Help Your Four-Legged Friends Enjoy the Journey
Traveling with pets can provide some of the most rewarding experiences and lasting memories of our lives. But, as much as we like to think of them as human, they’re not, and have special needs that require special planning. The team at WallyPark offers a few suggestions to ensure your next trip together is one of your best.
Do Your Homework
Our first suggestion is to research and choose vacation destinations that provide the right environment, activities and accommodations for pets. Does the hotel you’ve chosen even allow pets? If so, what are the rules and required deposit? If you’re crossing an ocean – even to Hawaii or Puerto Rico – your pet may need to be quarantined upon arriving at the airport and submit required forms.
Visit Your Veterinarian
Many airlines require a health certificate for animals that’s been issued within 10 days of your departure and your vet can usually provide one during a regular visit. Of course, this is also an opportunity to make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date and that they’re in general good health. Then take one more step to ensure your peace of mind by locating a qualified veterinarian around your travel destination.
Build Their Travel Profile
It goes without saying your pet should wear a collar with an ID tag and be microchipped whenever possible. But we also suggest you compile a list with your pet’s license and microchip numbers, your vet’s name and phone number, your pet’s vaccination dates, and a list of all their medications including prescriptions and dosage in case you need a refill while you’re away from home.
Book a Cabin Ticket
If you’re going to fly anywhere with your pet, the ASPCA suggests you do whatever you can to have them travel in the cabin with you. But that means their carrier needs to fit under the seat in front of you and you might pay an extra fee. There might also be a limit to the number of animals allowed in the cabin for each flight. So, before you buy your ticket, make sure your special companion meets the size and weight requirements for in-cabin travel.
Pack Their Go Bag
You can’t necessarily bring all the comforts of home, but you can pack plenty of special gear that will make your pet feel comfortable. Start with essentials like food, treats, travel bowls and extra water – especially if you don’t know about local water conditions at your destination. Then add an extra collar, leash, and their favorite toys. If they have a favorite snuggle blanket you might want to through that in your suitcase that, too. And don’t forget that first aid kit.
Practice, Practice, Practice
If your dog or cat is like most, they love familiarity and routine. So, the strange environments and experiences can stress them out. Days before your departure date arrives, help your pet practice getting into and out of their carrier. Then carrier them around your home or through the local mall. Doing so will not only help eliminate their surprise once the big day comes but help simulate what it might be like going through airport security.
Avoid the X-rays
We may have shared this info in a previous blog, but it’s definitely worth repeating: Never put your pets in the baggage x-ray machines at airport security stations. TSA agents all know this, some pet owners misunderstand. The proper procedure is to remove your pet from their carrier, send their carrier through the x-ray machine, carry them with you through the metal detector, and then put them back in their carrier once you’re both cleared.
Consider Calming Products
Many pet parents now use a variety of dog-friendly supplements – or treats – that can help reduce anxiety or help them sleep. Formulated specifically for pets, active ingredients include everything from chamomile and thiamine to melatonin and CBD. Ginger has also been shown to alleviate motion sickness and special pheromone sprays might help soothe your frantic feline. But you should always consult with your pet’s veterinarian before purchasing any such product.
These are just a few tricks for making the next vacation you take with your furry friends more enjoyable for both of you. The real trick is no trick at all: Start planning well in advance to cover all the bases and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Which reminds us: If you want to avoid the unnecessary delays and stress of driving around the airport looking for a parking place, don’t forget to reserve your space with WallyPark.
We welcome guests of all breeds, but availability is limited, so we also suggest you book now
