Tips for Holiday Travel with Pets

I treat my dog like it’s my child, and I rarely leave home without it! He’s my better half and I couldn’t imagine traveling without him. Every dog is different. If you are thinking about traveling with your furry friend this holiday make sure you have your bases covered.

Be Prepared Before You Travel:

  1. Properly identify your pet with ID Tags. We recommend you give your pet an additional tag with the address and number of the place you are staying just in case your pet wanders off once you get there!
  2. Talk to your vet before making your trip. It is important to make sure your furry friend is healthy enough to travel! Some pets get anxiety while traveling in cars. If this is the case, your vet may be able to write you a prescription for some sedatives. Also! While you are at the vet, it wouldn’t hurt to have a copy of your pets most up-to-date record and vaccinations (it’s better to be safe than sorry)
  3. Make sure you have EVERYTHING you are going to need. Depending on your stay arrangements, trusting new litter or a different pet food might not seem like a big deal to you, but when your pet is adjusting to a new environment it can make a huge difference. The last thing you want is for your pet to act out and decide to use that newly installed carpet as a litter box. Try to keep their lifestyles as normal as possible.

Traveling by Car?

  1. Make sure you keep your dog out of the front seat. If the airbag goes off, it could seriously hurt your furry friend.
  2. Cats belong in carriers. Most cats are uncomfortable traveling in cars, so it’s best to keep them constraint while traveling.
  3. Plan Rest/Exercise Stops
    Make sure to stop frequently to allow your pet to exercise, go to the bathroom, and hydrate. Pets are like humans, they can only hold it for so long- the last thing you want is for an accident to happen in your car while traveling! That smell would not be pleasant! Plan Accordingly! If traveling long-distance it is ideal to try and stop every three hours.

We try not to recommend traveling by plane due to the possible harsh conditions of the cargo. Unless your friend is small enough to be used as a carry-on, we recommend you think about overnight kennel boarding options. Double check with your airline to make sure pets are allowed. Ask about carrier restrictions and try to arrive to the airport early to alleviate any additional stress on your pet.

Whatever you decide to do, travel smart, be safe, and enjoy the time spent with your loved ones. Happy Holidays from my family to yours!

Lisa Podwirny is the owner of Ketchum Mfg. Connect with her on !

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