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7 Essential Hacks To Learn If You’re Traveling With Pets

The traveling industry is changing rapidly. A few years ago, traveling with your pets was very inconvenient as finding flights and accommodations that allow pets was extremely difficult.

Even if you did find a way to travel with your pet, you would have to pay extra every step, dramatically increasing your trip cost.

Considering these factors, most pet owners opt to leave their pets behind while traveling, even though hiring sitters or booking pet hostels also costs significant money.

In recent years, though, the industry has finally evolved to cater to pet owners’ needs.

This is because the number of people today who own pets has increased substantially over the last few decades.

More and more people now want to bring their pets along on vacations, especially when exploring nature at places like the many national parks in Tennessee.

Hence, the travel industry has had to adapt to cater to this demand.

7 Essential Hacks To Learn If You're Traveling With Pets

If you have finally decided to take a trip with your favorite furry friend to Gatlinburg, here are some tips and tricks to ensure your vacation goes smoothly.

Research flights and accommodation options

You will see many airlines, hotels, and resorts advertise themselves as pet-friendly when the reality is quite different.

Many of these businesses do not have properly fleshed-out pet policies in place, which can cause problems.

Always do thorough research to know your options. Call customer support numbers or email your choice of accommodation about their policies.

An even better option would be to choose well-known and reliable places to stay, like the pet friendly cabins Gatlinburg has to offer.

You will save yourselves a lot of trouble and enjoy a hassle-free trip.

Keep your pet’s documents at hand

Just as humans need their identification documents like passports while traveling, pets also have important documents that must be presented at various points during the trip.

Always research beforehand what kind of documents you will need.

Preferably, tailor your research to the country you’re visiting because every place has its requirements.

Mostly, what you need is your pet’s health records and proof of vaccination. It is better to make multiple hard copies to keep along with the original documents and save soft copies on your phone.

Pack the essentials

You need to be very meticulous when packing for your pet, maybe even more so than when packing for yourself.

If you forget something important, you might be able to go without it or buy it on the go. But where pets are concerned, it is better to be extra prepared.

First and foremost are the toilet accessories like poop bags and diapers.

Also, pack enough of their favorite pet food to last you the entire trip. It’s not wise to think you can buy pet food at your destination because good pet stores are not available everywhere.

A travel water bowl, leash, their bed, favorite blanket, and some toys will keep them comfortable during the trip.

Most importantly, pack a separate first aid kit for your pet with bandages, flea medicine, antihistamines, and some anxiety medicine.

Make sure you have all your pet’s medication prescriptions with you.

Get the proper travel gear

Depending on the type of vacation you are taking, you might need to buy some special gear to ensure your pet has a good time.

If there is going to be a significant amount of walking, a leash will not suffice and you will have to buy a suitable harness for your pet.

If you are taking a road trip, you will need to buy a crate or carrier and an appropriate seat belt.

Pet carriers can be easily found and will help keep your pet safe.

Learn the local rules and regulations

When traveling to another country, understand that the rules will be entirely different from what you’re used to.

Some countries require proof of rabies vaccinations before they let your pet enter, and some require a certain period of quarantine. It pays to be aware of everything beforehand and plan accordingly.

Apart from these strict regulations, some social rules might be observed in the country you are visiting.

Some cultures are very friendly towards animals, and people might stop you on your way to say hello to your pet.

If your pet isn’t comfortable with strangers, you need to communicate that to any strangers who try to interact with your pet.

Some people like to keep a healthy distance from pets and other animals.

Others are terrified of even the best-behaved animals, and it’s your responsibility as a pet owner to respect that and make sure your pet doesn’t scare them unintentionally.

7 Essential Hacks To Learn If You're Traveling With Pets

Find pet-friendly activities

Before planning your vacation, find out about the area you are visiting. Research the activities you can participate in that will allow you to bring your pet along.

There might be areas that are off-limits for pets and knowing about these beforehand will save you from disappointment.

In addition to researching on the internet, you can use apps like Bring Fido to learn about pet-friendly attractions in the area.

You can also try to connect with local pet owners in the area through social media and ask them about activities in which you can include your pet.

Don’t disturb your pet’s routine

This may seem small, but it will be very beneficial for your pet’s physical and mental well-being.

Try to follow your pet’s daily timetable as closely as you can.

Give them food at their proper meal times and consider their sleep schedule while planning any activity.

This will guarantee that your pet is comfortable and not stressed out during the trip.

Conclusion

Nowadays, it is not only possible to travel with your pet, but you can also have quite an enjoyable trip with your furry friend in tow.

You do not have to worry about handing over your pet to a friend or arranging a sitter.

You can bring your pet along as long as you do your research and prepare yourself accordingly.

Book flights and cabins where pets are welcome and accommodated without you having to pay extra money.

Educate yourself about the rules and regulations of the place you are visiting. Make sure to buy the proper gear and pack all the essentials you will need.

Plan pet-friendly activities to ensure you and your pet have an incredible time and don’t forget to have fun wherever you go.

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