By Bridget Domenighini, Peoria County Animal Protection Services
Many pet owners want to take full advantage of family time by bringing their beloved pets along on vacations or short weekend trips. While some pets enjoy these trips, others find them extremely stressful. If you are planning a trip with your dog or cat, first determine if bringing your canine or feline best friend is really in both of your best interests. Will your pet make your trip more or less enjoyable? If your dog will be stuck in an unfamiliar hotel room for the majority of your vacation while you skydive, rock climb, or sightsee, it may be kinder to leave him home. If your dog is fearful in crowds, cars, new places, or if your cat vomits and cries when in the car, it may be best to look for a reliable pet sitter or boarding kennel. Check reviews for boarding kennels and pet sitters to determine which ones meet your needs, and ask to walk through your chosen boarding facility a few weeks before your trip to ensure that it meets your standards for pet care and cleanliness. Most boarding and day care facilities require that your pet be fully vaccinated, so plan ahead to ensure he has time to build up immunity after the inoculations.
If you determine that traveling with your pet is right for your family, make sure you are prepared by packing anything your pet may need for the journey. The items listed below are just the basics
- Your dog’s regular food: Keep their diet the same while traveling to prevent digestive issues.
- Bottled water.
- Dishes: Travel bowls or something that does not tip easily would be best.
- Leashes: Avoid retractable leashes; a flat buckle collar, or harness for smaller dogs, with a 4-6 foot leash is best.
- A collar with ID and Rabies registration tags.
- Any needed medications: All medications should be in proper containers and labeled appropriately.
- Paper towels or pet wipes for messes or muddy paws.
- Waste pick-up bags.
- A crate and/or vehicle restraint harness.
- Comfort items such as toys or beds.
- Medical records including vaccine history and any allergy info.
You will also need to call ahead to confirm that hotels, restaurants, and attractions that you will be visiting allow pets. There’s nothing worse than having to scramble to find new lodging because you find out at the last minute that your hotel does not allow pets. For a list of animal friendly hotels, check www.officialpethotels.com.
Along The Way
While in the car, dogs should not be allowed to move freely. Dogs who move freely are more likely to distract drivers which could cause an accident. If an accident does occur, the dog, as with un-restrained human passengers, could become a projectile. If the accident is severe enough, the dog could be thrown through the windshield or thrown into other passengers; injuring or even killing them. A properly sized crate or approved restraint harness is essential for traveling with your pet. You can place a blanket or bed in a crate along with your dog’s favorite toys or comfort items. Secure the crate to the floor or seat of the car with straps or a seatbelt to prevent movement. Animals should never be transported in the bed of a pickup or outside of a vehicle, and animals should never be left unattended in a vehicle during the summer months.
Dogs should not be allowed to stick their heads outside of the vehicle. Most dogs love to ride like this, and you may feel bad restricting car-ride fun, but rocks, debris, and insects can injure your dog; increasing your risk of having to pay an emergency veterinary bill while away from home. You also run the risk of your dog jumping from the vehicle into traffic if he finds a way to squeeze through an open window.
Cats should always be in a carrier. Most cats do not like car travel, and may become frightened enough to dart out a window or a door at a rest stop, or scratch or bite human family members. Keeping them in a carrier protects both your human family and your feline friend.
If you stop at rest stops, ensure your dog has a properly fitted collar with an ID tag that has your current cell phone number so he can be returned to you as soon as possible in the unlikely event that he gets away. Nothing ruins a vacation like a lost furry family member. It is also helpful to have your pet micro-chipped, as long as you keep the associated owner information updated with your microchip company.
If you’re interested in more information on pet travel safety and harness and crate crash tests, visit www.centerforpetsafety.org. If you see an animal who looks abandoned, neglected, or in distress, please call local animal control or law enforcement. Your call can mean the difference between responsible, humane care for the animal or a lifetime of suffering. Peoria County Animal Protection Services can help if you lose your pet or see an animal injured or in need. Call PCAPS at 309-672-2440 for information or to report animal cruelty or abuse.
This article is sponsored by Waggin’ Tails Doggy Daycare and Resort, Goodfield, IL. Email waggintailsresort@gmail.com or call 309-642-9299 for your dogs boarding, doggy daycare, and grooming needs. Soon to open in Peoria!
Photo credit: izusek/iStock