Contemplating whether or not to bring Fido on your next trip?
Maybe you’re a seasoned vet — (veteran, not veterinarian) — when it comes to bringing your pet alongside your adventures.
But if you find yourself often leaving your furry friend at home, you and your family may be missing out on some fun times with Snoopy. (How many pet nicknames can we come up with?)
Follow these tips for traveling with your pet and your experience will be much smoother.
Here’s a hint: It’s easier than you think.
1). Find pet-friendly accommodations.
To avoid extra charges or unexpected cancellations, book your accommodations with pet-friendly lodging.
This free amenity is not all that common, so be sure to check the hotel’s pet policy before making your reservation. Some facilities implement surcharges for pets, while others forbid furry friends altogether.
If you’re traveling in the Sandhills, reserve your stay with the Niobrara Lodge — we never charge for pet guests.
2). Kennel them up.
As fun as it is to keep Scooby in the front seat, they are both more likely to cause an accident and be injured in the event of an accident — a lose-lose situation.
So, if you’re driving with your pet, the safest option is to keep them in a kennel or other comfortable restraining aid. Safety always comes first.
3). Bring the necessary accessories.
- Food and water. Duh. But don’t forget to provide nourishment and hydration for your pet during your expedition. Keep a large container of water in your vehicle, along with food and water bowls for necessary pit stops.
- Collar with tags. Your pet is in an unfamiliar place, and it is easy for them to get lost. In the unfortunate event that that happens, you will need to ensure the appropriate contact information is located on your pet’s collar. This comes in handy more times than we sometimes realize.
- Leash. Another “duh,” but this will not be an item you wish to forget when stopped at a random exit off the interstate. Remember that your pet is more likely to venture off in this new environment.
- Bed and blanket. Pets are not all that different from humans: foreign places can bring little bouts of nervousness. Bringing your pet’s bed and blanket from home will make them feel safer and more comfortable. And thanks to their keen sense of smell, the fabric’s scent will remind them of home, too.
- Medical records. You may want to consider packing your pet’s medical records in the event of an emergency, especially if they have had any complications in the past.
- Toy! Not that you would forget your pet’s favorite toy amidst the chaos of packing for a trip, but it happens to many. Leave a few toys in their kennel to protect against the possibility of lost toys. Or against hotel amenities “mistaken” as toys.
4). Make frequent pit stops along the route.
You may be cruising down the highway attempting to avoid any unnecessary stops until you’ve reached your destination.
However, your pet has no idea where the destination is or when to expect arrival.
Most veterinary authorities recommend stopping every 2-3 hours to give your pet a break. This part of the journey may be slightly more inconvenient, but hopefully their companionship is worth it.
Traveling with a pet can seem daunting. With proper preparation and attention, however, the experience can be more enjoyable for all parties.
All in all, only you know your pet well enough. Consider taking a short trip with them as a test run if you have not traveled with them before. If you’re unsure about the state of your pet’s health, consult a veterinarian before embarking on a journey.
More than likely, your pet owns an adventurous spirit. Do them a favor and let them explore new worlds alongside their best friend.