Summer is vacation season, and, like every holiday trip it brings up the question of traveling with or without your furry family members. Would your pet be happier tagging along wherever you go despite the challenges that may arise or would s/he be better off at home with a caretaker? Begin by assessing your pet’s ability to travel comfortably!
[See my post: Vacationing Without Pets for ways to care for and reassure your animals left at home.]

What to Pack

  • More than enough food. This also includes regular supplements and medication. The last thing you want to do while traveling is incorporate a diet change. Try to feed your animal a few hours before the actual travel begins to reduce motion sickness.
  • Pack extra water from home that they are used to drinking along with your no spill bowls for the car and portable bowls for the beach and trail. Good hydration is crucial during new or stressful events.
  • Bring your pet’s favorite items such as blankets, toys and treats. Something that has your scent on it will also be comforting.
  • Extra potty bags and travel litter boxes, towels, wipes, etc.
  • A pet first aid kit with cleansers, antibiotic ointment, bandages and natural flea and tick repellents. Include some homeopathic remedies such as Nux Vomica, (for digestion) Arnica (trauma, accidents) and flower essences like Rescue Remedy or Soul Support for stress and Walnut for changing environments.
  • Bring hard copy photos of your pets just in case you have an escapee and need to ask around.
  • For air travel you will need a sturdy carrier. Practice loading your pet in this carrier and test it out for strength and comfort before your vacation.
  • Going camping? How about a glow in the dark collar?
  • All pets on boats get a floatation device.
  • For warm climates you may want booties, sunscreen for light colored muzzles, umbrellas and aloe. We learned this the hard way when we moved to the desert and our long haired dog blistered all over his back and paws from a bad sunburn.

What to Do

  • Arrange a pre-travel veterinary checkup to make sure your friend is fit to handle all of the excitement that comes with a vacation. If you are flying or driving a long distance, your vet may recommend some oral sedatives or to reduce anxiety or distress. I prefer to use flower essences as they are a more natural way to accomplish this however I would have something stronger available too. You may also want to inquire about any parasites or diseases that are prevalent at your destination and best possible methods of protection.
  • Get a referral for a vet at your destination area before you leave. Research the internet or contact friends, family or nearby pet stores. In case of any emergencies, you won’t have to waste time trying to locate a practitioner.
  • Inspect leashes, collars, halters and lead ropes for cracks or frays. Pack extras just in case and make sure all id tags are securely attached and contact info is current.
  • Be extra aware of your pet’s emotional cues and body language. Behaviors may be slightly different as the increased stimuli associated with travel and foreign destinations could place your animal in a state of constant alert.
  • Never leave your pets in vehicles unattended this time of year. Even parked in the shade with windows open the temperature rises quickly when there is no air movement. Try sitting in a parked car this way for 10 minutes and notice how you feel!
  • Always communicate with your animals. Let them know where you are going, how long the trip will last, who you will be visiting and the types of activities you plan to do. You can send them this information in the form of a mental movie.
  • Once you pull out of your driveway, leave all of your cares and concerns behind and enjoy your journey!