We may have passed the peak of Thanksgiving, but the craziness of holiday travel is far from over. The countdown to the big winter holidays has begun, and in just a few short weeks, we'll be back on our crazy travel spree—this time with holiday gifts in tow. If you have a dog, cat, or other animal, then you know that in addition to sorting out your own holiday chaos, you also need to consider their needs and figure out the best way to handle traveling with pets during the holidays.
Because I get it: It’s hard enough to figure out how to balance taking time off, booking expensive travel arrangements, buying tons of gifts, and emotionally connecting with your hometown during the holidays—so do what you can to make sure you worry about your animals’ health Safety and comfort won't become a more stressful part of your trip. It definitely takes some extra work and planning, but hey, that's what we signed up for when we brought these furry little balls of joy into our lives. The holidays should be fun for everyone , and you'll be grateful if you take the time to ensure the health of your animals during your busy travel schedule.
So, are you planning to take your animal companion on vacation by car or by plane? Are you planning to find a trustworthy sitter and leave your animals at home while you travel? In any case, there are some precautions that every responsible pet guardian should be aware of before arranging a holiday trip to ensure that their fur babies are safe and sound. Here are some tips on how to travel with pets on vacation that will make life easier for you and your animal companion.
Know your animal
In fact, some animals probably shouldn't be traveling in the first place. You know your animal best, so keep their temperament and needs in mind. Consider whether it really makes sense to take them on trips and have them live somewhere other than home. The same applies if you have a particularly crazy travel schedule that isn't pet-friendly. If this is the case, consider finding a trustworthy sitter (such as a close neighbor, friend, or family member) who can provide you with the peace of mind you need to travel knowing that your furbaby is well taken care of and will not suffer unreasonable Feeling stressed about behavior. Travel schedule.
pet packaging
If you’re traveling with pets during your vacation, don’t forget that you’ll be packing for two people! "If you're traveling together, pack luggage for your pet and yourself," advises Dr. Daniel Edge, DVM, MBA, director of Zoetis' Veterinary Professional Practice. "This includes bringing your pet's food and medications, in addition to your pet's food and medications. Medical records, information to help identify your pet if it's lost, first aid supplies and other items." You'll also want to make sure you have a safe for your animal Locked suitcases as they can be harmed Finally, if you are traveling across state or international borders (whether by car or plane), you will also need to provide the animal's health certificate, which must be issued by the following agencies. A veterinarian.
drive responsibly
If you're transporting your companion animal by car, make sure you check all the boxes when it comes to safety, as there are some risks. “Pets should always be safely restrained in a vehicle, which means using a safety harness or carrier and positioning them in a position where there are no air bags,” shares Dr. Edge. "This helps protect your pets if you brake or swerve suddenly, or if you are involved in an accident; keep them away from potentially poisonous food or other items you are transporting; prevent them from causing dangerous interference with the driver; and can prevent small Animals get hurt. Trapped in small spaces "We're in the car all the time, so it may not seem obvious, but it's important to be prepared for the unexpected.
road trip stops
While you may be a speed demon trying to get home with as little bathroom time as possible, that doesn't mean your animal will feel the same way! If you're driving long distances with your furry baby, be sure to take frequent breaks to let your animal go potty or get snacks, and pay close attention to your animal's body temperature and pressure/comfort levels. Remember, stay with your animals. "Regardless of the weather, never leave your pet alone in a car, even for a short period of time," advises Dr. Edge. Animals can easily reach dangerous temperatures inside a vehicle, especially during extreme winter weather.
Keep stress levels low
Keep in mind that traveling, being away from everyday life, meeting a lot of new people, and/or living in a foreign country can be extremely stressful for animals (and honestly, it’s extremely stressful for me too!), so keep that in mind this, and be sensitive to their needs. Bringing plenty of toys, blankets, or any other comfortable and familiar items from home can help your animal feel more secure and comfortable in its unusual surroundings. Also, even if you're living in someone else's home, do your best to provide your animal with some semblance of a routine (like sticking to your usual walking times, feeding times, playtime, etc. may help).
Take extra precautions when traveling by air
If you're traveling with an animal companion, traveling by air isn't always the safest route. "Consult your veterinarian if you are traveling by air, as air travel can put pets, especially short-nosed dogs, at risk," advises Dr. Edge. In addition to the potential health risks 30,000 feet above the Earth, traveling in the cargo hold of an airplane is extremely dangerous for animals and should be avoided if possible. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. airlines apparently killed, lost or injured 224 dogs between 2005 and 2009 alone. If you have no choice but to travel by air with your animal, do your best to make sure they can travel with you in the main cabin and contact the airline before booking a ticket so you know their policies.
Find pet-friendly accommodation
Travel includes accommodation arrangements, so please make sure where you stay is completely pet-friendly. If you're staying at a family member's or friend's home, make sure their space is "pet-proofed" and understand your animal's needs. If there are a lot of people around, make sure your animals have a safe and quiet space so they don't get stressed out by the hustle and bustle of the holidays. If you're looking for accommodation, check out Bring Fido, which lists hundreds of pet-friendly locations in cities around the world, including hotels, parks, restaurants, and more.
Foster your animal
If you can't safely take your animal with you on vacation, your best bet is to find a trustworthy person to care for your pet - but if boarding your animal is the only option, be absolutely sure the space is safe, comfortable, And review it by visiting beforehand and asking the right questions. You also have to keep their health in mind: "If you're considering boarding your pet during the holidays, it's important to keep your pet's vaccinations and routine shots up to date," explains Dr. Edge. "Kennel cough, for example, is highly contagious, so it's best to make an appointment with your veterinarian before boarding to make sure your dog is vaccinated against this disease and other respiratory illnesses, such as canine influenza virus. Additionally, Make sure your pet is also on preventive medication for fleas and ticks that may be found on other dogs or in kennels. Take extra time to make sure the boarding facility is safe and your animal is well taken care of. Healthy preparation is an absolute must.
