Road Trips with Your Pet: Tips to Remember

Many people love to take their household pets along when they go away for a short vacation or a long weekend. Unfortunately, people all to often do not plan ahead and end up with a number of unanticipated issues on their hands. Avoiding unpleasant situations is possible. When driving, there are a few basic tips that will make the trip a lot more enjoyable for you and your pet.

For road trips, it is very important to make sure your pet is safe and secure. Don't allow the pet to move freely around the interior of the vehicle. For smaller pets, always use a well vented travel cage that can be secured to the seat. For larger pets, consider installing a mesh screen between the front and back seats. This will prevent a larger dog or cat from constantly moving back and forth, and possibly blocking your view or landing on your feet at just the wrong moment. The restraints will also serve to protect your pet in the event that an traffic accident does occur.

Never leave home without identification and medical information on your pet. Should you become separated dog tags with your home address and cell phone can make it easier to reunite master and pet. Having the medical information along will come in handy if you need proof your pet has had the proper shots or in the event that your cat or dog required medical attention during the trip.

Just as people sometimes experience motion sickness on a long drive, pets can also become queasy. Speak with your vet ahead of time and get some ideas on what to take along for your dog or cat to handle this type of problem. For light cases, ginger treats designed for pets may settle the stomach. However, if your pet has a hard time with traveling, a prescription medication issued by a qualified vet may be the answer.

While some pets love the idea of traveling, others are very agitated by the experience. Try a pheromone collar to help alleviate the anxiety. A hanging air freshener, especially lavender, may also help to calm your pet and make the trip more enjoyable.

Lodgings are also very important. Never assume your pet is welcome at a motel or hotel. Make reservations at an establishment that is pet friendly in advance. Make sure you understand any regulations regarding pets is discussed before you book the reservation. Also determine if any extra fees are charged for the pet or if any other information is required ahead of time. This will make the check in process less stressful for you and for your pet.

To help your pet feel more at home in strange surroundings, take along a few familiar items such as chew toys, scratching poles or a favorite pillow or blanket. Animals sometimes experience great anxiety when in a room that feels and smells differently. The familiar texture and scent of well known items will go long way to helping your dog or cat relax and enjoy the time away from home.

Never leave your dog or cat unattended in your hotel room. Pet friendly motels and hotels often have areas where pets can be left while you go out to dinner or take in a local tourist attraction. These supervised areas usually have to be booked in advance, so make allowances and schedule accordingly.

Traveling with a pet can be a lot of fun, as long as you plan ahead. By making sure your pet is safe and happy during the traveling and feels at home at the destination, both of you can return home rested and happy.