It’s that time of year again, when we want to hit the open road, travel to new locations, and take advantage of the presumably abundant sunshine.
We load the car, find the kids lots to do while we drive, and schedule our departure early to beat the holiday traffic. Additionally, you will have made plans for your cherished pets to stay with friends, family, or neighbors. However, what if you wish to take them on vacation with you?
If you’ve had your pet for a time, you’ll be familiar with how they respond to car rides. The best course of action is usually to leave them behind with a caring caretaker if they dread it so much that they fall ill or become really upset. As you travel far from home, knowing that they will detest every second of it, it will just enrage them and you. Additionally, if they are unwell, injured, or pregnant, leave them behind because long journeys may make their conditions worse.
Do you know if there is a dog or cat policy at the hotel or bed and breakfast where you intend to stay? Some businesses flat-out don’t allow pets.
Top Tips
- Here are some tips to assist ensure the safest and least stressful trip possible for you and your pet, whether you’re going to a campsite or staying with friends and relatives who live quite a distance away.
- • Feed animals at least two hours before you leave for your trip. If they are traveling on a full stomach, they are more prone to get sick.
- • Bring plenty of water and a sizable dish for drinking. If traveling on a hot day, store water in a cooler box to keep it cold and fresh.
- • Stopping at regular intervals to allow them to run about and urinate. They could feel the urge to use the restroom more frequently than usual while driving.
- • Purchase some window coverings or reuse any that you may have previously used for your little children. • Make sure the car is well ventilated, with air conditioning or open windows, to stop the sun from directly hitting your pet, keeping them cool and preventing dehydration. Verify that it prevents your pet from escaping through it when you are going or stopping.Make sure to contact your neighborhood vet a few days before your trip if you have to bring your dogs with you and they are prone to motion sickness. Pets can frequently be given medication that will lessen their nausea, just like humans can.
• Use a dog guard to keep your dog or cat in the trunk space or a harness to strap them into the car like a human if they have a tendency to jump around while you are driving. Consider the RAC Adjustable 2 in 1 Car Harness Dog Seat Belt or the Saunders Dog Guard Tubular T15. We think the Catit Voyageur cat carrier is the purrfect way to make sure your cat is comfortable throughout a lengthy journey!
Keep your pet’s routine as consistent as possible once you arrive at your destination.
Before you take your pet on vacation, make sure they are microchipped. Any veterinarian or rescue organization will be able to get in touch with you right instantly if the worst happens and they manage to get away from you.
• During the summer, never, ever leave your pet alone in a car. It could result in death.
• Your dog or cat has to pack a bag. They will require a leash, a collar, a favorite toy, snacks, medicine, a blanket or bed, and enough food to last the duration of the vacation.
• Be cautious when using the ferry or the train as these modes of transportation might be just as upsetting.