There was a time when traveling with pets wasn’t considered an option for vacationing families. The dog or cat was usually just left behind to be checked on by a neighbor. Today, much of this has changed as more and more people are choosing to include their pets in family vacations. Here are some suggestions on how to make that a more pleasurable and safe trip for all.

Traveling with pets can be fun, if you put a little thought and preparation into the trip before you head out. After all, you wouldn’t pile your kids into the car for a six-hour drive without a way to keep them comfortable, fed, and entertained, would you?

Road Trips with Pets
Dogs are especially used to hopping in the car for short rides to the grocery store or to the park. But, for a longer trip, you’ll need a bit more preparation. The first thing to consider is a reliable pet carrier. It’s not safe to have a dog or cat loose in the car, as any number of things could happen to cause an accident, putting both your family and your pet’s safety at stake.

Before you go on vacation, take a couple of days to let your pet get used to its carrier. Leave it open in the house for the pet to wander in and out of. Don’t force the pet into it, or else it will never want to be in it at all. Once the animal has gotten used to the idea that the crate isn’t a bad thing, then you can take the next step and put the crate in the car. The crate should offer a sense of security, not one of punishment or captivity.

For larger dogs, you can get a gate that fits between the back seat and the back of your vehicle. This will keep the dog in the back where he can stretch out and move around without interfering with your driving. You can buy a harness that works in conjunction with the seatbelts of your car if you have a small, compact vehicle that doesn’t have a large cargo space in the back.

Here are some pet travel tips to keep in mind:

• Be aware of the temperature in the car. If you’re traveling in a direction where the sun is beating down on the window where your pet is sitting, move the pet to the other side of the car where it’s shadier or use shades on the windows. Never leave a pet in a car with the windows rolled up.
• Bring along some Dramamine, as some pets do have carsickness. Ask your veterinarian about dosage before you leave on your trip.
• Come up with a feeding schedule for your pet, and don’t feed your pet in a moving vehicle. Make sure your cat or dog has plenty of water while traveling, though. Take frequent breaks for exercise and “pit stops”.
• Bring along enough of your pet’s regular food to last the duration of the trip. Sometimes an abrupt change in diet can make your dog or cat sick.
• Bring along any health certificates and vaccination records and make sure your dog or cat has a collar with ID tags.
• A small emergency medical kit is a good idea to bring, along with a favorite, familiar toy and a soft blanket.

With these tips in mind, you should have no problems when you are traveling with pets. A little forethought and careful preparation should make for an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

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