Going on vacation is great, but it can be very difficult to leave your four-legged friends behind.
If you had a hard time leaving your pets behind the last time you traveled, then you may be thinking about taking your pets with you on your next vacation.
But, before you pack Fido’s suitcase and hit the road, there are some things you need to know. If you don’t properly prepare for a vacation with your pet, a lovely trip could turn into a big disaster.
So, what do you need to do before you bring your pet with you on your vacation?
Read on to learn the top tips for taking your pet on a vacation.
Health Check
If you’re traveling domestically, a health check generally isn’t something you have to worry about. However, if you’re traveling abroad, a health check is definitely something you want to keep in mind.
So take your pet to the vet before hitting the road to make sure they are healthy and that all of their vaccinations are up to date. Also, if you are traveling abroad, be sure to ask your vet if there are any extra vaccinations they will need for the country you’re traveling to.
Depending on your destination, there may be a higher risk for certain diseases, like Lyme’s disease.
Choose Places That Are Pet-Friendly
The best way to ensure that your vacation with your pet goes well is to choose a location that is pet-friendly.
You should first start by researching countries and cities that are pet-friendly. Then, take it one step further by looking into accommodation options that are pet-friendly, like these Dog Friendly Retreats.
In addition to accommodation, you’ll also want to look up different pet-friendly activities that are in the area. For example, if you have a dog, you should make sure there are dog parks in the area as well as doggy daycares if you think you’ll ever be on full-day excursions that require you to leave your pet behind.
Keep Crates in Mind
When traveling by vehicle, your pet should always be contained by a carrier or by a crate that you place in the back seat of the vehicle.
Not only will this protect your pet in the event of an injury, but it will also help prevent distractions.
It’s also important to keep in mind that airlines require your pet to travel in a carrier or a crate. This is necessary whether your pet is traveling below in cargo or in the main cabin. Before you head to the airport, make sure you contact your airline about their pet policy, as each airline’s rules vary slightly.
Make Sure Your Pet is ID’ed
In the event that the worst happens and your pet slips away somehow, you’ll want to make sure that you have them properly tagged beforehand.
Identification means you should have your pet on a sturdy leash and collar at all times. The collar should have identification tags that list contact number, destination phone number, and your name. You should also always carry a picture of your pet with you at all times.
It’s also worth considering some permanent form of identification for your pet, such as a microchip.
With these tips in mind, you’ll definitely have the best vacation with your pet. If you have any questions about these tips for taking your pet on vacation, please let us know in the comments below.