You want to have the most memorable and fun trip with a little travel partner while ensuring your pet’s comfort. To avoid any last-minute setbacks, plan for the trip beforehand. Lookup for pet-friendly accommodations, learn about travel guidelines, and prepare all travel documents.
Don’t you miss traveling and exploring new cultures? The global pandemic had put the entire world on hold. Adults were working from home whereas; students switched to eLearning. Since the most challenging year has come to an end, people hope to return to normal. Governments across different countries are easing the lockdown by opening public places such as shopping malls, restaurants, etc. Similarly, many countries have also lifted the ban on travel activities.
So, why not take a break from all routine hustle-bustle? You can head over up north for some mind-blowing adventures or re-plan your international trip. The change of atmosphere can be super relaxing for your mind, helping you unwind and rejuvenate. However, if you don’t wish to travel alone, consider taking your little companion along. After all, pets can be incredible travel partners.
Alongside accompanying you at all times, pets will also have a fun time exploring new places. However, pet owners are quite skeptical about this decision since traveling with a pet seems challenging. Don’t worry because we have got you all covered. Here is our best guide to have a smooth trip with your four-legged friend.
1. Find pet-friendly accommodations
Usually, all hotels allow pets, but a few of them also have a ‘no-pet policy.’ Hence, if you don’t want to get stuck with a hotel that is not pet friendly, do your homework before heading out. Firstly, review all hotel’s specifications regarding the animal’s size, weight, type, and ask questions before your arrival. And for places with low temperatures, find proper accommodation for your pet.
If you are going to the Smoky Mountains, look up for pet friendly cabins in Gatlinburg to ensure your pet’s health. They have spacious cabins where you can have a peaceful and fun time with your pet. After all, pets are like your family, and leaving them in discomfort could be quite unfair.
2. Apprehend airline’s pet policy
Every country has specific rules when it comes to traveling with pets. While airlines don’t allow pets, others have a separate compartment for them. Thus, make sure you are aware of all requirements and restrictions before flying with a pet. Ask about the place where the pets would be kept and see if you have to provide them water or extra food. Sometimes, pocket pets like hamsters, birds, and parrots are allowed in cabins.
However, there is a storage area for larger animals such as dogs and cats. You can find all this information on the airline’s webpage under the pet’s policy section. Likewise, you also have to make in-cabin arrangements to ensure the pet doesn’t stress out on the plane. Besides, if you don’t plan to fly, prepare for other travel modes with your pet.
3. Pack all essentials
Once your packing list is ready, consider preparing another one for your pet. Note down all things your little companion will need on the trip and start stocking up. Apart from the essentials, invest in calming products because pets panic at a new place. You can grab anxiety-reducing products like lavender oil and sprinkle them inside the carrier to help them relax. Similarly, get your hands on a calming vest to reduce pet anxiety.
Moreover, you can prepare a mini-travel kit for the pet. It should have a small amount of dry food, medication, first-aid items, and dental chews. Remember to keep your pet away from sleeping pills or tranquilizers because it can significantly lower blood pressure.
4. Plan for emergencies
Although you are planning everything correctly, things can still go wrong. Therefore, prepare for emergencies in case you have to send the pet back home. At times, owners also have to leave them behind in the destination country due to unfortunate circumstances. Nevertheless, with an emergency plan on-hand, you can eliminate all such risks. Here are a few things to add to the list.
- Request for veterinarian’s contact information to stay in touch. It will help if your pet demonstrates any unusual behavior.
- Include instructions about your pet’s feeding requirements, medications, and preventive treatments.
- Provide your contact details to a trusted friend or family member where your pet can stay in the destination country at home.
- Add instructions on financial and medical resources the pet might need in emergencies.
Having an emergency plan will ensure the pet’s comfort at all times.
5. Enlist the latest pet resources
Luckily, technology is making lives more comfortable. So, why not use some gadgets and apps to make your trip safer and effortless? Nowadays, you can install pet trackers to keep an eye on their every move. You can also grab a tracker collar that would alert you when the pet exits or enters an area. Similarly, install some pet travel apps to find pet-friendly places in the destination country.
After all, keeping the pet comfortable and healthy requires a hefty amount of planning and preparation but is all worth it. Besides this, look for cost-effective pet insurance programs. It would compensate for all damages in case the pet gets sick.
Final thoughts
Traveling with a pet is exciting yet stressful. You want to have the most memorable and fun trip with a little travel partner while ensuring your pet’s comfort. To avoid any last-minute setbacks, plan for the trip beforehand. Lookup for pet-friendly accommodations, learn about travel guidelines, and prepare all travel documents. Most importantly, from food to the carrier, pack all pet essentials such as food, toys, collar, litter, etc. Besides this, look for cost-effective pet insurance programs.
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