Going on a trip can be fun, but it can be even more fun when you have a furry companion to come with you. Travelling with pets can seem complicated at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are four things that you should be aware of when travelling with your pets.
They May Have to Quarantine
Travelling has brought interesting restrictions for everyone, and that doesn’t exclude pets. Depending on where you go, your pet may need to quarantine for a period of two weeks right alongside you once you arrive at or return from a certain destination. Considering this reality is an important factor in making travel plans.
Consider whether or not you feel your pet would be able to behave itself if confined indoors. Would this prolonged stay in an unfamiliar place be something that your pet could handle? Asking these questions can help you gauge whether or not to bring your pet on a certain vacation.
They Get Anxious
Traveling can make pets anxious so you should prepare yourself so that you know how to help calm them down. You’ll want to consider your pet’s specific tendencies and fears as you think about the challenges that travelling could pose for him or her.
There are a variety of ways to help your pets calm down. When it comes to sleeping, your pet may feel uneasy about sleeping in a new place. Think about sleeping conditions beforehand. Will your pet be able to sleep on the furniture? Or will they need to sleep in the crate? If so, you can practice sleeping in the crate a few weeks before the trip to help your pet feel more comfortable. Supplements can also help them relax, when used appropriately in addition to their diet.
Pick the Right Transportation Method
When you’re taking your pet on vacation, it can be a traumatic experience for it. But it doesn’t have to be if you choose the best transportation method for your trip and for it. When you’re travelling by air, you’ll have to deal with additional restrictions to your pet’s travel arrangements.
But be mindful about your pet’s comfort when selecting a pet carrier—there are a lot of factors that affect the comfort of your pet’s carrier. One of the first things to consider is the size. If a carrier is too cramped, your pet will likely feel claustrophobic and may get more anxious. You should also consider putting things like your pet’s favorite toy inside.
If you’re driving, you’ll also want to be mindful of your pet’s needs during the car drive. Before leaving on your actual trip, you can take your pet on short drives in your pet carrier. Doing this can help your pet feel more comfortable with travelling in a car.
Plan Extra Time
Travelling can already be a stressful experience. When you bring your pets along, they can sometimes make situations more stressful if you don’t plan ample time for certain activities. For example, if you’re planning to take your dog on a road trip, you shouldn’t plan on trying to rush the drive time.
If you do, your pet may end up whining and barking out of boredom or frustration. Or worse, they may end up going to the bathroom in the crate. Instead, you should map out your route before the trip in order to identify good spots where your pet can have an exercise and bathroom break every couple hours.
There are a million details to think about when planning your vacation. In the wake of all the packing and planning, don’t forget about your pet. Trying these strategies can help you get started on planning a trip with your pet.
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