You want to bring your pet along for this family trip. The trick is figuring out how you’re going to do this because traveling with a pet isn’t as straightforward as you might think. It just takes a little forward planning.
The following are some things you should consider to make this trip with your pet a bit easier. There’s no reason your favourite family pet should be left at home, we all know pet boarding can get expensive.
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CONSIDER TRAVELLING BY CAR
Ideally, you can do this trip in a vehicle, preferably something big like a travel van or camper. You need something that gives your pet plenty of room to walk around. Yes, of course, pets travel by plane, but it’s a jarring experience, so hopefully, you don’t have to do that. Besides, a family road trip gives you more time with your family, so that’s a positive thing. If you’re traveling by car, be sure to schedule multiple stops throughout the trip. You’re doing this because your pet needs to stretch and feel free; being stuck in a car won’t be good if it’s for a long time.
ThiNK ABOUT A VET
If you’re going to be going on a long trip, it’s crucial to think about your pet’s health. One trip to the vet before taking off should be sufficient for short trips, but longer trips may require care along the way. You need to visit vets along the way. Consider opening a pet savings account to cover the cost of additional veterinary care. Furthermore, talk to your regular vet to see if they have recommendations for reliable vets in other cities and states.
BE SMART ABOUT AIR TRAVEL
If you’re going to be traveling by plane with your pet, make sure you take a few precautions. Air travel isn’t easy for a pet, and it’s not even as safe as it should be. Accidents happen all the time, not to mention your pet will be in danger of feeling too hot or cold during the flight. Ideally, you’ll travel when the temperature is relatively mild. In addition to that, it’s wise to ensure your pet is secured inside the container. It might be a good idea to prepare your pet for the trip a few weeks or months before the flight. Be sure to inform a flight attendant that a pet is in the cargo area. This could incentivize the pilot to take extra precautions while flying the pet.
FINDING A BIGGER PET FRIENDLY PLACE
Traveling with your pet means you should worry about where you’re going to be staying. Hotels are okay if it’s just your family, but with a pet, you might want to consider extended stays or home-sharing services where you get to rent a place for your family. Pets need more space to be comfortable, and it’ll make you feel better, too. Staying in a hotel with a pet means you have to make sure your pet is always near you and must be on a leash. You also need to worry about the damage your pet might cause. If you’re rethinking your accommodations, then you won’t have all those worries hanging over your head. Finding pet-friendly extended stays or home shares will take some time, so try to start early.
START RELYING ON TRACKING TECHNOLOGY
You should invest in tracking technology if you’re going to be taking a long trip with your pet. You’ll want to buy a smart collar you can track with your phone. Pay attention to how long the battery on the collar lasts so that you’re always aware of that. Being in a new place makes it harder for your pet to explore without getting lost. You don’t want your pet to get lost in a whole new area. There are many tracking devices to consider, so read a few reviews until you find one that works best for you. These are usually pretty standard, so your pet should feel comfortable wearing them.
Hopefully, this information makes travel with your pet much more manageable. You could also talk to your vet to see if he or she has some additional pointers for you about this trip you’re planning.
The will be much happier bringing the family pet along and think about all those extra activities you can afford to do now you aren’t paying pet boarding fees.
Safe travels,
Sal, Craig & Our3kids.
