5 Ideas for Easier Pet Friendly Vacations
It’s hard to leave your pet when you go on vacation, so why not take them along? We’ve put together five ideas for easier pet friendly vacations, so you won’t have to decide to keep your best friend at home.
Choose the Right Location
Stress-free pet friendly vacations start by planning the best location. If your pet is active and you enjoy outdoors, camping is a great option. Many campgrounds welcome pets, but check for leash requirements before booking. Try to find a spot with trails to explore and maybe a lake to splash in.
If the great outdoors aren’t quite your thing there are large chain pet friendly hotels that offer fantastic pet amenities. You can find pet friendly hotels at officialpethotels.com. Some hotels even have a Director of Pet Relations on staff.
Flying with Your Pet
Flying with your pet can be risky, so it’s important to discuss your travel plans with your pet’s vet first. When booking the flight, make sure the agent knows all the specifics of your pet and discuss the risks if your pet needs to fly in cargo. If size of breed makes it possible, have them fly with you in the cabin since temperatures in the cargo area of the plane can be unpredictable. If flying seems too stressful, see if you can get to your destination by train, or make time for an awesome road trip.
Visit the Vet
Before heading out on your adventure, you need to book an appointment with the vet. All vaccinations should be up to date and make sure they have enough medication for the entirety of the trip. Also ask if they have any recommendations for 24 hour emergency care at your destination (If not, google a few options before heading out). If you’re crossing any borders, be aware of the proper vet documents they may need. It’s best to be prepared.
Make Them Comfortable
If this is their first time venturing away from home, it’s important to make them comfortable on the trip. If using a crate, train your pet well before departure that it is a safe, secure place – not a place of punishment. To ease pets that get anxious, bring along a toy, blanket or other item that reminds them of home. If you’re going on a road trip and bringing your dog, stop often for bathroom breaks and to burn off a bit of energy. It will make for a better experience for both of you!
Identification
The last thing you want to be thinking about when planning your trip is the possibility of your pet going missing, but it does happen. Both dogs and cats should be properly collared with up-to-date information. If possible, consider getting your pup microchipped. If crossing borders, bring all your dog’s identification papers with you in case officers need to see them.
Discover other ideas for easier pet friendly vacations and more at the Canadian Pet Expo – Promoting Responsible Pet Ownership.