Going to visit Laura and Jeff, your old college buddies, for a vacation but can't bear to leave Scruffy? Then there's places to go and people to see before you begin your journey so everyone can stay safe and enjoy the getaway.
Weeks before you leave:
> Get your friends’ permission. Some people are allergic to certain animals or could even be scared of them.
> Take your animal to the veterinarian so they can get necessary vaccinations including for rabies, protection from kennel cough if you have a dog, and any other shots that may be required for your unique pet.
Talk to your vet about any tranquilizing medications that are safe and could be given to pets that have high anxiety. (Ask about Benadryl, too.)
If needed, get flea and tick prevention.
If needed, get heartworm prevention.
Also ask what the best things are to include in a pet First Aid Kit.
Consider getting them microchipped -- sometimes the only way to find your dog or cat if he or she gets lost, which will also be good when you return home.
Get a health certificate which is required if flying. And some airlines require an acclimation certificate (regarding temperatures in the cargo hold) You need to check with the airlines before seeing your vet.
> Since you would have already announced you'll be coming with your sweet Max, be in touch with your friends to find out if their animals are healthy and how they behave with others.
> Ask if they like other people (the animals, not your friends) and especially men and children if you have any. Note: If they say "Yes" and it turns out the pet really does think they are for nibbles, Max may end up using his carrier a lot.
And that's okay. You're not staying forever. It's best to keep everyone safe.
Note: Some of your lovies may act differently to new people, including being aggressive, when they're traveling since they can get stressed as well. Watch their body language closely.
> Don't forget to ask your friends if they plan on having other people over who might bring pets and how they behave.
> If your best friend isn't accustomed to riding in a car, start taking them with you on errands YOU STAY IN THE CAR TO HANDLE like going to a bank drive-thru or getting a pickup order.
NEVER leave your animal in a parked car. There is no circumstance where that would be an option barring a dire emergency. (Sorry to yell, but I tend to get twitchy when animals are in danger.)
> Get any identification tags, including those that need to go on carriers, you need.
Assuming they're neutered or spayed already, that's something that can relieve any anxieties of BoBo and Whiskers getting frisky with any strangers and if they do, allowing you to go back home without seven puppies.
The WAY in which you travel, by air or by car, will largely affect how you need to carry what you need but what to pack away is generally the same.
If you're traveling by car, have the following readily available:
1. Any medications -- Keep meds you might be taking separate from theirs.
2. Fresh food they normally eat and an ample supply of bottled water
NOTE: Order an extra water if you stop at fast food restaurants to help save rations.
3. Bowls
4. Pooper scooper and "doggie bags" to clean up after them at rest areas and at your friends’ house.
5. Leash
6. Veterinarian's contact information (which should be in your phone, too)
7. Animal Poison Control Center, run by the ASPCA, phone number:
888-426-4435
8. Their normal carrier -- Secure it in the vehicle. MAKE SURE it's large enough for them to stand up and turn around in. Many animals feel comfortable in their "den” and don't feel punished by the confinement. It gives them more mobility than if you buckle them directly in.
Note: Put chew toys in the carrier with them to help pass the time. Something that lasts a while. Also, a few treats. (Always a few treats.)
9. First Aid Kit
10. Identification
11. Favorite blanket
12. Litterbox
13. Cat litter
If you're traveling by plane:
From your vet:
-
Get a health certificate, signed by a licensed/accredited vet, which is required.
-
Get an acclimation certificate if necessary.
-
All necessary vaccinations
-
Flea and tick prevention if necessary
- Heartworm prevention if necessary
To pack:
Everything listed under "If you're traveling by car."
Keep any paperwork and some treats in your carry-on.
Okay, now you're prepared to actually travel! When you arrive, make dog introductions outside, leashed, so their dog isn't as protective and territorial.
Make sure you keep an eye on them while you're visiting so they're not just on their own to possibly break something or get into something toxic.
Don't make your friends become responsible for the care of your pet. It's not their job to feed or take them outside.
If you're traveling with a cat, unless it's Garfield, make sure to keep him or her in the carrier since cats can slip outside easily unseen and they're very resistant to change. They might hide away and feel unnecessary stress unless they're around familiar things. (And that catnip in their carrier is probably looking pretty good right about now.)
Always introduce your dog to new ones outside and on a leash in case guests do visit.
If your dog is a jumper, have them on a leash when new people come in and when you initially see your friends. I know I'm an animal freak but still don't like it when a dog jumps on me. And I blame the guardian, not the animal.
Would someone shove their bawling baby into a person's arms? We don't know the strength someone has. They could be knocked over if jumped on or scratched which can be embarrassing. If your dog is trained enough to travel with you, they should be able to be controlled on a leash.
Walk him or let him run around in a secured backyard! With all the restrictions he's being given, anxiety and energy need to be let out somehow and a long walk is the best medicine.
Make sure you think about your hosts and your animal when you're ready for bed. Keep the door closed so a little Houdini can't escape and don't forget to get that blankie out. Um...for your dog.
Getting ready to leave:
1. Definitely get your hosts a gift and a card since you brought a living thing into their home that could pee on the carpet (and I'm not talking about Uncle Morty.)
2. Vacuum everywhere. Even if your host insists you don't, do it. Hair that is left behind isn't what you want your friends to remember about you.
3. If Spike or Tinkerbell has had an accident on the carpet, offer to get it cleaned and be sure to clean the area yourself. The smell of cat pee. 'Nuff said.
4. Thank your friends profusely for allowing you to bring your animal. Graciousness is always welcomed.
5. Make sure you have plenty of food and water for the trip home especially if you're driving.
Take photos of everyone together! (Those with paws and
those with feet.) You're there to make memories so capture them.
When you get back home, even though you need to go through the mail and unpack the crazy amount you packed, try to get your pets right back into their normal routines. This is best for everybody and especially for our furry ones.
So there it is! It's not easy to travel with a pet but if done right, things will go much more smoothly. And that's a promise on a Scooby snack.
References:
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/traveling-your-pet-faq
"Traveling WIth Your Pet FAQ" by Staff Writer
https://www.aspca.org
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/travel-safety-tips
"Travel Safety Tips” by Staff Writer
https://www.aspcapro.org/topics-animal-health/toxicology-poison-control
"Toxicology and Poison Control” by Staff Writer
https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/pet-friendly-travel/traveling-with-pets
"Traveling With Pets: Your Guide to Flying or Driving With Your Furry Friend" by Lindsay Tigar -- 12-01-20
P.S. If you need blogs that will grab your customers' attention, gimme a shout! Contact me at jenflattosborn@writeawaycreations.com or here. And my tail will be wagging.