Organizing a road trip is time-consuming, even without packing, lodging, and route planning. However, taking pets on the road increases stress levels. For many, taking your pet with you on vacation seems natural, while others struggle with whether they should get help while they’re gone or take their pet with them.
If you choose to take your pet with you, a few tips can help you with your planning. First and foremost, a road trip is much easier than a trip where you might fly to your destination. This article will provide tips for traveling with your pets on the road.
Keeping Your Pets Safe in the Car
As much as your children and you might like letting your pet roam freely in your car, it’s not safe. Your pet should be in its pet carrier or utilize a safety harness while you’re driving. You should also make sure nothing is within reach of your pet that might cause them harm. Knowing they are safe and secure while you’re driving is essential.
Take a Few Trial Runs
This is important if you’ve never taken your pet further than the dog park or pet store. Practice taking trips a few weeks before the vacation. You want to make sure your pet can handle the trip without getting sick or becoming anxious. If they can’t, you need to know as soon as possible. At that time, you can talk with your veterinarian about options or consider boarding or in-home service.
Pick a Pet-Friendly Destination
You’ve most likely already thought about this, or you wouldn’t be considering taking your pet, but picking the right pet-friendly destination is key. Where you’re staying is obviously important, but also so are the activities you’ll be doing while you’re there. Are there pet-friendly activities you can do? What are the pet restrictions for venues you might like to visit?
In the past few years, pet-friendly destinations have grown tremendously. You should have a large variety to pick from, depending on what you want to do.
Making a Different Choice
After weighing your options, you may decide that keeping your pet at home is better than traveling with your pet. That’s okay! Switch your gears to the best option for your pet while you’re gone. This might be a boarding center that your veterinarian recommends, help from friends or family, or opting for a service that comes to your home. Whatever you decide needs to be a decision you feel most comfortable with so you can enjoy your vacation away.