Fun’s not fun unless your pet can come too. So if you’re planning for a trip, here are a few tips you’ll need to know.
Travel Tips
1. Decide on whether to take your pet or not, says the Humane Society. Taking your pet along might seem like fun, but you’ll need to get a lot of things in order before you can pull this off. One of the first questions you need to ask is: is your pet fit for travel? Bring your pet to the vet for a checkup. If your veterinarian gives you the go-signal and all your pet’s shots are up to date, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t bring your furry little pal along.
2. Have a first aid kit. You never know what will happen so if you’re taking your cat or dog with you, its always better to bring along a first aid kit to make sure you have what you need if your pet hurts itself. Getting the number for the nearest veterinary hospital in the area doesn’t hurt either.
3. Prepare your pet for the trip. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or ASPCA suggests taking your pet on short drives just to prepare your pet for the long drive ahead. That way, when the day comes and you’re all packed up for that road trip, your pet won’t be as restless and nervous inside the car. Also, stressed cats tend to yowl, while puppies can demand attention. Neither is a good thing to have while you’re behind the wheel on the road. All it takes is a moment’s inattention for an accident to happen, so make sure your pets are comfortable and relaxed. That way, you won’t have to worry so much about them, and they won’t have to distract you while you drive. Essentially, the more relaxed your pet is, the happier you’ll be.
4. Bring everything your pet needs. And by everything, that means food—lots of it—and his favorite pillow, toy or just about anything to give your cat that sense of familiarity. Make sure you bring along enough water as well.
5. Put your pet in a ventilated crate. To keep road distractions to a minimum—and prevent your cat from hiding under the seats, fighting with the dog or kneading your lap—you might want to put them in a crate or cage.
Enjoy your trip, and if you’re bringing your furry friends along, make sure to follow these for a fun and happy time on the road with your pets.
All Creatures Hospital is a veterinary hospital with staff trained to provide compassionate, efficient care and treatment to your pets. Schedule an appointment today! You can also connect with them on Facebook for more updates.
