Pets belong to the family and more and more pet owners decide to take their dogs, cats, or rabbits with them on vacation. But what should you pay attention to when you travel with pets? Fox Rent A Car has set up a list of 10 great tips you should follow when you are on the road with your pet.
Travel with Pets Tip 1: Be Safe
Whether you travel alone, with your family, or are on the road with your pet only, your safety comes first. It does not help anyone if the person who should take care of the pet has to recover from injuries.
Travel with Pets Tip 2: Make sure your pet is safe
No matter what kind of an animal you want to travel with, make sure that all of you are safe and sound. Put your pet in a crate or carrier that is large enough for it to sit, stand, or lie down, and turn around in too. It will be easier for you and your pet to travel with such a crate, if you practice at home. Once you are in the car – secure the crate safely that it won’t move around while driving.
Travel with Pets Tip 3: Is your pet comfortable driving in a car?
It is exhausting if your dog or cat is scared of driving in a car, barks and meows, jumps around, bites or leaves marks on the upholstery, or even worse: gets sick in the car. Practice with your pet and make sure that a positive event is associated to traveling in the car to take the fear away. If nothing helps, ask your vet for something against anxiety and/or motion sickness.
Travel with Pets Tip 4: Pack according to your pet’s needs
Make sure you have packed enough bowls, water, food and even some toys with you. Dogs also are happy about a chewing bone to calm themselves down and maybe to even find some treats inside. Also, feed your pet light a few hours before you want to depart to make sure it won’t vomit. You may also want to pack travel papers, leash, plastic bags and a waste scoop, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit.
Travel with Pets Tip 5: Adjust temperature and sound
Whichever temperature or music you may like in the car, make sure your pet is fine with it, too. For most animals traveling in the car is stressful, so make it as easy as possible for them. They will thank you for it.
Travel with Pets Tip 6: Open the windows
Fresh air is important for everybody, for your pet too. When you open the window make sure the pet has a chance to get out of the wind. A sick pet can easily ruin the fun of a family trip! On another note – don’t let your dog put the head out of an open window while driving. It may look cool, but it’s dangerous for your pet, yourself and others on the street.
Travel with Pets Tip 7: Never leave your pet alone
Always take your pet with you when you leave the car. It’s not enough if you leave the window open, the car simply heats up too fast. In some states, such as California, it is even illegal to leave dogs in the car!
Travel with Pets Tip 8: Tag your pet
Many pets already have a tag, but what does it help to give your home number and address when you are on vacation? Tag your pet temporarily with your destination and a number you can always be reached on!
Travel with Pets Tip 9: Legal requirements for international or interstate trips
If you travel through various states or even internationally, make sure you follow the legal requirements with your pet. Vaccination records and check up confirmations from your vet are always helpful to take with you, even if your pet gets sick and needs to see another vet.
Travel with Pets Tip 10: Give your pet some time to adjust
Just as exciting as it is for you to be at a new place, it is for your pet as well. Take your dog on the leash and slowly walk around to give some time to get familiar with the new surrounding.
Fox Rent A Car wishes you a safe trip for you and your pets! Follow those guides and there is not much left that could go wrong. Your vet may also have some tips for your animal to make traveling easy for all of you.
About Fox Rent A Car:
Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.
