A vacation is what warmer weather signifies more than just a change in seasons. Unlike in the past when boarding your pet was required during the holiday season, more and more vacationers now choose to take their pets with them.

Here’s some advice for making your first major trip successful for both you and your dog, whether it’s a quick escape or a multi-day excursion!

1. Make sure your dog is healthy

Your dog should be current on all vaccines and heartworm, flea, and tick preventive medicine before embarking on any vacation. See your veterinarian at least 30 days before your trip if your pet is immunization-delayed or if you are concerned about her health.

It’s also a good idea to discuss any potential health issues with your veterinarian before to departure.

A Certification of Veterinary Inspection, or CVI, is also necessary if you want to travel outside of your state by automobile or airplane.

Even if you’re just traveling a short distance, you should request a second copy of your dog’s immunization records to keep in your car.

If your dog isn’t already chipped, your vet can do it quickly and easily. You may then register the microchip id to help find your dog if he gets lost.

For the same reason, your cell phone number has to be on your dog’s collar tags. Get a copy of your pet’s most recent veterinarian records before your travel and keep it with you in case a hotel requests it.

2. Pack smartly and ensure your dog has enough space

It’s a smart option to have a pet survival kit on hand when driving. Collapsible dishes, an abundance of food and water, two leashes, a collar with ID tags, pet wipes, blankets or beds, poop bags, and a box or kennel are among the necessary items to pack for puppies.

If you want to take your pup close to the water, don’t forget to pack a dog life jacket. Naturally, you’ll want to make sure that your dog is content during the journey as well. Offer him some tasty snacks and a new chew toy to keep him busy.

When the pet has a comfortable area to sit in the car, traveling with them is both simpler and safer. The most crucial piece of advice while getting ready for a trip is to make sure your pet is leashed up.

The best driving conditions for dogs include being in a container, being restrained by a collar or seat belt, or lying down in the rear seat. Using a bed, sheets, and recognizable toys, try to make the space cozy for them.

Some vehicles even offer practical dog-friendly features like cargo barriers or washable, fold-down cargo compartments that keep your dog secure in the rear.

3. Do your research on planning a trip

We’re going to assume that because you’re taking your pet along, you would like to spend some time with him or her while you’re on the road.

You’ll have more fun with your dog around, whether you go on morning walks on dog-friendly beaches, visit a nearby dog park for off-leash playtime, or have sunset kayaking adventures.

Locate attractions that welcome pets along your journey. You could find a new hobby you enjoy doing with your dog! When it’s time to eat and drink, visit dog-friendly breweries and vineyards or go out to a dog-friendly restaurant with your dog.

When you bring your dog with you, just be mindful of the established regulations and show consideration for other people.

When traveling by car, be sure to allot more time for your dog’s toilet breaks. Although stopping every three hours is typically advised, you are the best person to know your dog’s schedule and may be required to stop less or more frequently.

Moreover, if your dog becomes agitated in the car, a lengthy walk or some outside fun might help to calm him down considerably.

4. Get the insurance

For every holiday, travel insurance is essential since it may safeguard your vacation investment and provide you with a piece of mind. But, there is one issue that pet owners should be aware of: dogs are not considered “family members” for travel insurance, even if service animals as defined by the ADA are.

Hence, it would not be acceptable to cancel your trip because your dog became ill before you left.

While traveling with a pet, though, travel insurance can be useful in specific circumstances. Consider a scenario in which you have previously paid a hefty amount of money for pet boarding at your destination but must change your travel plans due to a covered cause.

You can receive compensation for those upfront, non-refundable expenses through trip cancellation benefits.

5. Safety first

It is your responsibility to keep your dog safe since she cannot communicate with you when she is hot, thirsty, or unwell. Make sure your dog is securely fastened in a kennel or with a seatbelt strap when you are driving with her.

The ASPCA advises against letting her poke her head out the window due to the possibility of getting hit by something. Also, never keep your pet unattended in a parked car. The automobile can heat up quickly, even on a moderate day, leading to heatstroke.

Also, when it comes to safety, be sure your dog doesn’t go cross-country on its first vacation. To watch how you and your dog react to the situation, arrange a brief visit to a state park or a restaurant that allows dogs.

Appreciate what you see. Arrange an overnight trip and bring your dog’s favorite food, bedding, and toys to observe how they react to spending the night somewhere new.

It’s time to start making travel arrangements once you’ve determined that your dog will enjoy a night away, whether you decide to stay at a campsite, motel, or bed and breakfast.

Conclusion

The first journey you take with your dog will bring back memories you’ll treasure for years to come and pave the way for many wonderful excursions you may do together.

Exploring a place while on vacation alongside your dog is a blast and will be entertaining for both of you!

Thank you to our friends at Top Pet Products for this guest post!

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