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Follow on Google News | Vacation Bound Pets: Making Their Travels Happy and SafeIf you’re like many Americans with pets, your summer travel plans may very well include your best friends, Fido and Fluffy. However, before hitting the road with your best friend, it’s important to take some precautions and be prepared.
Healthy start. The last thing you need is a sick pet when traveling. So it just makes sense to begin with a healthy start. Be sure that your pet is "up" for their journey. This means a visit to the vet for a medical checkup and to ensure that your pet is up-to-date with all necessary vaccinations. Is your pet returnable? A pet ID tag is essential. This means a temporary ID tag, along with your pet's permanent ID tag. This is one of the most important aspects of traveling with your pet, but also one of the most overlooked. If your pet runs off while traveling, a temporary ID tag that lists the address of where you are staying, will help ensure that your pet will be safely returned to you. In addition, carry a current photograph of your pet with you. If your pet is lost during a trip, a photograph will make it easier for others to help you find your pet Ample food and water. How many times have pet owners pulled in the travel service area off the highway and grabbed a burger for their dog? Or filled their cup with water for their pet to drink? Traveling is not the time to introduce a new diet of human food to your pet. That never has a good ending. Pack an ample supply of your pet's regular food as well as water for your pet. Bring along collapsible pet travel bowls instead of their bowls from home. They are less awkward and are very convenient for packing purposes. Occasionally traveling can upset your pet's stomach. Take along ice cubes, which are easier on your pet than large amounts of water. It is recommended that you keep feeding to a minimum during travel. When traveling by car, a light meal for your pet two to three hours before you leave is advised. Pack other essentials. Include food and water dishes, bedding, litter and litter box, leash, collar and tags, grooming supplies, a favorite toy, a first-aid kit, and any necessary medications. In addition, a container of drinking water for your pet should always be with you. Practice restraint. Be sure that your pet is safely restrained in your vehicle. Utilizing a pet safety harness or travel kennel are the best ways to keep your pet safe. They not only protect your pet from injury, but they help by keeping them from distracting you with their usual enthusiasm as you drive. A safety harness functions like a seatbelt. While most pets will not have a problem adjusting to it, you may want to let them wear the harness by itself a few times before using it in the vehicle. If your pet prefers a travel kennel, be sure it is well ventilated and stabilized. Many pet owners prefer vehicle barriers, particularly for larger pets. Vehicle barriers are best suited for SUVs. No matter what method you choose, back seat travel is always safer for your pet. No heads out the window. Although many pets find that sticking their head out the window is the best part of the road trip, it's not safe. Your pet can easily be injured by flying debris. This should go without saying, but NEVER travel with a pet in the back of a pickup truck. Some states have laws restricting such transport and it is always dangerous. Frequent pit stops. Always provide frequent bathroom and exercise breaks. When outside the car, make sure that your pet is always on a leash and wearing a collar and identification tag. During your pit stops be sure to provide your pet with some fresh water to wet their whistle. Don't leave them alone. Never leave your pet unattended in a parked vehicle. On warm days, the temperature in your vehicle can rise to 120 degrees in minutes, even with the windows slightly open. In addition, an animal left alone in a car may be stolen. Seek out pet friendly activities. Since you’re choosing to share your vacation with your pet, be sure to do little bit of homework before hitting the road. Find out where there are pet friendly restaurants, parks, shops, and other fun activities that you can enjoy together. After all, it’s their vacation too! Secure pet friendly accommodations. If your journey’s itinerary requires staying at a pet friendly lodging, there are a number of tips to consider. •Get a ground floor room to make bathroom runs easier. •At check-in, inquire about areas to walk your pet. •Cover any furniture and beds that your pet will be allowed on. •Place litter boxes in the bathroom to make clean up easier. •Avoid leaving your pet alone in the room. Even the best behaved pets can bark and become destructive when in a new environment. If your plans are such that your pet can not join you for every occasion, inquire about local pet sitters or pet day care. If your pet’s demeanor is such that you are able to leave them alone for a short period of time, be sure to alert the front desk. It also may help to put the TV or radio on to keep your pet comfortable. In addition, place a note on your door indicating that your precious pet is inside. •Always keep your pet on a leash and refrain from taking them into the lodging dining areas. •And of course…always clean up after your pet after bathroom runs. It all boils down to doing your homework. A little bit of planning will help to ensure that your vacation with your pet is a happy and safe experience. TRIPSwithPETS.com is the premier online resource for pet travel - offering resources to ensure pets are welcome, happy, and safe when traveling. Visit http://www.tripswithpets.com, to find a directory of pet friendly accommodations across the U.S., pet recreational activities, airline pet policies, pet sitters, pet travel tips, pet travel supplies, along with other pet travel resources. # # # TRIPSwithPETS.com is the premier online resource for pet travel - offering resources to ensure pets are welcome, happy, and safe when traveling. Visit http://www.tripswithpets.com, to find a directory of pet friendly accommodations across the U.S., pet recreational activities, airline pet policies, pet sitters, pet travel tips, pet travel supplies, along with other pet travel resources. Website: tripswithpets.com End
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