Do you travel a lot? Taking care of your pets are not easy when you are traveling with your pets. If so, there are a number of things you will want to remember.

If traveling by car, make sure your pet is accustomed to driving. A first-time traveler could suddenly panic, become ill, cry incessantly, or otherwise make your trip a nightmare. Begin with short trips and keep an upbeat attitude, taking your pet home afterwards and making sure the whole experience is a positive one, starting with short trips and increasing the length until you are sure your pet can travel well. If your pet is unable to travel, consider finding someone to care for him in your absence or you may need to consider something to calm the pet. (We prefer natural remedies such as Bach’s Rescue Remedy, which is a “human” product that is great for anti-anxiety.)

Make sure the pet is safe within the car. Usually this means being confined to a carrier, or with a special dog seatbelt for larger breeds. It is dangerous for everyone if a pet suddenly moves around the vehicle, potentially causing an accident. Being confined also helps protect the pet in an accident (secure the carrier within the vehicle) and also prevents the sudden escape of a pet in an unfamiliar place at stops.

NEVER leave your pet alone in the vehicle. If the temperatures are warm or hot, your pet could suffer or possibly die from the build up of heat within the car. Even if the temperatures are moderate, you risk someone breaking in to steal the pet or to “rescue” him from being left locked in a vehicle. In many locations it is also illegal to leave an animal unattended in a vehicle.

Watch for our next post regarding hotel stays with your pet!

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