Spring Break Travel Tips for Pet Owners
Planning a trip with your pet can be one of your best ideas ever, but it does require a certain amount of planning. We’ll help you anticipate any hurdles in the weeks leading up to your departure, things to watch out for while far from home, and ways to promote your pet’s safety, health, and happiness.
Know Your Pet
Traveling away from home can really throw a wrench into a pet’s normal behaviors. Before you plan a major trip, weekend getaways help lay the foundation. As they grow more comfortable with the numerous demands of traveling, you can gain assurance that your pet feels secure with increasingly longer stretches away.
Pre-Trip Checklist
No matter the destination, it is essential to schedule a pet wellness exam about a month in advance for:
- An official health certificate
- Updated copy of your pet’s medical records
- Vaccination status and parasite prevention methods
Interstate travel and International travel have specific regulations. A travel certificate should be issued within 30 days of entering the state or country of choice. Pay careful attention to the rules of the destination country. Check the current risks to pet health in/around the area you’re traveling to.
Gear and Supplies
Your pet should feel positively about their travel crate or kennel long before you leave. Have back up leashes, collars, water/food bowls, bedding, and toys. Allow them to form attachments with all of their travel supplies so they aren’t shocked by the unfamiliar while leaving their comfort zone.
We encourage you to build a pet first-aid kit and have tools necessary in a pet emergency. Have certain medications on hand, know which animal hospitals can see or treat your pet at your destination, and have their contact information tucked inside your pet’s medical records file.
Traveling With Pets
Before you make any arrangements, the following tips may help with some of the important decisions:
- If traveling by air, speak with the airline about their specific policies or restrictions on breed or size. Know the exact dimensions of your pet’s kennel and read all the fine print to save you time and worry at the airport.
- Speak with the hotel, resort, or property manager/owner about what you can expect during your stay. Be sure you understand their fee structure for possible damage or cleaning, and request information about pet-specific services they offer or facilitate.
- Research the area for parks, trails, or beaches that are worthy of a visit. Similarly, know certain places you can take your pet for dining, shopping, and entertainment (provided your pet’s up for that).
- Car travel may be a better option because you can control how many times your pet gets to stretch their legs, eat, and go to the bathroom (usually every 2-3 hours). Have a secured pet seat or travel harness that keeps them secure while driving.
- Keep your pet’s routine as much as possible while away from home.
- Confirm all aspects of your itinerary a day or two before you leave to reduce any surprises.
If you have questions or concerns about traveling with your pet, please call us at (248) 646–5655. Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates wish you and your pet a fun and safe trip!