Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother’s house we go. And some of us will be making that trek with our pets in tow. Traveling with pets has it’s own challenges and since more people travel with their pets around the holidays, we thought we’d share some tips to make the journey a little smoother.
Before You Go
Traveling with pets requires some advance preparations. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with tags that are up to date. If your pet is not micro-chipped, consider having that done as well but do not use micro-chipping as a replacement for a sturdy collar and set of tags with phone numbers on it.
Pack up your pets toys, leash, harness or collar and their food. Changing a pet’s food too quickly can cause stomach upset. Pack a gallon of water in the car (or more depending on how long your drive is) so that you will have access to fresh water for your pet.
Traveling by Trains, Planes and Automobiles
The simplest way to travel with your pet is by car. Your pet should travel in a crate that is strapped in so it is stable. They make dog seat belts and seats, but these have not been proven to be effective during crashes so we recommend a crate to keep your precious pet safe. Car trips means you can take frequent stops for exercise and potty breaks.
Traveling by air over the holiday season can be a challenge for even the most patient human. We don’t recommend traveling by air with pets. Even in the cabin, the trip can be incredibly stressful for pets. If you must travel by air with your pet, provide them with a blanket or towel in their crate for warmth and in case of accidents. To help keep them hydrated fill the water dish for the crate with water and put in the freezer the night before. This way, it will slowly thaw and allow your dog to have some water during the trip.
Trains do not currently allow pets on board so if you are traveling by train, you will have to leave your furry family members behind.
If you are traveling long distances, consider leaving your beloved pet with a relative or with a trusted pet sitter.
Safe travels from all of us at Addiction Pet Foods!
