If there’s one thing we all learn from staying home on days when we’re supposed to be in work, it’s that our pets are overjoyed that we’re around. The look in their eyes when we leave each morning should be a big enough clue. They don’t want us to go. That’s why when it comes to vacations, many of us consider the possibilities of taking our pets with us. This is made all the more easy if the booking involves a private villa or cabin, as opposed to a hotel. But what else can we do to ensure pet safety during our travels? We’ll get to that in a moment.
First, a kindly word from your dear author. We all love to travel, and the excitement can sometimes blind us from some of the important travel admin tasks that should not be overlooked. For example, if you are traveling abroad, your pet is probably going to need a pet passport. Also, being so far from home can be daunting if things go wrong. You may need a lawyer in the local area.
Regular stops
People need regular pit stops. To stretch their legs, to have a drink, to maybe have something to eat, and if the travel time is particularly long, to sleep. Pets are the same. The thing is, many owners report forgetting to take food and a food bowl, as well as water and a water bowl. Whereas some restaurants and cafés do offer pet friendly services, this is not something that you can rely on to keep your pet refreshed throughout the day. There is also the consideration of toilet breaks. Your pet doesn’t understand instructions like “just hold on for ten more minutes, we’ll pull over soon”. That’s why you should take along a blanket for the express purpose of protecting any upholstery from any unfortunate accidents.
Microchip your pet
For most pet owners, this is a given. Any trip to the vets usually begins with confirmation that the animal has been chipped, so unless your beloved pet has never had a check-up, this is something that will have already taken care of itself. The importance of ensuring that your pet is chipped before traveling any kind of distance is paramount to your pet’s well-being. This is because any ‘wandering’ could result in the authorities taking your pet away. With a chip, you can be contacted.
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The first and most important thing to think about before a trip is whether your animal’s condition allows you to travel: if the pet is very young or, conversely, elderly, or has serious health problems, it is best to leave it at home. For some breeds with flattened snouts (such as Persian cats, bulldogs or pugs), air travel can be completely deadly – they tolerate oxygen deficiency and high temperatures more difficult. If you are in doubt whether it is possible to take the animal with you on a trip, consult your veterinarian – especially if you are traveling this way for the first time.