Are you planning a trip with your family and family pets? Trips are fun but can also be stressful without proper precautions and prepare for yourself as well as your pets. Here are some tips to make sure you’re prepared before you hit the road with your pets.
1. Keep your Dog safe and well ventilated
When it comes to pet carriers, there are many kinds available made with different plastics and meshes. When selecting a new carrier, it is always best to test it with your pet several days before you take your real journey to be sure your pet has time to get used to it.
2. Carry your pets medical reports
Carry your dog’s medical reports and vaccines with you if you’re traveling far from home (or set up access to your account if your ver offers online records, as many do these days). Many states will want proof that your dog is healthy and rabies free in order to permit him or her for lodging, etc. This is also a good idea in case of any unforeseen emergencies that require your pet to be seen by a vet in a different town or state.
3. Be smart about feeding habits before traveling
Don’t feed your friend right before head out for your trip. Instead feed him or her 3 to 4 hours before you leave. It’s best not to feed your pet in a moving vehicle either, although RVs are usually OK for this.
4. Make them feel comfortable
After reaching your destination, make sure your pet has access to a spot where he or she feels comfortable, rather than leaving them in a car or a crate. A parked car can increase or decrease in temperature, subjecting your pet to sunstroke or frostbite.
5. Keep them safe inside the vehicle
We all know that our pets would prefer windows down and a breeze blowing on their fact, but this really isn’t safe. Make sure your pet stays inside the vehicle to avoid potential injury from rocks or other flying objects.
6. Microchip your pet
Make sure there is a microchip attached to your pet with your contact information so that the pet can be identified in case of any unexpected separation, and you can be contacted. Although we do our best to keep them safe when traveling, pets can often act differently in new circumstances.
7. Secure Your Pet’s Crate
If you are using a crate for your pet, make sure it is secured so it won’t slip or move around while traveling when braking or sudden vehicle jurks or movements.
8. Pack plenty of water/food
It is wise to bring plenty of water from home for your pet with you when you travel. Your pet is used to your hometown water and he or she can suffer stomach upset when drinking water in other state’s rivers or lakes in the journey.
9. Keep them entertained
Keep your pets entertained and busy all throughout the journey. Bring their favorite chew toys, treats and other things that they like and that make them feel comfortable.
10. Don’t forget their things
Just like humans, pets will want some of their own things with them when they travel. Don’t forget to bring his or her leash, bed or pillow. You should also bring waste bags, and a litter box or pooper scooper so you don’t have to buy these things on the road.
11. Buckle up for safety
Treat your pet’s complete protection equal to your own when you’re traveling. This means securing them wherever they are in your vehicle. If they’re sitting in the seat next to you, they need to be buckled or otherwise secured just as you are. Make sure you adjust the seat belt size to your pet’s size.
Waggle Pet Temperature Monitor
Waggle’s RV Pet Temperature Monitor can monitor your pet’s environment temperature in real-time whether in an RV, car or at home. The device sends an automated SMS/text message or email alert when temperatures in your pet’s environment become too hot or too cold. With the Waggle monitor, you can be alerted, and not alarmed, about your pet’s complete protection.
