When you make those vacation plans this year, don't leave out your dog. With the proper preparations, it is possible to have a safe and pleasant experience traveling with Fido. Here are a few tips to help you prepare and ensure the comfort of your dog while on vacation.
Before you head out on any extended vacation with your four-legged friend, make an appointment with your local veterinarian to make sure all shots are up to date. If traveling by plane, you’ll need to secure a veterinarian certificate at least ten days prior to departure.
Make sure you your pet is wearing a collar with identification tags in case your dog breaks away from you or gets lost during airline transport. It’s also a good idea to include the destination information on the crate and/or collar.
Traveling by car doesn’t have to mean a hassle for you or your pet. There are a variety of car safety restraints that fit easily into any vehicle. A hug harness is ideal for small dogs; travel hammocks give your pet the luxury of a larger space to lie down and or be hooked up to pet safety belts.
Traveling by air is not the best idea if you need to check your dog in the cargo area. Your dog can be subjected to long delays in extreme weather conditions. However, if your pet is small enough to fit under your seat in the cabin in a small crate where you can keep an eye on him or her, traveling can be quite easy and safe. Check with your airline for the required crate dimensions and rules for pet travel. Calling ahead to let the airline know you’ll be traveling with your dog will eliminate hassles when you arrive at the airport.
There are many hotels now that make accommodations for family pets. Call ahead to your favorite hotel and inquire about their pet policy. If they do not allow pets, then do a simple search on the Internet to generate a list of hotels that do allow pets to stay as guests.
You’ll want to pack a sturdy leash and keep your dog on while traveling. A little online research can turn out pet-friendly off-leash parks and other attractions where Fido will be welcome. Always bring enough food and water for your dog for the length of your outing, as well as a scooper or plastic bag.
Traveling with your dog does not have to be stressful. You can start preparing for vacation a little early and smooth out any bumps before you even get packed. A few phone calls and a lot of questions can help eliminate those last minute problems that stress you out when you reach your destination. You can avoid all of this by becoming familiar with which tourist destinations accept pets and planning your vacation accordingly.
