10 Tips for Traveling With Your Pet

You love and treat your furry friend as one of the family and that’s why you will probably worry about how to keep your pet safe and comfortable if you decide to go traveling with them.

One good option would be to choose a pet-friendly resort in Igatpuri, for instance, so that you know you will get a warm welcome when you arrive for a vacation. It would also be good to think about how you are going to travel with your pet and avoid both of you getting stressed unnecessarily.

If you are going to be traveling to a different country the first thing you need to do is check that your family pet is going to be allowed in and what sort of entry requirements are involved. In addition, here are some top tips to think about before you set out on your travels with your much-loved furry friend.

The best way to keep them comfortable

You might feel bad about the idea of putting your pet into a travel crate as it might seem a bit cramped but it is a form of transportation that often helps to keep your pet more comfortable than if you let them just travel in the back of the car.

Dogs are often crate trained and that means it is a place where they feel secure and comfortable. Putting them in a crate to travel will often be the best option to keep them safe and avoid them getting too stressed about traveling.

Don’t overload their crate

Your pet might have a few toys that they like to play with at home but don’t be tempted to fill their crate up with too many items as they won’t be comfortable when their space is taken up by an overload of items.

It is better to pick a favorite to pack in the crate with them so they have space as well as something they are familiar with.

Get the documentation right

Almost nothing can be more stressful about traveling with a pet than discovering that you don’t have the paperwork to be able to get to your destination.

Check what sort of documents you will need for your pet and make sure that everything is up to date such as vaccinations and their health certificate. It would also be a smart move to check with your airline about what sort of paperwork is needed if you are going out of the country.

Is your pet microchipped?

It’s bad enough losing your pet close to home but if it happens in a different country it could be disastrous and very distressing.

Make sure your pet is properly microchipped, as this will it easier to find them. Also, check that the contact information on their tag is up to date.

Keep them in your sight when traveling

If you are transporting your pet by car it is essential that you don’t leave them alone in the vehicle at any time.

This is not just about security. If the weather is hot they can quickly overheat without adequate ventilation. An animal can last less than ten minutes in a locked car with no ventilation in hot weather, which is a sobering thought and incentive enough to keep them in your sights at all times.

Traveling on an emptier stomach is often better

You might think that if you feed your pet before you go it will help them to sleep and might even reduce their anxiety levels.

Motion sickness affects a lot of pets and if they get stressed it could get messy if they have a full stomach. It’s best to skip a meal when you are traveling with them.

Regular water is needed

Skipping their last regular is one thing but it is essential that you make sure your pet is kept properly hydrated throughout their journey.

If it is not feasible to put a small bowl of water in their crate make sure you offer them water on a regular basis while traveling.

Pick a place where your pet is welcome

Some destinations do not take the same misty-eyed view of four-legged family members as you do and it is essential that you confirm that your accommodation is happy to accept animals and even states that it is a pet-friendly location.

Always check directly when making a booking so that you know everyone in your family party is going to get a warm welcome when you arrive for your vacation.

The comforts of home will help them settle

You want your pet to feel as relaxed as possible so that you can unwind and enjoy your vacation.

A good way of making that happen would be to pack some of their favorite and familiar items such as their feeding bowl and maybe a blanket that they use. These should help your pet to settle and reduce their anxiety. That will help to keep a positive holiday vibe from day one.

Is it really a good idea to travel with your pet?

It’s hard to leave them behind in the care of a pet sitter or in a kennel or cattery, but there are going to be times when that has to be the best option.

The fact that you love your furry friend means that you will always want to do what is right for them. Even if the venue is pet-friendly if your pet is a poor traveler or easily gets over-anxious it can sometimes make sense to leave them at home.

You may feel guilty about going on a vacation without them but they will soon forgive you when you get back home and give them some love.

Taking your pet on holiday with you can be fun and a real adventure. If you follow these basic tips and always consider the needs of your furry friend it should work out fine, whatever you decide to do.

If you are unsure what to do for the best, you could always give your vet a call to get the help you need to keep your pet safe and comfortable.