Sometimes you want to take the family show on the road. A little preparation will make your trip a fun excursion for you and your pet.
- Although it may seem obvious, don´t forget to your dog´s tags when traveling. These tags should include, at the minimum, an identification tag with you dog´s name and your contact information, along with the required rabies and/or license tag, if your state requires them. If your dog manages to slip off during your trip, you want to be sure that someone can identify him and contact you. Some hotel/motel chains that accept dogs require proof of rabies immunization for you to stay there with your pet.
- If you are traveling by car, it´s a good idea to get your dog used to being in the car. You should start by sitting in the car with your dog. As your pet becomes comfortable, you can progress from sitting in a running car (not in the garage, please!) to short trips in your neighborhood before launching into a lengthy drive. It´s also a good idea to purchase a dog restraint device that you can connect to your vehicle seat belt to assure safety for your dog.
- You need to be sure to bring everything with you for your pet´s comfort and health. Some items to bring with you might include:
- Food, medications, some of your pet´s bedding
- Bring water from home with you. If you are going to be away for more than a day, try mixing the local water with water from home. Don´t forget to also do this when you and your pup come back home. You want to prevent any sudden changes that could make your dog ill or unhappy
- Some old sheets to protect your car and your hotel or motel room
- Bring water from home with you. If you are going to be away for more than a day, try mixing the local water with water from home. Don´t forget to also do this when you and your pup come back home. You want to prevent any sudden changes that could make your dog ill or unhappy
- If you are traveling by car, it´s a good idea to get your dog used to being in the car. You should start by sitting in the car with your dog. As your pet becomes comfortable, you can progress from sitting in a running car (not in the garage, please!) to short trips in your neighborhood before launching into a lengthy drive. It´s also a good idea to purchase a dog restraint device that you can connect to your vehicle seat belt to assure safety for your dog.
Traveling with your dog just needs a little prep work to turn out smashingly. As with anything else worth doing, an ounce of prevention and planning will let you have a wonderful experience both you and your pet will enjoy.
