Summer is almost around the bend, which means it’s time to start planning road vacations across the nation with your closest friends and your dogs. If, on the other hand, you want to transport your furry companions by automobile or by plane, you must exercise great caution. During the summer months, keep your dogs happy, healthy, and safe by following these suggestions for traveling with pets during the warmest months of the year.
During the summer, keep an eye out for airline embargoes
Given the severe temperatures throughout the summer months, several airlines have seasonal pet travel restrictions, preventing dogs from traveling during certain periods of the year and barring particular breeds from going. Many experts advise avoiding taking dogs on flights entirely; but, if it is absolutely essential, check with your airline to find out what their stance is on pet travel during the warmer months of the year.
Always keep in mind that airlines construct their embargo schedules around the hot weather from the previous season. So take a look back at previous summers to see what the optimum time would be to book your travel with your pet.
Traveling During the Cooler Seasons is recommended
No matter whether you choose to fly or drive with your dogs, traveling during the colder months is always the most convenient choice when traveling with animals. It is easy for pets to get dehydrated and they may not always have access to water while traveling, particularly if you are flying. During the colder months, airlines are less likely to impose restrictions on dogs flying in cargo, which means you’ll be less likely to encounter embargoes as you would during the warmer months.
Buy in a travel crate for your pet
When it comes to choosing a travel crate, the most important factors to consider are comfort and ventilation. When your pet is familiar with the crate, they will be more likely to accept the idea of being in it for the duration of the long voyage. Crate train your pet early on to ensure that they are comfortable in it and that it is not a surprise to them when you are on the road with them.
Before you leave, make an appointment with your veterinarian
Always remember that it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your pet, therefore be sure to take your pet to the veterinarian before embarking on a lengthy travel. It is possible that pets with health concerns will not be in the greatest condition for long travels and will need to remain at home if the trip is voluntary. As a result, see your veterinarian to ensure that your furry family member is healthy enough to travel. Additionally, if you’re going overseas, you may be required to get a USDA certificate for your pet.
Consult with your veterinarian about your travel plans to see if you need to get any extra documentation for your pet.
Before you leave the house, take a long walk
To guarantee that your pet sleeps for a significant chunk of the journey time, it is a good idea to wear them out before the trip. This may be accomplished by taking a long walk or engaging in some playing the evening before or immediately before you start on the road. This will also assist them in remaining calm while traveling.
Pets shouldn’t be left alone in automobiles
Keep in mind that if you’re traveling by car this summer, you should be cautious about leaving your dogs alone in the vehicle. Not only does this put you at risk of being targeted by pet thieves, but temperatures in automobiles may reach 120 degrees in the summer months, making it imperative that you have your dog with you when you exit the car to keep them safe.
Make a Reservation
When it comes to pet accommodations, several hotels, airlines, cabins, and resorts have special norms and procedures in place. This summer, make sure you cover all of your bases by phoning ahead to confirm that dogs are permitted and to inquire about pet accommodations. Take the additional time to call ahead of time; it might save you a lot of trouble later on.
Keep food and drink on hand at all times
Before beginning on your adventure with your pet, you need ensure that they are well fed and watered. As a result of the fact that they will be traveling for a lengthy amount of time, you need ensure that they eat enough so that they do not get hungry while on the road. When travelling on a lengthy vacation, experts advise limiting food preparation to two hours before putting it out to air dry.
Water is also essential for your pet’s health, so make sure it has access to it at all times. If you are traveling by plane, you may want to try freezing their water bowl so that the water may gently thaw over time and be available for them to drink while in flight. In the event that you are driving, be sure to maintain portable water bowls on deck and make periodic pit stops for restroom breaks.
Make sure your pets’ identification tags are up to date
Pet ID tags may save your life if you ever get separated from your pet while traveling. They allow others to locate you and your pet. Take some time before you go on vacation to make sure your pet’s identification tags are up to date. It may also be worthwhile to check that their microchip information is up to date and to attach temporary tags with your contact information on them in case of an emergency or separation.
Practice with your accessories in advance of the event
Bringing a bunch of new travel equipment for your pet the day before your vacation won’t go down well with him or her. Spend some time practicing with your pet to ensure that they are comfortable with their new surroundings and that they will move without difficulty. This involves crate training using your new travel crate as well as walking with leashes and harnesses to get them used to them.
