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Planning a summer vacation can be an exciting task for you and the  entire family. Travelers are including their pets in summer travel plans  more often. If you are bringing your furry friend along for the ride,  here are a few things to consider to make the trip easier on your pet.

Hitting the Road?

If you are taking a road trip with your pet, don’t forget to take a  trial run first. Bring your pet along with you on more local car trips  to see how they respond in different situations. Additionally, make sure  you have options to ensure your pet is safely secured within your  vehicle. For smaller dogs and cats, always have them secured in a  carrier. For larger dogs, a crate in the back of the car that is secured  is preferable. Pet seat belts or restraints are also an option.

Depending on the length of your trip, plan out stops so that your pet  has ample opportunities to use the restroom and stretch their legs.  Some rest stops and larger gas stations even have doggy play areas!  Don’t forget to allow pets to hydrate while traveling – and if traveling  during regular meal times, make sure they are able to eat.

Lastly, consider car temperatures! Never leave your pet unattended in  a warm car. Temperatures inside a parked car can reach 20-30 degrees  higher than outside, and can quickly become deadly for a pet.

Flying high?

Flying with a pet is more popular than ever. Some airlines are even  doing more to accommodate pets, but there are still a few things to keep  in mind if you are taking off with your pet in tow.

First, always make sure your pet is in good health before flying. If  your pet is very young or old, or has a particularly fragile medical  condition, it may be best to leave them at home.

Second, do your research first regarding airline fees and policies –  you might be surprised at how quickly they can add up. Some airlines  charge extra for bringing pets and others will consider your pet carrier  as a “checked bag.” Take a close look at your airlines’ pet policies.

If you are heading out of country, pay close attention to laws  regarding vaccinations and medical records needed prior to bringing your  pet. Some countries (and Hawaii) even require quarantine periods.

Keep your pet safe – no matter how you are traveling

Whether you are driving or flying with your pet, there are some common things to always do beforehand.

• Ensure your pet’s ID tags are current and that your pet is micro chipped with updated contact information
• Consult with your veterinarian about your plans
• If your pet gets nervous while traveling, consider a calming supplement to ease their worries
• Bring your pet’s favorite toys or blanket as a familiar reminder of home

Ensuring your pet’s well-being while traveling can help make your  summer trip the best one yet. As always, if you have more questions  regarding things to consider when bringing your pet along on trips, talk  to your veterinarian.

INFO PROVIDED BY VETOQUINOL

1. Keep their diet the same: Many boarding facilities  will offer food as part of your pet’s stay. However, changing up your  pet’s diet can suddenly wreak havoc on their digestive system. In  addition to the nerves they are already feeling by being in a new place,  surrounded by strange roommates (and noises!), changing their diet can  equal disaster. Consider bringing your pet’s own food with specific  directions for the clinic regarding how much to administer and what time  of day.
2. Bring your pet’s medical records: If you are  boarding at a facility that is not your pet’s regular veterinary clinic,  make sure to bring copies of their medical records. Most boarding  facilities require certain shots in order to board and without proof,  won’t let your pet stay. Additionally, giving the staff an idea of any  recent medical issues will allow them to provide better care. If your  pet is on any medication, don’t forget to pack it with dosing  instructions.
3. Check out the facility first (or better yet, do a test run): If this is your first time boarding your pet (or first time at this  particular facility), make sure you check it out thoroughly before  dropping your pet off. Some facilities have different sizes of  kennels/catteries which are best gauged in person. Many facilities will  also offer separate spaces for cats, away from the loud barking and  noises of dogs. If you can, do a test run for one night to see how your  pet does in a new environment. It’s important to check out the facility  as much as possible so you can make the best decision possible regarding  your pet’s care.
4. Ask about optional services to make your pets stay more fun… Some clinics or boarding facilities will offer additional play time or  walks to make your pet’s stay more fun. It’s also becoming more common  to find facilities with group play areas and/or “swimming pools” for  dogs who love water. With pet activity trackers becoming more popular,  you can even monitor your pet’s activity level while you’re away to  ensure they are still exercising and staying active. Incorporating  activities into your pet’s stay will not only keep them active while  you’re away, but can also help the time go by faster!
5. …or less stressful: Additionally, many clinics are  offering calming supplements to pets who have a hard time being away  from home. These types of supplements, like Zylkene®, can help your pet  through what can be a challenging time for them. Ask your veterinarian  for more information about these types of supplemental options.
6. Bring some small comforts from home: Bringing your  dog’s bed, toys and treats, can help reinforce the feelings of being at  home and help make their stay more pleasant. The same goes for cats –  ask if the facility will allow you to bring your cat’s litter box,  especially if your cat is picky (which most cats are!) Having things  with them that smell like or remind them of home is a great way to keep  them more relaxed.
7. Book early and check their hours: If you find a  clinic or facility that you are comfortable with, make sure you book  your pet’s stay early and confirm as your trip gets closer. Many  boarding facilities get booked up, particularly during the holiday  season and summer. Knowing their open/closed hours is also important –  are they open on Sundays? If not, and that’s the day you return, you  might have to pay for an extra night.
8. Ask about their emergency policy: If something  happens to your pet during their stay, what is the emergency plan? If  they are a clinic, do they offer off-hours emergency services? If not,  where do they take animals who become sick or injured and how do they  determine your comfort level regarding your pet’s care? Its information  you will hopefully not have to use, but if you do, are better off knowing in advance.
9. Make sure your pet is outfitted with updated identification: In  the rare event that your pet does require professional care or is able  to get free, make sure your pet has an updated collar with ID tags and  contact information. Additionally, micro-chipping your pet can help  drastically speed up the location process.
10. Check referrals and talk to your veterinarian first: It’s  always a good idea to check a facility’s referrals before booking. This  can help you make the best decision for your pet. If you are still  unsure about where to go or how to help your pet cope with staying away  from home, ask your veterinarian for their recommendations.

INFO FROM VETOQUINOL