It’s vacation time for the family! Perhaps it’s a vacation for your pet as well. Maybe it’s a permanent move and your pet will be traveling to a new home with you. Regardless of why Fido is in the car traveling to your next destination it’s a good idea to be prepared. More importantly, prepare your pet for the trip. The following ideas may be helpful.

In preparing your pet for the long journey, take them on some short trips before you leave. Take them with you on errands. It will help them adjust to the idea that you won’t be around the entire time they are in the car. Build on your distance as well while keeping them in the car for longer periods of time.

For safety purposes, buy a harness that attaches to the seat belts. You can purchase one on-line or in pet stores. It can keep the dog or cat from jumping out the window while the car is moving.

Try different ways of traveling with your pet. Some nervous pets would prefer a carrier while some would like to find a favorite spot in the car and settle in. If you plan to use a carrier, a good way to help them adjust is to put the carrier in your pet’s favorite part of the house. Place a favorite blanket and toy inside and leave the carrier door open allowing them a chance to explore the carrier and feel safe inside. Give this a try for 30 days or more before you leave.

Get your pet into your vet for a check up before leaving to make sure they can travel without health issues. Get the required shots taken care of for the area you will be moving to. You may want to ask your vet about using sedatives for your pet (not you) while traveling.

Plan your route knowing which hotels allow pets. Know of parks, etc. where you can walk your pet to give them a break from the car.

Of course, pack their familiar food, water bowl, toys, pillows, etc. that will help your pet feel more at home while traveling. Make sure your pet has all the identification necessary in case you lose them. Use your cell phone number on their tag so someone can get in contact with you while you are traveling.

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This entry was posted on Monday, August 3rd, 2009 at 3:21 pm and is filed under Pets General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.