Pet Sitting Lafayette: Bringing Your Pet to Family Vacations
Summer is the time to travel, to explore the world around us and to enjoy a slice of something different. For many people, there’s no family vacation without their favorite four legged friend! If you’re thinking of traveling with your pet this summer, you should prepare yourself, and your pet, for the travel experience.
Keep in mind that pets can experience anxiety in unfamiliar situations- especially situations with loud noises and crate travel. Taking the time to prepare your pet for travel can ease their trip anxiety and make it an easier trip for yourself as well. A little familiarity can go a long way to easing the stress of travel on your pet.
Get Your Pet a Checkup Before Your Trip
Whether it’s a dog, cat, or other pet, it is always a good idea to get a veterinarian check up before leaving on a long trip. Make sure all of your pet’s vaccinations are up to date, and that you have proof of those vaccinations. If you’re traveling internationally there may be certain requirements for the country you are visiting. You can check here to see what those restrictions may be. Remember, they may have changed since the last time you traveled to that country, so check the current regulations. Interstate travel also requires you to have proof of your pet’s health status.
Bring Fido’s Rabies Vaccination Record
No matter how long your trip, you should bring a copy of your pet’s recent rabies vaccination. You will also want to bring an up to date vet record with you, in case of any accidents or emergencies while traveling. You will need a health certificate from your vet to accompany the rabies certificate if you are flying your pet on a commercial airline. This applies for both under the seat and in the cargo area travel.
For Plane trips
- Book direct a direct flight, if possible. If your pet is traveling as cargo, they will be left on the plane while it’s waiting, no matter the weather. The less time spent in transit, the better your pet’s quality of vacation will be!
- Tape a bag of food to the outside of the carrier, with extra in case of delays or layovers.
- Use a USDA approved carrier- your pet should be able to stand up and turn around comfortably. Follow the rules for your specific airline regarding carriers and how they should be fastened.
- The ASPCA recommends that you freeze a dish of water and put it in the carrier. That way, it won’t spill during loading, and will be thawed by the time your pet needs water.
- Line the carrier with pet pads or shredded newspaper for accidents.
- Put your Contact information on the outside of the carrier on a heavy duty tape.
- Put a tshirt or pillowcase of yours into the carrier. Having your scent nearby your pet while they’re in transit may help their anxiety levels.
- Most vets recommend not giving your dog or cat something to make them drowsy on the flight, due to breathing problems. There are still medication options for very high-stress animals, though, available through your veterinarian.
For Car Rides
- Get your dog used to the car with short rides before taking him on long trips. Some dogs do better fasting for a a few hours before car rides, while others need a meal.
- Be prepared for accidents- bring plenty of paper towels, cleaner, and trash bags.
- Remember that dogs need to stretch (and use the bathroom) just as often, if not more than you do. Take frequent breaks on long road trips with plenty of time for water, bathroom, and a short walk.
- Make sure you’re in a vehicle that can safely carry your family and the pets. Cats should be in a carrier, and dogs are best harnessed and connected to the LATCH system of your car, or in a carrier if they’re small enough. Always use an approved carrier for long trips, where your pet can easily sit, stand, and turn around fully.
- Bring all medications your pet may need, plus a written prescription if possible.
- Bring a pet-friendly travel kit with a water bowl, food bowl, waste scoop, plastic bags, blanket, grooming supplies, and a doggy-friendly first aid kit. We talked about this kit last time, but you can make your own with vet-approved dog-safe products.
- NEVER leave your pet unattended even for a few minutes in a car. In the summer it can reach unbearable heat levels inside of a car within just a few minutes, even with the windows down. In the winter, your car acts like a refrigerator, keeping the cold inside and potentially harming your pet from hypothermia or worse. ALWAYS take your pet with you, or have a family member stay with the pet in the car.
- Don’t let your dog hang his head out of the window- if he can get his head out, most likely he can get all the way out of the window. Road debris can also do damage to his eyes or face, so while it may be fun to watch him enjoy the wind, a small crack in the window should suffice.
Pet Sitting Lafayette: Leaving Fido at Home With Off Road Paws
If you’re not sure whether or not to take your pet with you on vacation, then perhaps you should get a pet sitter! Off Road Paws offers pet sitting Lafayette, Broomfield, Louisville and surrounding areas that will keep your pets happy and engaged while you travel. The veterinarian-trained staff have the knowledge and know-how that will keep your pet safe and sound while you’re away. Whether it’s pet sitting Lafayette, Broomfield and Louisville, or dog walking (and trail running too), Off Road Paws can do it for you, and for Fido. Call today to book a pet sitter for your vacation!