Traveling with your pet can be so rewarding! We love traveling with our pets. However, there are lots of precautions and preparations to take in order to ensure safe travels with your pets, and a lot of these things typically fly under the radar.
We're here to offer some safe travel tips as pet families begin to plan travel for the holidays!
Get them used to their carrier ahead of time
If your pet is not a fan of their carrier, now is the time to bring it out in the open. Try placing treats in their carrier, and reward your pet if/when they go inside. In the beginning, it's best to not close the carrier door as they get used to the space.
Reduce stress as much as possible
Here are some things you can do to reduce stress for your pets while traveling:
Play calming music during travel (we recommend iCalmPet).
Stock up on Feliway and Adaptil wipes, spray, collars, and plug-ins.
Consider medication if your pet is particularly anxious (we can help with this).
Use their carrier while driving
Pets should not be loose in a vehicle. When you are driving, be sure to have your pet secure in their carrier.
Never leave your pet in the care unattended
It can quickly get warm in a car, even on a day you don't think is very hot.
Make sure your pet is microchipped (and the info is up to date!)
When you adopt, most rescues or shelters will make sure your pet has a microchip. However, most people don't realize that that information needs to be updated every time you move, get a new phone number, etc. By having an updated microchip, if your pet gets lost during his travels and you're not near the address listed on his tag, having an updated microchip can make all the difference in getting your beloved pet home back to you safely. If you do not have a microchip, we can help. Call us at 619-448-0707 to make your appointment now.
Bring clean water & a bowl with you
Drinking water from an unfamiliar source may cause an upset stomach. When traveling out with your pet, we recommend using safe, bottled water.
Most importantly, have fun!
It's such a joy to be able to travel with our pets. By taking the precautions above, you can ensure a safer and calmer trip for you and your pet. Enjoy every minute. :)