{"id":431,"date":"2017-11-20T18:54:25","date_gmt":"2017-11-20T23:54:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wp.pawboost.com\/index.php\/2017\/11\/20\/2017-11-20-on-the-road-with-your-pet-top-tips-for-holiday-travel\/"},"modified":"2023-09-11T16:56:21","modified_gmt":"2023-09-11T20:56:21","slug":"2017-11-20-on-the-road-with-your-pet-top-tips-for-holiday-travel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pawboost.com\/blog\/2017-11-20-on-the-road-with-your-pet-top-tips-for-holiday-travel\/","title":{"rendered":"On The Road with Your Pet: Top Tips for Holiday Travel"},"content":{"rendered":"

On The Road with Your Pet: Top Tips for Holiday Travel<\/h1>\n

It\u2019s once again the most wonderful time of the year \u2013 and while we may have less hours of light these days, the season for spending more time with family and friends is upon us. And that may include bringing our furry loved ones along for our journeys over the rivers and through the woods to Grandmother\u2019s house!<\/p>\n

As you begin gearing up for the holiday season, you will need to determine if you are going to bring your pet along for the travel adventures. The truth is that not every pet can handle long-distance travel, so be sure to thoughtfully consider whether your pet\u2019s overall temperament and\/or any physical conditions or illnesses they have may create an overly stressful travel experience for both them and you.<\/p>\n

\" Photo Credit: StockSnap via Pixabay<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Pre-Travel Preparation<\/strong><\/h2>\n

After you\u2019ve made the decision to bring your pet along for the ride, there are a couple of key things you can do before even pulling out of the driveway to help make your furry loved one\u2019s journey as comfortable as possible.<\/p>\n

Check In with Your Vet<\/em><\/h3>\n

Plan to pay a visit to your regular veterinarian in advance of any travel to ensure that your pet\u2019s vaccinations are up-to-date and meet all international requirements. During this visit, don\u2019t forget to ask for health certificate that is signed and dated for the day of the check-up. Your veterinarian may also have good advice for how to reduce your furry friend\u2019s travel anxieties with relaxation techniques and\/or methods to help them avoid motion sickness.<\/p>\n

It is a good idea to plan to bring along a copy of your pet\u2019s most recent medical records and the contact information for your pet\u2019s medical team during your trip should you need an unexpected health consultation. You may also consider proactively asking your veterinarian for a list of their recommended medical references or veterinary office near your travel destination.<\/p>\n

\" Photo Credit: skeeze via Pixabay<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Tag <\/em><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s always best to ensure that your pet\u2019s identification tags have your up-to-date contact information and home address, and it becomes even more important if you are taking your pet on the road. Prepare for the worst by ensuring that your pet has securely fastened and accurate identification tags or is microchipped with a functioning implant<\/a> before starting off for your holiday festivities.<\/p>\n

You may also consider adding a temporary identification tag that includes the address and contact information for your final destination. Additionally, plan to have on file a high resolution, recent full-front photo of your pet; In the unfortunate event that your pet gets lost during your travels, having an up-to-date photo ready will make it easier to quickly begin the search process.<\/p>\n

Practice Restraint <\/em><\/h3>\n

By Car: According to the pet travel resource Trips With Pets<\/a>, securing the proper restraint (whether it is a crate, pet seatbelt or other vehicle pet barriers) is one of the most crucial and most ignored elements of pet travel. Trips with Pets notes that pets (particularly dogs) who can roam free during motor vehicle travel are more likely to get injured and to unintentionally distract drivers, which could increase the probability of an accident.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Living in Monrovia vis Flickr<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Be sure to check out Trips With Pets\u2019 website to learn more about the right vehicle restraint or carrier (best for cats!) option if you are planning to take your four-legged friend along for holiday motor travel. Once you select the proper crate (ensuring that it is well-ventilated) for your pet\u2019s needs, you should some time helping them adjust and feel comfortable by taking them on short drives in the travel compartment carrier.<\/p>\n

Reserve Pet Friendly Accommodations <\/em><\/h3>\n

Expecting a long journey that will require overnight stays before reaching your destination? Then definitely do a little research to find hotels or other accommodations along your route that accept pets!<\/p>\n

Travel With Pets<\/a> has resources to assist in your search and recommends that you book rooms in advance as some accommodations may be limited.<\/p>\n

BringFido<\/a> is another good resource for finding accommodations that allow furry companions. It allows you to search pet-friendly hotels and activities along your travel route.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re more the Air BnB<\/a> type than you are the hotel type, make sure to check the amenities in the listing of your host\u2019s home to see if pets are allowed there before booking.<\/p>\n

\"Photo Credit: Burst via Pexels<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Prepare a Travel kit<\/em><\/h3>\n

Last but not least, you will need a little time before taking off to gather all the essentials that will make your pet\u2019s journey more comfortable and calming. Consider including the following items in your travel kit so that your trip will go as smoothly as possible:<\/p>\n