A road trip alone requires strategic planning that includes preparing where to stop and rest, where to stop and stop to check out the sights. The road trip becomes even more burdensome when four-legged friends are along for the ride.
With pleading eyes, unending kisses, and eagerly wagging tails, how could travelling with pets be anything but the finest vacation idea ever composed? After carsickness, unexpected bladder accidents, late night pursuits for motels that allow pets, and frantic pet preparation for a flight, the once good idea to bring the best friend on a family vacation may lead to animosity toward the oblivious furry family member.
Understanding the unique needs of animal passengers makes travel more enjoyable for all.
Preventing Animal Accidents In The Vehicle
As the wind embraces a pet’s flowing locks, the exhilaration of the open road is interrupted when an unsettled expression overtakes the traveling pooches face. Then, the seat is littered with the animal’s stomach contents. The vehicle is immediately evacuated. Time is lost as the vehicle is thoroughly disinfected. While sympathy for the pet is the last feeling any of the family wants to concede to the woozy animal, motion sickness is common for pets as well as humans.
Fortunately, for humans, they can indicate to others of their discomfort.
One tip is to get the pet acclimated to vehicle travel on short trips before embarking on that coast-to-coast adventure. Limit the amount of wind on a pet. Irritation of the pet’s eyes can occur if an animal is allowed to monitor the world with its head outside the window.
As a pet becomes accustomed to the car in short practice rides, owners should also instruct proper pet behavior in a vehicle. Dogs should lie quietly, not bothering drivers or passengers. Crates and folding kennels are available for canines and felines. Cats are more likely to be skittish in vehicles. Depending on the cat, some will find a place to lie down. Others may need to be confined in a crate.
During rest stops, a pet should be on a leash when outside the vehicle. Even well trained pets can become frightened and run. A harness is also highly recommended. Pets should be properly tagged with update vaccinations.
Remember to pack a pet travel kit that includes food and water dishes, pet food, a can opener (if necessary), a favorite toy, brush or comb, treats, and a blanket. Other items to consider are deodorizing spray for the vehicle and motel, paper towels, plastic bags, and a scooper.
An Overnight’s Stay
While most find the glowing vacancy sign a promising end to a full day of traveling on a road trip, those riding with pets should plan ahead by reserving a room at a pet-friendly inn. Prepare a list of hotel chains on the route that allow pets in case travel is slower or faster than expected.
Many websites, including Petsonthego.com, provide lists of hotels and motels that welcome animal traveling partners as well as pet friendly resorts, parks, shopping, beaches, and restaurants. Pet owners should also learn local leash laws in areas where they plan to occupy for a longer period of time.
Flying With Pets
Airlines rules vary on pet travel so check with your selected airline, and in most instances, pets travel either as cargo or as checked baggage. PetTravel.com lists pet travel regulations for various airlines. TSA officials screen animals allowed to ride in the cabin with the owner.
Be prepared to take a pet out of its carrier for screening. The owner can walk the pet through the metal detector, or go through a physical and visual inspection, but pets are never sent through an x-ray machine. The less you carry like keys, purse, and carry-on items enables better handling of a pet during screening. When taking a pet on a road trip or airplane, consider getting a mild sedative from a veterinarian to keep the animal calm.
If boarding an animal at a relative, neighbor, or friend’s house, kennel, hiring a professional pet sitter, or having a relative visit the house to check on pets regularly is not feasible, or unwanted, proper preparation will allow a pet to travel with the household on a family trip.
The trip can be enjoyable, and the family can have a memorable vacation, even while managing a pet’s unique needs.
Sources:
“Airline Pet Policies,” PetTravel.com, http://www.pettravel.com/airline_rules.cfm
“Pet Travel Unleashed,” Pets on the Go, Dawbert Press Inc., http://www.petsonthego.com/
“Traveling with Pets,” Seniors-Site, http://seniors-site.com/travel/pets.html