Summer is here and it’s the perfect time to plan your next trip. So what should you do with your pet? Trying to decide if you should leave them home with a friend, find a pet hotel, or bring them with you can be frustrating. Pets are part of the family so you probably like to include them whenever you can. Before you make a sincere decision, consider these tips for traveling with your fur baby.
Ensure your pet is fit for travel ahead of leaving. Many pets cannot travel because of age or illness. If you are unsure about whether to take your pet with you, consult the vet. Start by packing a bag of their most vital items.
Important documents: Many places need travel documents with proof of all your pet’s vaccines. Will you be traveling across the border? If so, your pets might need additional vaccines.
Food and Water: Check to see if where your going sells your pet’s food. Bring collapsible bowls for traveling to make It more convenient for you to feed or water your pet.
Accessories: Your pet might not be that great walking on a leash, and that’s okay. Try getting a harness to make walks easier. While giving you control, it’s more comfortable for your pet. Purchasing a Joyride harness will be the last one you buy, guaranteed. They offer a verity of patterns such as patriotic blue, camo, and pink with stars. A select few come with a light for nighttime visibility. Don’t forget to add your dog’s personalized tags in case they runoff.
Toys and Treats: Try to make your dog feel more at home on your trip by bringing their favorite toys. Stock up on treats so you can still reward them through the trip if they are behaving well.
Bed and Crate: If your pet is comfortable with a crate, it’s ideal to bring one. They will be unfamiliar with the surroundings of an alternative place and could feel uneasy. Your pet’s crate is their haven. It will possibly keep them from roaming all over in the car and getting car sick. If you get an economy-range hotel, they will not offer you a bed for your pet. Bring their bed and blankets so they have somewhere to sleep.
Whether you plan on flying or driving, get your pet familiar with what they might endure. Make a checklist so you can double-check that you have everything to keep your dog comfortable while traveling.
Determining which hotel is the right fit for you and your pet can be challenging. Check out the hotel amenities to see if it’s pet friendly. Look over their pet policy, as they’re different for each hotel. Some hotels allow cats and dogs, but not exotic animals. Other hotels have breed and weight restrictions. You might have to pay extra fees per night for each pet.
Many hotels are pet-friendly, but others are pet-tolerant. Pet-tolerant hotels will allow you to only keep your pet in the suite. While pet-friendly hotels might offer designer bowls, a treat-filled goodie bag, or even a fenced-in play area. A more economy-range hotel will give your pet the bare minimum in extra essentials. Though a luxury hotel will have everything you’ve ever dreamed about staying away from home with your pet. Either route you choose, your pet will be happy to be with you.
When you’re out of town, anything can happen in an instant. The U.S. Department of State recommends pet owners have a plan in place in case of an emergency. Your plan should include:
Who to Contact: Write all your contact information and your veterinarians. Keep it somewhere you can access it.
Your Pets Care Instructions: This should include all of your pet care needs such as feeding, allergies, medications, and preventive treatments.
Where to Stay: Include one person you would trust to care for your pet in case you cannot. Add a trusted facility where they could stay in your destination or back home as a backup.
How to Pay: Bring your pet’s insurance cards in case they have to visit a vet. Include any medical or financial resources your pet might need like phone numbers and hours of operation.
Locate the Ideal Vacation Destination
Picking the perfect location to stay for you and your pet can be difficult. Try somewhere like St. George Island, FL, where it’s warm. It’s a perfect, peaceful vacation destination. This is one of the rare beaches in Florida that welcomes pets. With wide-open public beach access, you and your pet will enjoy running in the sand or taking a dip in the water. The bike paths are great for morning walks and conveniently near many rentals. In Apalachicola, they have a pet boutique, Oysterbones, famous for their in house doggy treats. Visiting at a pet-friendly destination like this, your trip will be more enjoyable with your fur baby.
Keeping your pet happy and healthy while traveling takes time and plenty of preparation, but it’s worth it. You’ll both enjoy each other’s company and arrive ready for anything.
