Be prepared when taking pets on trips
So many of us regard our pets as furry little children that it's only natural that we'd like them to join us everywhere we go. And with more hotels, motels and resorts catering to four-legged guests, the concept of vacationing with our dogs and cats may have a new appeal.
But pet experts say a few moments of planning can make a huge difference in the trip's outcome.
Nancy Fulmer of Twinbrook Animal Clinic in Middlesex Township said veterinarian Dr. Leeann Oliver always tells her clients the “biggest suggestion to consider? Do a trial run. Don't just decide to go on a weeklong trip and put your pet in the car for the first time. Make sure your pet is able to travel first.”
Be prepared to crate your pet, said Dr. Lacey Davis, also of Twinbrook. While some pets may enjoy looking out the car window, it's important they still are braced for a jolt in the event of a hard stop or fender bender.
The Butler County Humane Society keeps on hand an example of a car seat designed for pets. But director Lynette Vybiral said there are many types, forms and shapes on the market that work well.
There's many choices for traveling with dogs, ranging from a cage in the back of a vehicle to seats that attach by way of seat belts, similar to child safety seats.
“If there's a sudden stop, you don't want them to fly forward,” Vybiral said, noting the success of these devices is a little dependent on the temperament of the pet and its past experience with travel.
“Dogs who are used to traveling love it,” she said.
For those animals a little less enthused, Vybiral suggests owners look into getting a calming prescription from a veterinarian or trying supplements available in pet stores.
“For cats, you always want to have them in a cage or carrier and contained because they could get underfoot and that would be dangerous for everyone,” Vybiral said. “For trips that are less than 10 hours long, experts do not recommend putting litter in with the cat. Anxiety is so high, they won't use it, and it gets messy.”
Vybiral suggests pet owners call ahead and make sure their overnight accommodations accept pets. While not all hotels and motels accept pets, others offer extravagant services such as on-sight pet beds and food in the lobby.
Additionally, Dr. Janine Callen of Twinbrook said travelers should get a copy of their pets' medical records before traveling. Some states require the pet owner to be in possession of a health certificate from a veterinarian.
Callen suggests pet owners check out the regulations in advance, remembering to look at each state the pet will travel through as well as the destination state.
And if the pet owner is staying in a foreign location for more than a week, Vybiral suggests bringing a jug of their home water.
“Different water can mess with digestion, and no one wants that,” she explained. “You can transition, increasing the percentage of local water your pet drinks as you go along.”
Finally, Vybiral suggests traveling with some of your pets toys or bedding.
“If they have some of their own creature comforts, they are less likely to be destructive,” Vybiral said.
Even the best prepared pet owners can be caught off guard and lose a pet in an excited situation. That's why many experts suggest pet owners have microchips embedded in their animal to help relocate them before traveling.
Additionally, traveling pet owners are encouraged to pack a photograph of their pet to aid in a search if necessary.
Here is a suggested packing list for traveling with a pet:✓ Leash✓ Water from home✓ Bowl✓ Food✓ List of veterinarians near the destination✓ Bags to pick up waste✓ Grooming tools✓ A copy of your pets health records, including rabies vaccine status✓ Lint roller✓ Toys✓ Pet first-aid kit
