Planning a trip with your pets? Traveling with your furry family members can be so much fun, but safety always needs to come first! I’m going to help you out with some safety tips for traveling with your pet.
Here are my top safety tips for traveling with your pet:
Identification is key.
New environments open up lots of new ways for pets to escape and/or get lost, so you should make sure they have proper ID on them AT ALL TIMES. Microchips (in addition to collars and tags) are a very important tool to help you locate your pets should they wander during your adventures together. Technology has also made it possible to track your dog despite the location. A Pet Tracker will offer extra security and peace of mind, especially when they wander off in a new environment.
Make an appointment with your pet’s veterinarian for a checkup.
Prior to your trip, make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date and obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian dated within 10 days of your departure. Tranquilizing your pet is generally not recommended as it could hamper his or her breathing, so use this time to check with your veterinarian for ways to relax your pet if you suspect he or she may become afraid, anxious, or uncomfortable while traveling. Emergencies can happen anytime. Having your pet’s medical info and history stored somewhere is always a huge help just in case!
Keep a first aid kit in your vehicle or travel bags.
This is important for both you and your pets! Always be prepared and purchase a travel first aid kit for pets.
Check leashes, crates, and collars before heading out on your trip.
There are so many new sights and smells when traveling! Your dog may pull a little harder to get to these new sights and smells, so make sure he can’t get away by checking those leashes, harnesses, and collars for any wear before you head out.
Traveling By Plane? Book a direct flight whenever possible.
This will decrease the chances that your pet is left on the tarmac during extreme weather conditions or mishandled by baggage personnel during a layover.
Prepare your ride.
Make sure your car is fit for a pet to travel in. That means you should have the proper restraints and/or carrier in the vehicle. Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. The crate should be large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. Secure your pet’s crate so it will not slide or shift in the event of an abrupt stop. If you decide to forgo the crate, don’t allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window, and always keep him in the back seat in a harness attached to a seat buckle.
Always remember to pack portable food and water dishes.
It’s important that pets stay hydrated and fed as they would be at home. Your pets know their routine at home and will expect that while traveling, too! While you’re packing food, be sure to add some calming supplements to your bag to feed your pet if they are prone to travel sickness or anxiety.
Traveling with a pet is always fun and exciting. These practical and helpful safety tips for traveling with your pet will help you on your next trip. By following the guidelines, your pet will have a great time, and you will be stress-free on the whole trip.
