Spring is coming, which means that vacations, either with a family, a loved one, or even alone, are starting to be planned for the summer. For many families, everyone gets to come on the trip – including the family pet. For many, the idea of bringing their family pet on a trip can be a major source of added stress. However, with isure’s guide to safely and successfully travelling with your pet, it can be a breeze! Travelling with pets will take some extra planning, but it will be worth it once you’re done. Safe travels! Let’s take a look at some tips and tricks for travelling with pets.
Travelling With Pets: Choose A Pet-Friendly Destination
Let’s face it: just because you can travel with your pet, doesn’t mean you always should! It is always crucial to ensure you are travelling to a pet-friendly location. This goes beyond whether or not your pet is allowed to go somewhere! The last thing you want to do is keep your furry friend cooped up in a crate in your hotel room the whole time. Consider places such as beaches, national parks, wineries or even restaurants as specific travel destinations! All of these options can be great for pets. Make sure the safety and comfort of your pet and yourself are always your top priority! If necessary, it is important to plan and ensure your pet is up to date on any required vaccinations!
Make Sure You’re Packed!
Along with your belongings, of course, you’ll want to make sure your furry friend is properly packed! Let’s take a look at some general necessities you’ll want to remember if you plan to travel with a pet.
- A collar or harness that has correct identification and emergency contact information
- If your pet has a microchip, make sure your home information is up to date, and the chip is properly registered.
- Leash
- Pet food and treats
- Bowls and dishes
- Medications
- Proof of vaccinations
- Their favourite toys
- Waste Bags
- Crate or car carrier
- Pet beds and blankets.
- First aid kit or a list of veterinarians near your travel destination.
Travelling with Pets: Flying Can Be Challenging
If you plan on flying to your vacation destination with a pet, here is a simple tip to help you out:
Check out your designated airline’s website for specific information on the company’s pet policies while on board one of their flights. The rules may change slightly depending on the air travel company, so even if you’ve travelled with a pet before with a different company, it’s still important to check the website of the airline you’re flying with. It’s also very important to check if your airline allows pets on board its aircraft. The last thing you want is to find out the day of that your furry friend is not allowed on board the plane.
If you are flying with your pet this summer, please be aware that flying is not always the best choice for your animal. Air travel can be particularly dangerous for animals with brachycephalic, or ‘pushed-in’ faces, such as Persian cats or pugs. Due to the structure of their faces, their nasal passages are quite short, and the lack of air while flying can make them vulnerable to issues such as oxygen deprivation and heat stroke. If possible, leave your pet with a trusted family member, loved one or kennel while you are away.
Travelling with Pets: Driving to Your Destination
If you are planning a road trip while travelling with pets, there are a few things to keep in mind. Below is a short list of some things to remember:
- Make sure to keep your cat in a carrier at all times and ensure a seat belt securely holds the crate in place. This is to ensure your cat feels safe in the car, since cats generally don’t feel comfortable in them. The same rule applies to your dog: as much as they may enjoy hanging their head out of the car window, a crate is where they will be safest and most secure during your journey.
- Ensure your pet is sitting in a location other than the front passenger seat. If an airbag deploys with your pet in the front seat, your pet can easily suffocate or sustain serious injury.
- Make sure to allow for stops so your pet has time to stretch its legs, use the washroom, and move around during your journey. This will make your trip slightly longer, but giving your pets rest stops along the way will help them feel safe, cared for and energized.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
It is just as important to find a pet-friendly place to stay while on vacation as it is to use pet-friendly tactics on the way to your destination. This step can seem a bit overwhelming, especially if you have other accommodations to attend to. However, you should save yourself the headache by contacting your hotel or Airbnb before arrival. Below are a few resources to help alleviate the initial stress regarding this topic:
- petfriendly.ca – If you’re travelling somewhere in Canada with your pet this summer, this website is definitely for you. It’s a comprehensive collection of pet-friendly accommodations across Canada, including hotels, motels, resorts, and cottages. Simply click on the province or territory you will be travelling to on the homepage of the website, and you will find a myriad of accessible accommodations for any vacation. After all, why shouldn’t your pet get the best while on vacation?
- bringfido.com – This website is a wonderful resource if you are travelling anywhere in the world. The process is simple; you type in exactly what you need (the number of people in your party, how many rooms you need and where you are travelling to, to name a few), and the website will show you lots of accommodation options to choose from.
Pet Coverage While Travelling
Remember, travelling with a pet doesn’t always have to be a hassle! Pet insurance is exactly what it sounds like: health insurance for your pet! It covers (reimburses) the portion of the costs of treating unexpected injuries and illnesses, so you don’t have to worry as much about expensive vet bills. No matter where you’re off to, make sure you have the proper insurance to keep you and your loved ones safe. Safe travels!
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