Planning a trip as a pet parent can be highly stressful since you don’t really know who to trust with your little furry baby. And hiring a pet-sitter can add more layers of anxiety. Even when you find a person you can trust, they will still not care for your pet as you would. It may lead to the dilemma of whether or not a trip is even worth it if your pet is not with you to enjoy it. Alternatively, research also shows that CBD products can help calm pets.
Many people cancel or postpone their trips because of this panic. Even though it is rational to worry about your pet, traveling with it is not impossible. With the increasing number of people owning pets, the consumer market is changing to cater to the needs of pet parents. American Pet Product Association (APPA) found out in surveys of 2019-2020 that 67 percent of the families in the USA own a pet, which has led to the traveling and hoteling industries adapting to accommodate this demographic. Therefore, now instead of worrying about their little furry friends, people can travel with it and make their trip more memorable, especially family vacations. That said, listed below are a few tips that will help you if you’re traveling with your pet.
Look for pet-friendly accommodation
When you finally decide to take your pet with you on a trip, you must provide it with suitable accommodation. Therefore, you must choose a place to stay that covers all the needs of your pet. Additionally, it is better to book in advance than having the hotel refuse to let your pet stay when you arrive. You may look up hotels in the vicinity of the destination you plan on visiting. For example, if you’re planning a hiking trip to the Great Smoky Mountains with your dog, look up pet friendly cabins Gatlinburg on the internet to identify the best options. Pet friendly hotels and resorts acknowledge that your pet is important to you and ensure that both you and the animal have a pleasant stay.
Pack your pet’s favorite toys
Boredom is not exclusive to humans only. Even animals tend to get bored, especially when they don’t get the attention they crave. So, it is better to pack a few pet toys for the trip. You may even buy one or two travel-friendly toys for your pet that will keep them entertained. If you’re leaving your pet in the hotel, pay with it when you return from your engagements.
Do not leave your pet alone in the car
No matter what, never leave your pet alone in a rented car or cab when you’re out on the road. Even if it is just for a few minutes, it can prove to be fatal for your pet. Especially in the summer months, it is dangerous to lock your pet inside the car because of the heat. Moreover, someone might harm or steal it while you’re inattentive. SO be on your guard and ensure you have a leash tied to it.
Keep them hydrated
While traveling, the chances of dehydration increase for the pet. This is because of a lack of access to a water bowl. Therefore, you must put in extra effort to keep your pet hydrated. You could pack a water bowl in your luggage and carry it around with you in a bag when you take your pet outside of the hotel. And if that isn’t an option on the table, you must take water breaks for the pet when you find open water fit for drinking. You could also try feeding it moist pet food since the water content will help it stay hydrated.
Be prepared to track your pet if it gets lost
It is always a good idea to be ready for any emergency when traveling. In the case of traveling with a pet, be prepared for when it gets lost. In case you are traveling with a pet, be ready to handle pet emergencies. While traveling to a new place, your pet may get lost because of its innate sense of curiosity. Therefore, always have a leash on when in the outdoors. Also, attach a microchip to their collar for easy tracking. If that is an unaffordable option, write essential information such as your contact number and where you’re staying on the collar. In case something terrible happens, someone might reach out to you.
Book an appointment with a vet
Although we’re mentioning this last on the list, consider doing this first. Before the trip, book an appointment with your vet. It is mandatory to avoid any future inconveniences. If the vet detects any health problems, you may have to make adjustments to your itinerary. For example, buying and packing appropriate medication for the pet. You may also have to postpone your trip or get a pet-sitter if there is any severe issue. After all, nothing may be more important than the well-being of your furry buddy.
Conclusion
Owning a pet is not just a hobby. It is a responsibility that one takes for the entire lifetime of the pet. And because more people are now keeping pets, commercial industries such as tourism are now adapting to accommodate these additional little guests. So, if you’re planning on traveling with yours, consider the tips mentioned above to ensure a comfortable and trouble-free trip. Check-in with a vet before finalizing the rest of your itinerary, book a pet friendly hotel, keep toys and water bowl, and take measures to ensure it doesn’t get lost in uncharted territories.
