Whatever the reason for your travels or however long you’ll be away from home, it can be tough to take a trip when you have pets. Finding a pet sitter to take care of your pet can be difficult, and when you do, it could be incredibly expensive. If you don’t want to leave your pet at home when you go away on a trip, traveling with them could be the best option. Here are a few simple tips for traveling with pets to try out.

Pre-Travel Checkup

Before you go anywhere with your pet, make sure you schedule an appointment with specialty veterinarian services to make sure your pet is in good health. Make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and talk with your vet about ways to help calm your pet during travel. This is also a good time to get general vaccinations, as well. Kittens and puppies need vaccines every three to four weeks until they’re sixteen weeks old. If you’re traveling outside the United States, talk to specialty veterinarian services about what requirements you’ll need to meet to bring your pet along.

Picking A Crate

To make sure your pet’s travel is as stress-free as possible, pick a crate that is large enough for them to stand up and move around in. Also, check that you’ve left food and water for your pet in the crate in case they get hungry and need to be fed. Dry food can be stored in a container or plastic bag with instructions on feeding. For water, try freezing their water dish before leaving. By the time your pet will want to drink, the ice should be melted. If your pet will need to be fed or let out of the crate at any point during your travel, make sure to let anyone who might be handling your pet know.

Limit Stops

If you’re flying with your pet, book a direct flight to prevent any layovers. The shorter time that your pet will be crated, the better. If you’re road-tripping, make sure that your pet has chances to stretch out and move around. Just make sure that however you travel, your pet is spending as little time as possible stuck in one, anxiety-inducing location. Pets need the freedom to roam, and that’s still true when traveling. The less time they spend stuck in one place, the easier travel will be on them and you.

Emergency Situations

If signs of a pet emergency do show up while traveling, make sure you’re prepared. Have the number of several specialty veterinarian services available near your pet or on their crate at all times. If your pet needs any sort of special treatment or medication, make sure that information is well-known well before departure. In general, though, if your pet requires special care, traveling with them might not be the safest option.

Before you take your pet with you on a trip, be sure to contact your local specialty veterinarian services. This will make sure your pet stays happy and healthy during your trip. You don’t need to wait for an emergency to become familiar with our veterinary services. Get the best care you can find for all of your pet’s health needs. We are more than just an animal hospital. Call 520-888-3177 for more information about our specialty services on site, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.