BEFORE YOU GO:
Make sure they are healthy. Check with your vet, and renew any shots
that are due.
Be sure to give them a treatment of flea and tick medicine as some
areas may have parasites that are different from where you live. Some parts
of countries, especially wooded areas, may be infested with fleas and ticks.
Also necessary is a treatment of heartworm medicine if your vet
thinks it is a good idea. Mosquito's can infect your pet so it is better
to take precautions.
Check their supplies: (pack all of your pet stuff in one small
bag where you can get to it)
- Leash and collar - find beautiful ones at Classy
Pets Boutique
- Pet name tag (hopefully it has a phone number on it where someone
will answer, a cell phone number is great)
- Bottled water, and a water dish (preferably the kind that does not spill)
- Supply of their pet food, a dish and maybe a spoon, and don't forget
the treats
- Pet brush
- Pet Shampoo if you are going to be gone for a week or more
- A toy or two
- Don't forget their medical supplies:
-Any Medication
-Tweezers for removing burrs
-Eye cleaning drops
-Ear powder
- Pet restraint device (like your safety belt only for pets) You
can find one by Clicking
Here.
- Plastic bags for picking up after your pet.
Feed your pet a light meal several hours before you depart and then take
them for a long walk before you start your trip.
GETTING THE CAR READY
Create a place where your pet can ride safely and still see out the window,
and be able to be touched by you. Sitting in your lap while you are driving
is not the best idea. They will need access to their water as well.
A blanket or a soft pet bed would be great so they feel at home.
Don't forget the restraint device, you don't want them flying through the
windshield if you have to stop suddenly. Find one by clicking here.
If your cat is traveling with you make a place for the kitty litter.
Behind the front seat works well in some cars. First lay down a piece
of plastic (a trash bag will do).
TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY
Chances are your pet will sleep ninety percent of the time when they are
not looking out the window or getting pets from you.
You need to stop every 2 to 3 hours to let Fido stretch his legs.
NEVER LEAVE THEM ALONE IN THE CAR
Modern cars are virtually air tight and a pet left alone in a car is
at risk of not getting enough air, or suffering from heat. Even though the
air temperature is only 70F (20C) a car in the sun can get very hot.
OVERNIGHT IN A MOTEL
Hopefully you checked the PetTravel web site and booked a pet friendly
hotel or motel online. If the hotel/motel charges a pet fee pay it,
don't try to hide your pet, you will spend all night worrying about
being discovered.
When you arrive ask for a ground floor room near an area where you can
take a walk with Fido. The center courtyard is not the right place. Be
sure to pick up after your pet so that the hotel/motel will remain pet
friendly.
Most accommodations ask that you do not leave the pet alone in the
room for obvious reasons. You may have to order take out or room service,
or if it is cool enough for your pet to be left in the car for a half hour
or so you could go out to dinner and take them along. You may even find a
pet friendly restaurant, look for places with outdoor seating areas like
sidewalk cafes.
YOU HAVE ARRIVED AT YOUR DESTINATION
Show your pet around their new home, where you have placed their food,
water, and bed.
If your pet is a cat show them the location of the kitty litter box.
Fido will need to know where he is supposed to go as well.
You are now ready to enjoy your vacation in the company of your best
friend. |
