You love to travel, but whenever you decide to hit the road you always feel like you’re leaving your pet behind? Well, you’re not the only one feeling this way, many people feel their heart aching once they leave their furry pets at home or their friend’s place. It’s like you’re ditching your life companion for an adventure that it won’t get the chance to be a part of. Let’s have a look at these tips when traveling with pets.
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Take your pet along for a memorable journey
Probably all people that own some animal and take care of it on a daily basis agree upon the fact that once they enter your life for good, they become part of the family and it’s not easy to imagine your life without them. This is why leaving them at home so that you can go on a road trip and have fun feels bad and concerning. But it doesn’t have to be this way! The global tourism is being developed every day, so there are plenty of ways how you can take your furry companion on your traveling adventure. However, it is really important to prepare for such a trip, so here are several tips, tricks, and suggestions we have prepared for you and your buddy:
Mentally prepare and create realistic expectations
So you’ve decided on eventually taking your pet along with you on a road trip – that’s fantastic! However, you should take a sit for this one and take a deep look at the pros and cons of such decision, the difficulties that may arise and a draft of solutions on how to solve some of the issues that have a high probability of occurring. Traveling with your animal companion won’t be easy, so you have to be mentally prepared to face some possible obstacles. In some cases, it may even be exhausting, but it is the positive times that you have to focus on.
On the other hand, try not to fantasize so much by imagining that your trip will be flawless like the viral “traveling with animals” photos and articles that frequently appear on the internet. Sure it looks fantastic how a guy can easily go kayaking with his dog in a lovely national park, but this may not be the case in your situation. Your dog may not like the idea of being so close to water. So be realistic about your expectations and try to make your trip enjoyable for both you and your buddy.
Make an appointment with the vet before you travel
Consider it this way: if you’re planning on traveling soon then, you will not be happy about the idea of going on a trip while you’re sick or just have a cold. Well, your pet wouldn’t like traveling while being sick either. This is why it is reasonable to visit the vet before you even book the trip – it will be better for both you and your companion. Plus, if you’re traveling abroad and you need to issue some traveling documents for your pet – then you will be obliged to visit the vet to do the required examination.
Prepare the necessary documentation
If you decide on going abroad to another country, you will have to prepare the documentation of traveling required for both you and your pet if you are willing to pass the borders at all. If you haven’t been aware until now, you should know that to travel this way you need a legit health certificate and documents such as a passport. However, different countries may apply different rules so do your homework and make a research before you plan your trip.
Find a suitable animal-friendly accommodation
When traveling with your furry friend you may not have the same possibilities as if you have decided to travel alone, but this is an interesting give and take situation. Before you even book the desired accommodation, you will have to check with the housing operator if they even accept animals inside their facilities. Luckily, nowadays there are plenty of hotels that extend their services and offer a great and delightful stay for you and your pet. However, this also depends on the type of animal you’re traveling with, as some hotels are specialized for keeping cats, some are more dog-friendly, and some even provide the adequate comfort for your snake (in case you have one).
One great suggestion is to go camping with your animal companion. This way you won’t have to deal with any managers or owners, and you won’t have to worry about the damage to the furniture or the loud noise. Plus, this will be a great opportunity to get your pet out in the wild, let it explore the natural surroundings and give it a modest sense of freedom.
Choose a safe way of transport when traveling with pets
Whether you plan on going by car, train, boat or plane, remember that your little friend is not quite familiar with movement caused by a particular vehicle. This may provoke it and make it upset, or it may even result in some terrible consequences due to lack of calmness. Also, make sure to provide the necessary comfort and if possible be right next to your pet while you’re on the road. This will make it more secure and not so scared of the unknown.
Always go prepared with snacks and water
Just like when you’re traveling with a baby, remember to go on the journey caring a bag of snacks, water, and tissues. Your pet might get dehydrated and hungry from all that excitement, so you’ll need something to “soothe the pain.” Additionally, take a pack of tissues in case you face with something unexpected.
Rent a bike so that you both can enjoy a day of sightseeing
If your pet is not so big and can fit in the front basket of a bicycle, then this can be the ideal way of both of you enjoying a tour of a new city. This way you won’t have to deal with busy metros and traffic jams, plus you will both be more satisfied and amused discovering a new destination while feeling the light breeze on your faces.
The journey of life is sweeter when traveled with your pet, so make sure to take your lovely companion along whenever you find that possible. Show your buddy the joy of traveling by letting it explore the world together with you by your side.
