Tips for traveling on vacation with your pet
Most people travel for the holidays and usually take their families with them. There are some who simply cannot live without their pets. If you intend to travel with your pet, you should plan ahead to make the trip pleasant and comfortable for you and the pet.
Travel by car
If you are going on a vacation trip, make sure you don’t let the animal get lost inside your vehicle. You can give your pet a safety harness that can be attached to your car’s seat belt system. Or you can just put your pet in a cage. A pet carrier is also a good idea but could be more expensive as well. Always put your pet in the back seat.
· Travel by plane
If you are travelling to your destination, a pet carrier is essential to comply with airline regulations. Check with the airlines for the dimensions of the pet carrier to make sure you will purchase the correct size. A pet can travel by air in the cabin if it is no more than 22 pounds in weight, 18 inches in length and 11 inches in height.
For international travel, you will need certain documents for your pet before you can take it with you. It would be best if you could give at least 6 weeks allowance to start taking care of the paperwork.
Do not travel with your pet unless you have them checked and vaccinated by the veterinarian. Always carry your animal’s current health certificate and vaccination record with you.
Pet food
Eat plenty of pet food; you can never be sure that your pet’s favourite brand of pet food will be available at your destination, so you better be sure.
Feeding instructions
If you are flying, give your pet a light snack 5–6 hours before departure. Do not give your pet liquid 2 hours before departure. If you are travelling by car, try not to feed your pet while you are travelling.
Put on identification labels
Whether you are taking your pet on a domestic or international trip, it is best if you can attach an identification tag to your pet. The identification tag must contain your home address and telephone number as well as the address and telephone number of your destination.
Before taking off, it is also important to check whether your pet will be welcome at your destination. If you are visiting relatives, you should let them know that you are going to bring your pet. If you are staying in a hotel, check the accommodation rules and regulations regarding pets.
Also, make sure your pet is ready to travel. Animals can be more restless than children on long trips. If your pet has never been away from home, you can start preparing them for travel by taking them to the supermarket, park, or mall.
Finally, try to be as patient as possible. You need to understand that you are not going to take care of your pet alone; you will also have to deal with the reaction of others to your pet.
