Many of us travel to be with our families this summer and we don’t want to leave our furry friends behind. Summer is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. Traveling can be a stressful and challenging thing to do, not only for us, but for you animals as well. Here are some tips to help you travel easier with your animals this summer.
Health checks
Make sure your animal is up to date with all its shots and vaccinations before you head out on your trip. A check-up to make sure your pets are in the right condition to travel is not a bad idea, especially if they’re a little bit older. Don’t forget to bring their regular food with them, along with bottled water.
Crates
If you don’t have one already, crates are a great investment, especially when traveling. Crates will keep your animals safe when traveling by car and airlines require them. The crate will help keep your pets contained when you arrive at your destination. Along with keeping them out of trouble, crates can be used as beds. When deciding on the right crate, make sure your animal has enough room to stand up, turn around, and lay down.
Traveling by car
When traveling by car, keep the car well ventilated. If you do end up taking them in a crate, make sure fresh air can flow into the crate. If your pets tend to get car sick, have them travel on an empty stomach, but remember to keep them well hydrated. Stop frequently so your animals can have a potty break and stretch their legs. Don’t ever travel with your animals in an open truck bed, it is extremely dangerous and can lead to severe injuries or even death.
Traveling by plane
If traveling by plane, check the airline’s website for rules and regulations because they tend to differ from company to company. All airlines require health certifications and proof of vaccinations. Dogs must be in airline-approved crates and as for small dogs, they can ride in carriers under your seat.
Identification
Lastly, make sure your animals identifications are in order. In the event that your pet gets away from you, you want people to be able to identify them and contact you easily. You may want to consider a microchip, which is very useful in case your animal’s collar comes off.