotel room, always place a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on the door. You should also be sure to inform the front desk and suitable staff that your pet is in the room. In order to prevent any mishaps, you should also consider bringing along a portable kennel for use in hotel rooms or the homes of friends and relatives.
Always make sure your pet is properly identified with a current tag or a microchip. In addition to an identification tag, your pet’s collar should include a travel tag with information on where you are staying while away from home along with relevant contact numbers in the event that your pet should become lost. Take care of any grooming (bathing, combing, trimming nails) before your trip, especially if you plan on staying somewhere. No one likes a smelly animal. Often overlooked but extremely important before taking any trip with your pet is a health check with the animal’s veterinarian. Not only is it important to make sure the animal is healthy enough for traveling but it is equally important that your pet be up to date on all required vaccinations. Some states require proof of rabies vaccination and a current health certificate with you when crossing their borders. You can receive a health certificate within ten days of travel from your veterinarian.
Try to adhere to your pet’s regular feeding routine as much as possible, especially once you have reached your destination. Dry food is generally more convenient on road trips, if your pet will eat it, as canned food requires refrigeration once it’s been opened. Also take along a plastic jug of cold water. Give small portions of food and water and plan to stop every two hours for exercise. Cars can be just as cramped for animals as they are for us. And don’t forget to bring a leash! Pets should not be allowed to ride with their heads outside of the car windows as this can possibly cause injury or infection from foreign objects or debris. If you must leave your pet in a parked car, be sure to lock all doors, park in a shady area, and open windows wide enough to provide ventilation without enabling your pet to jump out or get its head caught. Take special note of the weather conditions as well. You should never leave your pet in a parked car when the temperatures are extremely high or around freezing.
Finally, when traveling with your pets, include a first-aid kit just for them. Items to pack are an assortment of bandages, antiseptic cream, anti-diarrhea medication (for pets), gauze pads, and emergency phone numbers such as your veterinarian and poison control. Perform a daily health check on your pet while away from home. Occasionally when in unfamiliar surroundings, an animal’s appetite, energy, and temperament may change. Keep an eye out for unusual discharges from the nose and eyes, excessive scratching or biting, unusual lumps, limping, loss of appetite, excessive water consumption or abnormal changes in bowel movements. Visit a local veterinarian if you are concerned about any physical or behavioral changes.
Following a few important guidelines before hitting the road with ‘Fido’ will help to ensure both a safe and happy trip for everyone.
To learn more about traveling with your pets, visit TravelDog.com