Summer also means vacation time for many. Kids are out of school, family reunions are planned, and we even have some built in long holiday weekends that lend themselves to travel.
For those of us with pets at home, additional consideration must be made when planning road trips and many modern families are now opting to take their pets along. As a result, hotels, parks, and restaurants are increasing their services to meet the demand of those families who don’t want to leave “Fluffy” behind. An Internet search can give you a head start on locating pet friendly facilities, but not all are created equal. Some may have limitations on species and size so doing your homework ahead of time can prevent disappointment.
Leashes, harnesses, and crates should be standard supplies when you travel with your pet and a collar or harness should include a tag with your contact information. Unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells can be stressful for some animals and trigger a flight response. In the blink of an eye, a fun adventure can turn to tragedy so make sure you have the means to control your pet at all times. Speaking of tragedy, leaving your pet in a vehicle (even for a short time) creates a deadly risk for heat stroke and should never be an option whether in town or across country!
Along with your pet’s food, you may want to bring along some water from home. A slow transition to a new water source can help avoid tummy troubles. You will also want to bring along a record of your pet’s health conditions, vaccinations, medications, and a current photograph. Making and carrying an emergency kit is also recommended. If you have a final destination planned, it won’t hurt to know where the nearest
24 hour veterinary emergency center is located either.
Traveling with your pet can be a lot of fun! With a little extra preparation ahead of time you will help ensure a safe and rewarding experience for the entire family. Happy travels!
