Traveling with Pets
Summer may be quickly drawing to a close, but that doesn’t mean vacation plans are disappearing. If you’ve got a trip ahead of you and you’re unsure if bringing your four-legged family member is a good idea, then there’s a lot to think about. Most people want their pets with them all the time (if anything, because boarding and pet sitting can be so expensive!), but consider the following advice before packing them a bag.
First, how are you traveling? Driving is the easiest way to travel with pets, though for long distances or cross-country road trips, you may need to think about factors like potty breaks and pet-friendly hotels. Some pets love the car; others not so much. For furry friends who are unsure about car rides, spend time familiarizing and desensitizing them to the experience before you commit to multiple days or hours in a moving vehicle. If you’re flying, while a shorter trip often helps, pets and planes can be expensive and complicated, especially for large dogs. Do your research and decide if bringing your pet on a flight is a reasonable option for you.
Another thing to consider is where you’re staying once you get to your destination. Pet-friendly accommodation can be hard to find, and it often comes with extra fees. If you’re bringing your pet to save money, definitely look into how much you’ll end up paying to keep them with you!
What kind of trip are you taking? If you’ll be out all day at museums, restaurants, or other places where your pets aren’t welcome, it might be worth leaving them at home. Why go through the stress of an arduous travel day just to leave them alone in an unfamiliar place for the majority of your trip? The journey and the destination should be enjoyable for you and your pet.
Change stresses most animals out, and while vacationing is exciting for us, it involves a lot of change. Pets love their routine. They’re most comfortable knowing exactly when they’ll eat, go potty, and where their favorite places to sleep and play are. Vacation completely upsets these routines, and while some pets are more adaptable than others, some might have a hard time adjusting. If bringing your pet is the only option, or you know they’ll love the destination even if the journey might be a little stressful, you can mitigate some of the anxiety.
As with most things, preparation is key. Before embarking on a long journey, use short trips to build a positive association with travel. Use treats, familiar items, and positive encouragement to make the experience fun! When the day for travel comes, take care of your pet’s needs before leaving. Make sure they’ve eaten, pottied, and gotten some energy out via enrichment activities like play or a walk. For the extra anxious traveler, visit your vet to get advice. They might suggest medicinal support such as trazodone or CBD drops to calm your pet and make the travel day as smooth as possible.
Whether you decide to bring your pet along or let them enjoy a relaxing stay at home, the most important thing is choosing what best suits their needs. With a little preparation, thoughtful planning, and an honest assessment of your pet’s personality and your travel plans, you can help make vacation time safe, comfortable, and enjoyable for everyone. After all, the best trip is one where both you and your four-legged family member can come home happy!
Since 1994, the Animal Resource Center and the Shops of Second Chance Humane Society have been dedicated to serving animals in Southwestern Colorado. Our adoption hours are every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are located at 177 County Rd 10, Ridgway, CO. You can view our shelter pets and services online at secondchancehumane.org.