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Pet Travel Tips for Your Summer Adventures

May 7th 2018

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Raise your paw if you want to go on a vacation!

It’s time for a summer vacay with your pet. The sun is out, temperatures are warming up, and you’re thinking of your first summer getaway for 2018. As pet owners, being able to bring our fur babies along for the adventure is part of the fun. Whether it’s a hike in the mountains, paws in the sand, swimming in a lake, or going on an adventure in a new city, keeping our pets safe and happy is what we pet parents do best!

Here are some quick pet travel tips for your summer adventures together.

  • Updated pet records: First and foremost for any trip, make sure to have health records for your pet and have their vaccinations and tags updated. Also, it may be a good idea to look at the getaway location/city and check to see what their pet related laws are ahead of time.
  • Traveling with pets in a car: If you’re traveling with your pets in a car make sure to pet proof your vehicle. They should feel safe, secure, and comfortable riding along — whether that is in a crate or carrier, a harness, or just the back seat. The benefits of traveling in a car with your pet are that you can stop more often for them to stretch and use the bathroom.  Another great tip for car travel is that you can carry food and water in portable dishes that are spill proof and collapsible like the ones that can be found on Chewy.com.
  • Traveling with pets on planes: If you’re traveling with your pets on a plane make sure to check with the airline for all their pet regulations. Make a vet visit before flying. Your vet will make sure to check your dog’s health for air travel and can also prescribe anti-nausea medicine if needed.

    • Bonus pet travel tip: on the day of travel, tire your dog out as much as possible. Getting any excess energy out before the flight will help your dog calm down and sleep during the flight.

  • Outdoor destinations:  If you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors be prepared for the types of activities done at your destination:
    • Hiking and/or Camping – Keep an eye out for fresh animal signs and steer clear of those areas. While hiking, bugs and insect bites can occur, so have a dog specific repellent on hand like Wondercide Flea, Tick and Mosquito Control Spray for Cats and Dogs.
    • Beach – Pay attention to the temperature of the sand. This can burn the bottom of your pet’s feet, just like cement can.
    • Swimming holes – No matter the swimming hole, remember that not all pets can swim or swim well. Be aware of how well your pet swims and invest in a life vest if needed. Another pet travel tip to note is to keep an eye on your pet and make sure it is not drinking out of the swimming hole. Water from ponds, lakes and oceans can make our furry friends very sick.

    • Bonus pet travel tip: Sunscreen! Like us humans, dogs’ noses and ears are very susceptible to burning.

    Other pet travel tips to think about depending on your destination and adventure are: carrying a first aid kit for your pet (make your own DIY version here) or a mini version for on-the-site quick treatment, checking the weather ahead of time, double checking that your accommodations are pet friendly, and anticipating any other needs for your pet based on their regular schedule and activity. Buckle up; it’s going to be a great time!

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