Summer is almost here. For many people, that means family vacation time. Since most Americans consider their pets to be members of the family, it wouldn’t be a vacation without bringing their pet along. Unless you want your vacation to look like a National Lampoon’s movie, here are some special considerations you should address before traveling with your pet. 

For starters, do your homework and make sure your destination is pet friendly. For example, if you were planning to bring the family pooch to Yosemite to enjoy the great outdoors, you would be disappointed to learn that dogs are not allowed on the hiking trails, even on leash. Although the National Parks were established to make the great outdoors accessible, they were also set up to protect these lands. Unfortunately, even well-behaved dogs can disturb these delicate ecosystems. The main point is to do your homework and find-out ahead of time. If you’re okay with staying in the campground with your dog, then it may not be an issue for you. If you really want to take your dog on a hiking trail, you may have to choose another destination, like a National Forest. Check ahead of time to avoid any last-minute surprises that could put a damper on your trip.

Another consideration is lodging. Fortunately, the Internet is a great resource for finding pet-friendly lodging. There are numerous websites and even apps for your smart phone to help you find pet-friendly hotels. Just call to confirm their policies and to get the details. For example, some hotels may have a size limit or a restriction on the number of pets. Some hotels even cater to pets and offer special pet-friendly services to make your pet feel right at home. For more information about pet-friendly lodging, check-out my travel blog.

Before embarking on your adventure, make sure your pet is healthy enough to travel. This is especially true if you are traveling by plane. Take your pet to a veterinarian to ensure that our pet is healthy, up to date with immunizations and parasite preventatives before you go. For example, if you are traveling to an area where heartworm is endemic, and your pet isn’t already on heartworm preventatives, you will need to get them tested and started on heartworm preventatives. Likewise, if you are traveling out of state or by plane, you will need to ask your veterinarian to give your pet a health certificate. I also recommend getting a copy of your pet’s vaccination record to bring along with you. Your veterinarian can also prescribe medications if your pet gets anxious or stressed when traveling. 

Depending on how you are traveling, your needs will differ. If you are traveling by plane, you will need an airline approved carrier. If you are traveling by car, you may need a car seat if your pet is small. My dog Jett love sitting in his K&H bucket booster seat. It allows him to look out the window and gives me peace of mind knowing that he is safe. If you have a large dog, you may need a barrier to keep them contained. I’m not sure my big dog Marley likes the K&H travel safety barrier, but I like knowing that he is safely in the back rather than trying to sit on my lap.

Before going on a long road trip with your dog, I recommend getting them used to riding in a car. Start by taking you dog on frequent, short car trips. The goal is to get them used to riding in a car and making the experience positive with lots of praise and treats. My dogs love Wellness® Old Mother Hubbard® Wholesome Indulgences Treats (soft natural dog treats made with real bacon) and now expect them after every car ride! I strongly recommend bringing treats when you travel with your pets. Treats also come in handy when traveling by plane and helps make the experience positive for your pets. And if you travel with your cat or your cat is feeling left out, Wellness® Lickable Treats are my cats’ favorite treat.

Finally, as all seasoned travelers know, making a checklist of what you and your pet will need for the trip is crucial. Since many restaurants don’t allow dogs, and even dog-friendly restaurants don’t have a menu for their canine clients, may sure you bring enough dog food for the entire trip. Don’t forget to pack food and water bowls, their bed, and favorite toys and treats. As previously mentioned, bring a health certificate, their vaccine record and any medications they are taking. Don’t forget to bring their collar with I.D. tags and a leash. I also recommend getting a microchip (if your pet doesn’t already have one) for your pet since collars and tags are not foolproof. Finally, it goes without saying, never leave your pet in an unattended car since they can overheat and die within minutes.

Traveling with your pet may require some additional planning, but with a little planning, it can give you and your family some priceless memories.  

Be sure to check out my pet-friendly resource page for some great pet-friendly restaurants, hotels and more.

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