Traveling for the Holidays? Don’t Forget to Plan for Fido & Fluffy!

Spending the holidays away from home this year? For some of you that means traveling with pets for others it means finding someone to care for your pets while you are away. Either way it pays to plan ahead.

There are a list of things to remember when traveling with your pet.  That list may differ slightly depending on your mode of transportation. When traveling by motor vehicle remember to have a good supply of clean fresh drinking water on hand, as well as a bowl for your pet to drink from. Be sure to have leashes, and harnesses at the ready to use at rest stops. Don’t forget the poop bags! It is also a good idea to spread an old blanket or sheet on the seat of your vehicle to keep it clean.

Small dogs and cats should be crated when traveling to keep them safe. Be sure to anchor the crate in the vehicle to keep it from being thrown about and injuring your pet. Medium and large breed dogs should wear seat belt restraints which prevent them from being tossed about the inside of a vehicle in an accident. Use of these restraints also prevent the animal from interfering with the driver’s ability to control the vehicle, yet still gives the animal comfortable range of movement.

You will need to make rest stops every two to three hours to allow your pet to stretch their legs and relieve themselves. Be sure to offer water and a bit of an exercise every time you stop.

If you are crossing the border or flying to your holiday destination remember to have all of your pets necessary paperwork ready. You wouldn’t want Fido or Fluffy to be left behind because their papers were missing.

If you will be needing hotel accommodations make sure to book ahead of time and make sure your accommodations are pet friendly. A great resource for finding pet friendly hotels is PetTravel.com you will also find information on traveling with pets.

Check with your airline to be sure that you understand their pet policy before booking your flight. Make sure that your travel crate meets the airline’s guidelines for your pets weight and size. On flight day, arrive at the airport with plenty of time to check Fido and Fluffy in. Make sure you have the correct paperwork at hand. Have a nice flight!

Not all pet hotels are this luxurious, but they will take very good care of your best friend.

Traveling this holiday season but can’t take the furry portion of the family? You have quite a few options when it comes to pet care. You can of course leave your pets with a willing friend or relative, you can hire a pet sitter, or you can take your pets to a “pet hotel.”  Should you choose to opt for the pet sitter or the pet hotel, please be sure to check references, and if possible speak to past clients before leaving your beloved pet in their care. Be sure to tour kennel facilities to ensure that they are clean and well heated, and that your dog or cat will be comfortable. Who is caring for your pet and what the quality of that care is should not be a mystery. If you are not comfortable in a facility chances are your pet won’t be either so trust your instincts. Talk to friends and ask your vet for recommendations of pet hotels and holidays kenneling facilities near you. Be sure to leave your pet in the best of hands when you have to be away. If you ask questions and do not get satisfactory answers move on. Remember you want a responsible care giver for your pet so be 100% sure that is what you are getting!

Have a great Holiday Season!

Until Tomorrow Remember

BE THE CHANGE YOU SEEK

Janette