Now that summer’s here, many families are planning their summer vacation destinations. For pet owners, extra preparations must be made if a pet-friendly vacation is in the plans. Vacationing with pets is a growing trend in America; a number of pet owners today do not simply view their furry friends as pets, but as members of the family.
But before vacationing with your pet, read our list of important considerations and to-do’s to ensure your pet’s vacation is just as comfortable and enjoyable as it is for you. Failure to plan for vacationing with pets properly can lead to an unpleasant and possibly dangerous experience for everyone!
1) Have your pet thoroughly examined and vaccinated before traveling
Traveling can be stressful for your pet, so it is important to make sure your pet is healthy enough to travel before embarking on a long journey. If your animal has any medical conditions that require medication, it is also important to ensure you have a sufficient amount of medicine before leaving because it may be difficult, or even impossible, to obtain while you are vacationing with your pet.
Perhaps the most important reason to visit the veterinarian with your pet before vacationing is to be certain that your pet has the necessary vaccinations for the area you will be traveling to. Some areas of the country may deal with animal diseases that are not endemic to your region. Failing to properly vaccinate for these diseases could have serious health consequences for your pet.
2) Bring items familiar to your pet on vacation with you
Pets are often accustomed to daily routines and taking them on vacation and out of that daily routine can be stressful and confusing. Packing a separate bag or suitcase with items familiar to your pet can help to ease or minimize this. We recommend packing favorite toys, blankets, beds, or treats to help your pet feel more comfortable.
3) Discover local veterinarians, animal hospitals, or even boarding facilities at your destination
In the event that your pet has a medical emergency while on vacation, it is important that you know of veterinary clinics that are convenient to your vacation destination. Although medical emergencies are unlikely, it is possible that there are vacation activities that are not suitable for your pet to participate in. For example if you and your family decide to spend the day at the water park or an amusement park, you must leave your dog behind. Finding a quality boarding facility where your pet can enjoy itself while you and your family do the same is important.
Deciding whether to take a pet-friendly vacation requires much thought, preparation, and patience. There are many other things that should be taken into consideration before vacationing with your pet, but if you follow these three tips, it could be the difference between an enjoyable vacation for both you and your pet and a poor experience for all. Happy vacationing to all this summer!
If you need pet boarding services in Germantown, contact us today!
