The holidays are one of the busiest seasons for travel, and it is the perfect time to take your pet along with you. Whether you are off on a ski vacation, visiting family or perhaps enjoying the magical feeling of a Swiss village at Christmas time, having your best friend along will make your trip more memorable and enjoyable.
Here are some holiday pet travel tips for your pet:
Pet Identification - Keep Your Pet Safe Be sure to consider your pet's identification before you leave. Should your pet be separated from you, it is crucial that your pet be identified. More than 80% of unidentified pets who are lost are never reunited with their owners. That is a scary number and should be be taken seriously.
So, what can you do to protect your pet? Use pet ID tags with your cell phone number are great since there will not be anyone at home to answer the phone. If you are going to be spending a couple of weeks in one place, consider buying a second Pet ID tag with the contact information on where you will be staying.
You should really consider the added safety of a pet microchip. If your pet is separated from you, a shelter or a veterinarian can read the chip, and they can then track you down through a worldwide database.
Plan Ahead Any good vacation merits planning. Get airline reservations early as the airlines limit the number of pets per flight. Hotels can limit the number of pet rooms they have available. Don't wait until the last minute.
Get a good pet crate or carrier Pet crates or pet carriers are a great way to keep your pet safe when traveling in the car. Unless a pet is confined or harnessed, its behavior can cause great distraction to the driver of the vehicle. As much as we all like our smaller pet in our lap, it is detrimental to the safety of the pet, the driver, and the passengers riding in the car. Crate your pet or use a pet harness. If you are flying, a good pet crate or pet carrier is a must. This is your pet's safe place; where they feel secure. Get the carrier or crate early and make it secure and safe for your pet.
Don't leave your pet alone! In hot climates, temperatures in an automobile can climb very quickly even when the windows are slightly open. No matter where you are when you travel, when you leave, your pet will react by trying to find you. Should they escape from their tethers, they will be at great risk.
Bring food and water If you are traveling by car, be prepared by having a supply of water in portable pet water food bowls. You may not find the brand of pet food that your pet is accustomed to where you are going, so bring extra food with you.
Know your hotel Call your hotel and ask them about their hotel pet policies. Avoid surprises when you arrive. A great majority of pet friendly hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts that accept pets but they do not always accept all types and sizes. It is important to make your reservations in advance.
Know your airline's pet policy
Traveling by air can be stressful for both you and your pet. Know your airline's pet policy so there will be no surprises at the airport that could ruin your vacation.
Learn about your destination Research pet services in your destination. Find the nearest veterinarian. Find the nearest dog parks and pet friendly restaurants. International destinations require special veterinary certificates. When traveling to most countries, there will be no quarantine of your pet, but you must have the proper forms. Advance planning pays off when you arrive at your destination.
Keep it normal When traveling, keep your pet on their normal schedule by feeding them and taking them for their walk as close to the regular time as possible. Be sure to pack a supply of plastic bags to take along on those walks.
Keep calm Stay away from medical tranquilizers for your pet and instead give them an all natural pet calmer that will make them less anxious.
Be considerate Although there are many pet lovers in this world, there are some that do not feel comfortable around pets. Respect others by restraining your pet when necessary.
So whether your destination is Grandma's house, a mountain cabin, or a ski resort in Switzerland, your pet can travel with you safely and comfortably if you plan.
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