More and more people have been traveling with their pets since the pandemic. The Holiday season is no different. Travel during the holidays can be stressful enough with traffic, delays, or finding a place to stay. Here are tips to keep our pets safe, healthy and happy when traveling with them. With a bit of preparation, these travel tips will help keep your pet safe, healthy, and happy for the howl-idays.
1. Safety
Download vaccination records on your phone.
Call your veterinarian and ask them to email you your pet's vaccination records. It's good to have this with you if you need it, especially when you are traveling.
Pet ID
Even if your pet is microchipped, it is helpful to have an ID on their collar. If they get lost, the general public will know that your pet is not a stray one and can help it locate its humans quicker.
Here is what to look for with ID.
Up to date with current, accurate information?
Is the engraving or writing legible and easy to see?
Does the tag show wear and tear?
Is the tag securely in place on my pet's collar?
You are looking for durability. Features like aesthetics and tech are available for those who seek to add to the primary pet ID. The most important thing is to make sure the tag fits your dog's lifestyle ... dangle verse slide on.
Avoid retractable leashes.
They can be dangerous for your pet and others. It's tough to have control over your pet. Once your pet is curious and off to explore, the leash can drop out of your hands or pull you, causing you to drop your phone, harm your arm, shoulder, fall.
Dogs, people, kids can trip or get tangled, causing rope burns, trips, or falls. Dogs can chase something into traffic or get in the space of another dog that isn't as friendly; it's harder to reign the dog back. Retractable leashes do not teach good behavior.
Here is the solution. Get a standard six ft. leash when walking in the city, hotels, going out to restaurants, etc.
2. Healthy
Always travel with a dog water bottle for on-the-go hydration. Hydration is just as crucial for our pets as it is for humans.
Pack healthy snacks and food.
Once you get to your destination, please do not leave dog food in the car. It can spoil, making your dog sick.
Take dog body and paw wipes to keep paws clean from dirt, pollen, mud, etc.
3. Happy
The best way to keep your pet happy when traveling over the Holidays is this; keep their daily routine, feeding times, bedtimes, potty times, socialize with them.
Be considerate of others when traveling—people in hotels, hotel elevators, restaurants.
Visit pet travel sites for places to go with your pet near your destination. Remember, you aren't the only one who may want to escape Holiday chaos.
