Adventure Dogs – Page 2 – Paw Print Pet Blog

Traveling with animals isn't always easy! I remember back in my city days, before I had a car complete with a personal chauffeur (my fiance Chris) I used to have to use public transportation to get around with my pets. Thankfully, many of the trains and buses in the city we lived in allowed animals. Lugging 20 lb Kitsune around in a carrier always made me thankful I opted to keep "small" dogs! Now that we have our own car, traveling with Kit and Fen is a lot easier, although not completely without its hurdles. Keep reading to see our tips for traveling with your pet! [AdsWithin] The winter holidays are fast approaching, and with Covid restrictions easing in many places, people may be starting to plan holiday trips. Traveling seems to be one of those things that some people end up sacrificing if they have pets. I know I always feel guilty about leaving my dogs behind, especially now that Kitsune is getting older. If you're able to, taking your pet on trips with you can be a lot of fun. Make sure you plan your trip ahead of time, to make your travels as stress free as possible for you and your pet. For anyone traveling by car, here are some pet travel tips: Keeping your pet in his/her crate or carrier during travel can help to ensure your pal's safety and comfort. It will decrease the chances of your pet distracting you while you're driving. You can work towards getting your pet used to his carrier before your trip, so it becomes a comfortable/familiar place for them. Always be sure to secure your pets carrier inside your car so it doesn't get jarred around too much. If you plan your trip far enough ahead of time, you can use the extra time to gradually get your pet used to spending time in the car. Help your pet get used to their crate, even take them on short drives so they gets used to the movement of the car. Remember not to leave your pet alone in your vehicle. There's been a lot of awareness raised about the dangers of leaving a pet in a hot car. Cold weather can be just as dangerous! Keep in mind that it's not uncommon for pets to suffer from motion sickness. It's usually best to feed your pet at least three hours before your trip starts, depending on species. But keep in mind that some pets, such as rabbits, should not go without food even while traveling. It might look fun, but don't allow your dog to stick their head out the window. Flying objects can cause injury, especially to sensitive eyes. Create a pet travel kit to bring along with you. It can include items such as a favorite toy, travel papers, food, a first aid kit, and cleaning supplies. Keep in mind that pets may make messes in your car, especially if they are not used to traveling, so plan accordingly. I mentioned travel papers. Especially when traveling across state lines, make sure to bring your pet's vaccination records. Also make sure your pet has some form of ID - a microchip, collar, and/or a travel tag that you can attach to your pet's carrier. Since you are traveling, make sure the contact number listed is one you'll be able to access while away from home. Always Plan Ahead! If you are traveling by some means other than car, it's still important to plan ahead of time. Some forms of public transportation that allow pets require you to check in earlier than normal if you have a pet with you. Not all trains (etc) allow pets. Some charge extra for "pet tickets" and require you to book in advance. Always call ahead to ensure you are well prepared on travel day. Make sure that once you reach your destination your pet will have a safe place to stay, whether it's at a family member or friend's house, or in a pet friendly hotel. Remember that traveling, then being in new surroundings, can be a stressful experience for your pet. Some pets will adapt better to traveling than others. Make sure you provide your pet with a quiet, safe place to relax and de-stress. Comment below! Do you travel with your pet(s)? What are some things you do to make sure your adventures are a pleasant experience for everyone?