Travel Vacation Secrets: Traveling With Pets

If you have pets, you need to consider them when it comes to vacations. If you choose to take them with you, this means extra preparation and planning.

The first consideration is to ensure that your pet is healthy before you go. Have a vet check them out, and make sure vaccinations are up to date, and stock up on any medications your pet requires. Health certificates are required if you are flying, stating that your pet is sufficiently healthy to fly. You should ask your airline about this, because the certificate may have to be dated within a few days of your departure. If you are concerned about your pet becoming anxious on the journey, your vet may provide a mild sedative. Traveling can be quite stressful for animals, and if your pet is elderly or sick, it might be a good idea to leave them behind at a kennel or with a friend.

The next travel vacation secrets for pets relate to packing. A sturdy carrier is a good idea either for flying or driving, and if flying you should check airline specifications on this. Pack your pet's toys and bedding. Make sure you have a functional, sturdy collar and leash for a dog. For a cat, you will need litter and litter box, and all pets should have a collar with tags which identify them if they get lost. Your pet could become scared in a new place and run off, so a tag on the collar with contact details is a good idea. Another tip is to have your pet's medical history, a copy of which can be obtained from your vet, in case your pet gets sick while away.

If you are flying, try to book the most direct, shortest flights possible, and make arrangements well in advance. If you have a cat or small dog, ask whether they would be allowed to travel in the cabin with you. Larger pets must travel in the luggage hold, so ask about the arrangements for them. Your pet carrier must be of a type which is approved by the airline, and the paperwork with regard to your pet must be easily accessed. Your airline may have instructions for displaying paperwork. Make sure your pet is comfortable and has plenty of fresh water. If you are using a sedative, give it half an hour or more before heading to the airport, so it has time to work.

Travel vacation secrets for car travel with a pet include planning rest stops in advance, if your car journey is long. Use hotels which allow pets, and think about the space in your car. Pets must always be appropriately restrained, in a pet carrier if they are small, or a seatbelt or crate for larger animals. They should have access to fresh water at all times. When you stop to get out of the car they should be allowed out on a leash; you don't want them to be scared by being somewhere unfamiliar, and run off, and again, give sedatives half an hour before you leave.

Plan ahead for your vacation with your pet, using the above travel vacation secrets, and all of you should have a happy, comfortable trip.