You’re all set and ready to pack up the car, load up the family, and travel to your new home! Your group also includes your four-legged family members, which adds an extra component to your traveling adventure. However, hitting the road with your pet does not have to be stressful; with a little preparation and planning, the trip will be simple and fun as you travel to your new residence. Here are our best tips for traveling in a vehicle with your pet.
Pre-Travel Preparation
Start Off Happy and Healthy
It is important to take your pet to the vet for a checkup to make sure he is current on all vaccinations and receives a clean bill of health. This will help ensure that he is not sick while you are traveling to your new home. Also, your vet can provide a health certificate and a rabies vaccination certification. Both of these are especially important if you plan to travel abroad.
Plan Ahead to Keep Your Pet Safely Secured
Determine how you will keep your pet safely secured in your vehicle while you travel. This necessary part of pet travel is often overlooked. In reality, many pets are hurt during accidents because they are not properly secured in vehicles. More essentially, an overly-excited pet can easily distract the driver, which can lead to a costly accident. There are many great safety options for keeping your pet secured when traveling in a vehicle. It is also necessary to allow your pet to become familiar with the option you choose ahead of time, so he is comfortable during the trip on moving day.
Update Identification Tag & Chip
Unfortunately, sometimes pets do run off and escape their parents. If you have an updated ID tag and a current photo of your pet, this will to ensure his safe return. Make sure he is wearing a collar with the ID tag attached, and ensure that your cell phone number is listed. It is also important to make sure your pet’s microchip is updated with your appropriate contact information.
Pack the Essentials
When deciding what to pack for the car trip, a plentiful supply of their pet food is essential. You cannot rely on being able to stop along the way to purchase your pet’s food, or being able to readily buy it at your new location. Your pet’s brand of food may not be easy to find, and it is not a good time to try and introduce a new brand of food when you are traveling. Other necessities when packing for your pet include pet travel bowls, pet beds, cat litter and a litter box, leashes, collars and tags, toys, grooming supplies, a first-aid kit and medicines. Also, don’t forget to always have plenty of fresh water available for your pet.
Where to Stay Along the Way
Finding pet friendly lodging along your route is necessary if your travels involve a long drive from start to finish. It is important to book ahead before you start your trip so you will know where you will be staying along the way.
Updated Copies of Medical Records
Just in case there is a medical emergency with your pet when you are traveling, we recommend that you bring along a copy of your pet’s medical records. It is best to keep these with you, and they should include your veterinarian’s contact information, in case he or she needs to be reached for a consultation.