Traveling with a four legged friend can be a great bonding experience, but it does present some unique problems. Airlines and hotels tend to have restrictions on pets, and cats in particular can be difficult to transport even short distances. Over two million pets travel with their owners each year, which has caused a lot more businesses to be pet friendly. With a little research and proper planning, traveling with a pet can go quite smoothly, starting with the car ride away from home.
Preventing Motion Sickness
Animals, like humans, can experience motion sickness on long car rides. The reasons for this are varied, but there are a few simple ways to prevent your pet from being sick. Avoid feeding them for a few hours before your trip. Face your pet’s carrier forward, and try to prevent them from looking out the windows. If your pet still gets sick during car rides, talk with your vet about anti-nausea meds.
Air Travel And Your Pet
Air travel can be particularly stressful for pets. Smaller breeds of cats and dogs, as well as service dogs, are generally allowed to ride as a carry on, but airlines have strict guidelines on transporting animals. Larger breeds are generally restricted to the cargo area, so be sure to talk with your vet about how to keep your pet healthy and relaxed if they are separated from you during the flight. If traveling internationally, each country has its own restrictions on pets, which need to be thoroughly researched by the traveler. Australia, for example, is famously strict on importing pets due to the fragility of its ecosystem. For those traveling to Singapore, insurance can be extended to your pet under certain circumstances. Regardless of what country you are traveling to, do your due diligence to ensure that your pet’s experience is as relaxing and stress free as possible.
Finding A Pet Friendly Hotel
Campgrounds are ideal for traveling with pets. Many of them are inexpensive and dog-friendly, and allow for a lot of outdoor space for your leashed pet to roam around. Rustic accommodation, however, is not for every traveler. For those who prefer to stay indoors, there are several travel websites that list pet-friendly hotels and destinations, which can make booking a room for you and your companion painless and quick.
The most important thing to remember while traveling with a pet is to take your time. Pets cannot always let you know that they are stressed or need to take a bathroom break, so be attentive to their needs, and make frequent stops to accommodate them. Schedule and research well in advance to have a happy, safe trip with your best friend.
