We know that traveling with your pet, especially for the first time, can be nerve-wracking. However, with proper planning and preparation, you can make the experience as stress-free as possible for both you and your furry friend.
Whatever the reason, whether you’re moving home cross-country or you just can’t resist taking your pet as a travel companion on vacation. Planning ahead, packing essential items, and allowing your pet to adjust to its new surroundings upon arrival are key, which is why we’ve put together an ultimate guide to traveling with your pet for you.
Whether you’re flying, sailing, or road-tripping your pet’s well-being should always be a priority, whether traveling with your dog, cat, or pet rabbit. As a result, if you’re traveling with your pet, the first step should always be to visit a veterinarian for a pre-travel checkup to ensure your pet is healthy to travel.
Next, be sure to purchase the best pet carrier available to ensure they are traveling in comfort. Cat and dog carriers come in different sizes and shapes, so make sure it’s spacious and cozy, as this can prevent your pets from becoming distressed during a flight or boat crossing.
Finally, whether you’re traveling abroad or journeying out of state, you must ensure you have the necessary documentation and also check that your pet is allowed in where you are going. For example, in South Dakota, you can keep a pet bear on your property, but they prohibit domesticated pigs. Similarly, you can own a bobcat in Arkansas, but you can’t have more than six.
When you’re traveling, you might pack a waterproof jacket, a jumper, or even some shorts, depending on where you’re traveling to or through. This can help make your trip more comfortable along the way, but forgetting an item won’t ruin your trip. However, when traveling with your pet, packing appropriately becomes even more crucial to safeguard your pet will have everything they might need.
Firstly, it’s important to pack items that can help your pet cope during transit and when exposed to new environments. Items such as their favorite blanket or toys provide a level of security and comfort, which can be particularly helpful at times on the journey when they can’t see you in person.
Essential items such as packing enough food, water, and medications can sometimes be overlooked, and it’s important not to rely on trying to find a pet store at an airport or on the road – it can be trickier than you imagine. Additionally, be sure to pack a pet first aid kit, as any minor cuts and scrapes will need to be cleaned and bandaged until you can reach a local vet.
Often, the preferred mode of traveling with your pet involves a road trip – whether you’re moving home or on an exciting vacation adventure on the road. This way, you get to spend more time with your pet, but there are a few precautions you should consider.
It goes without saying how important it is to microchip your pet before you travel whenever possible. New surroundings can startle an animal, and if they run off, microchipping can help you reunite with them faster. You can also help prevent them from running off by securing them safely in the car or RV motorhome during transit, either using a pet seatbelt or harness to keep them safe or traveling with your pet in a spacious, closable cat or dog crate.
If you plan to travel for a few hours or more, we have a few tips to ensure you avoid any unplanned disasters. Try not to feed or let your pet drink too much before you set off because accidents happen, so why ruin a great road trip cleaning up an unwanted mess? Also, it’s critical to factor in exercise stops and bathroom breaks along the way.
Ultimately, if you’re traveling with your furry friend and have to stop along the way, another vital criterion is pre-planning your accommodation. Remember, not all hotels allow pets, so booking ahead at one of Best Western® Hotels & Resorts’ 1,200 pet-friendly hotels across North America can save your pet from sleeping in the car overnight.
Almost as important as the journey itself, arriving at your destination when traveling with your pet also takes some consideration. At the forefront of these is letting your pet acclimate to its new surroundings, which can help calm your dog, cat, or guinea pigs upon arrival.
To do this, set up a comfortable, secure, and safe place for your pet to explore or rest. Air travel and long journeys can be exhausting for pets, so it’s best to let them recover at their own pace.
It might only take a few hours, or sometimes a day or two, but when you feel your pet is ready, take them out and about to explore their new environment. Another top tip is to research pet-friendly activities and locations near you so they can get the exercise and familiarize themselves with the area.
Considering all of these guidelines can help reduce stress levels and ensure a smoother journey – for both you and your pets. However, it’s key to treasure each moment and maximize your enjoyment at every opportunity when traveling with your pet.
After all, the companionship and love your pet provides is the reason they’re traveling with you in the first place, so make the whole experience more rewarding for both of you when you stay at one of our pet-friendly Best Western® Hotels & Resorts along the way.