Traveling With Your Pet: Safety Tips for a More Pleasurable Experience.

Pet parents often feel that if their furry family members are not able to travel with them, they won’t enjoy the trip. The truth is, traveling with a pet can be very stressful for both you and your dog or cat. Especially if they have health problems, tend to suffer from anxiety, or simply have a stubborn personality. These tips will get you prepared and help you avoid most common mistakes pet owners make when traveling with pets.

1. Plan ahead and prepare your pet.

Start by taking him or her on short drives, then start gradually increasing the time in the car. Try a weekend or overnight trip first if your pet has never traveled before. During this process carefully watch your pet and assess his ability to travel. Be honest with yourself. Not all pets are good travelers. For some it may be a better option to have them cared for by someone else than risking injury or psychological trauma and a ruined vacation. If you are in Fort Pierce or Port St Lucie, Fl, then TC Pet Sitters is the best option for your dog or cat.

2. Make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Have a routine physical exam performed and ensure that your pet has all of the necessary vaccinations. Get a current health and rabies certificate from your vet stating the vaccination status and the date. This is particularly important if you are traveling by air or across state lines, as certain states may require it for interstate crossings.

Tell your veterinarian where and for how long you'll be traveling, whether it’s by car or air travel. Ask about tick, heartworm, and flea risks in the areas you are traveling to. Ask for the appropriate medication or treatment if your pet becomes anxious, afraid, or uneasy during the trip. Giving tranquilizers or sedatives without consulting a veterinarian is strongly discouraged. It can cause breathing problems or may affect balance and equilibrium. This could result in your pet being unable to brace itself or prevent injury.

3. If you get separated

Pets can become separated from their owners while on vacation. In case of separation, ensure your pet always has a collar on with a tag showing your name and current phone number. Your pet's collar should also have a temporary travel tag (paper tag) that includes your destination and cell phone numbers for the duration of your trip. Collars are sometimes missing when pets are brought to shelters. Microchipping is quick, safe, affordable, and more reliable way to ensure you get reunited with your pet. This procedure can be explained to you by your veterinarian.

4. Buy a Travel Crate

You will need a travel-friendly carrier or crate. For the safety and comfort of your pet it should be well-ventilated and be large enough to allow your pet sit, stand, lie down, and turn in it. The bottom of it should be waterproof and lined with some kind of bedding, such as towels or shredded paper or other absorbent material, in case of any accidents. It should also have a securely closed door. In the event of an unexpected stop, secure your pet's cage so that it doesn't slip or shift. Before you start your journey, make sure your pet is comfortable in the crate.

Be sure to properly identify your pet's crate. Permanent marker can be used to print your pet's name as well as your name, address and cell number and destination number, along with the words "call me". Mark it with the words "Live Animal" and also, include a photograph of your pet. This could prove to be an invaluable lifesaver in the event that your pet is lost or escaped from the carrier.

You should never put a leash inside the crate, as it could cause your pet to get tangled.

5. Pack a Travel Bag

Prepare a pet-friendly travel bag. You will need to bring food, water, a leash, plastic bags, first-aid supplies, medication, and grooming materials. To give your pet comfort, bring a favorite toy and pillow. Make sure your pet is well-hydrated and don't feed them in a moving vehicle. A light meal should be served three to four hours before your pet departs. Always opt for bottled water. It is possible for your pet to feel stomach discomfort if he or she drinks water from an unfamiliar area.

6. Other Safety Tips and Regulations

• Never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes. A parked car can quickly become overheated on a hot day. Every year, many animals tragically die after being left in a car or outside during hot weather. A car can also act as a refrigerator in cold weather and lead to hypothermia.
• While traveling, do not allow your pet to wear any choke, pinch, training or other collars. Safety collars for cats, which attach using elastic or Velcro are recommended.
• Before your departure cut your pet's nails. A neatly trimmed pet will be less likely damage objects in unfamiliar environments and be easier to control if necessary.
• Plan your trip and find accommodation at your destination that will welcome your pet.
• Always ensure that your pet has fresh water at all times.
• Avoid abrupt changes in diet. You can gradually switch to a new brand if your pet is unable to eat the same brand. This should take place over four days or more.
• Use soap to clean your pet's water bowls and food regularly.
• Do not take your pet on an elevator unless you have secured its crate. Your fur or claws could get caught.
• Respect all laws regarding leashes and keep your pet in a leash at all times.
• Make sure you clean up after your pet.