Hotel Tips
At check-in:
Announce your
pet and inquire as to areas to walk your pet and areas that your pet
is not permitted.
Also ask about any ant or insect poisons in use; many of these are
toxic to pets.
While in your room:
Cover any
furniture and beds your pet will be allowed on. Never permit your
pet to sleep on beds, chairs, or bed spreads unless they have been
covered with your own complete bed covering.
Place your pet's food and water bowls on a mat or feed them outside.
Litter boxes should go in the bathroom to make cleanup easier and
newspaper should be placed underneath.
Leaving your room:
Avoid leaving
your pet alone in the room. If you must do so, inform the front
desk, turn on your radio or television to keep your pet entertained,
and make sure your pet is securely crated to avoid the startled pet
escaping through an open door when the housekeeper enters or, worse,
attacking the housekeeper.
Public areas:
Always keep
your pet leashed. Always check before you take your pet into a dining area, bar,
lounge, or pool area. Walk your
pet far from lawns, flower beds, and other public areas and always
please clean up after your pet.
During your stay: Wipe off
muddy or dirty paws before your pet enters the room.
Car Tips
No heads out the window:
Although many pets find that sticking their head out the window
is the best part of the road trip, it's not safe. Your pet can
easily be injured by flying debris. This should go without
saying, but NEVER travel with a pet in the back of a pickup
truck. Some states have laws restricting such transport and it
is very dangerous.
Frequent pit stops:
Always provide
frequent bathroom and exercise breaks. Most travel service areas
have designated areas for walking your pet. Be sure to stay in
this area particularly when you pet needs a potty break…and of
course, bring along a bag to pick up after your pet. When
outside your vehicle, make sure that your pet is always on a
leash and wearing a collar with a permanent and temporary travel
identification tag.
Proper hydration:
During your pit
stops be sure to provide your pet with some fresh water to wet
their whistle. Occasionally, traveling can upset your pet's
stomach. Take along ice cubes, which are easier on your pet than
large amounts of water.
Watch the food intake:
It is
recommended that you keep feeding to a minimum during travel. Be
sure to feed them their regular pet food and resist the
temptation to give them some of your fast food burger or fries
(that never has a good ending).
Don't leave them alone: You
should never leave
your pet unattended in a parked vehicle. On warm days, the
temperature in your vehicle can rise to 120 degrees in minutes,
even with the windows slightly open. In addition, an animal left
alone in a vehicle is an open invitation to pet thieves.
Practice restraint:
Be sure that your
pet is safely restrained in your vehicle. Utilizing a pet safety
harness or travel kennel are the best ways to keep your pet
safe. They not only protects your pet from injury, but they help
by keeping them from distracting you as you drive. A safety
harness functions like a seatbelt. While most pets will not have
a problem adjusting to it, you may want to let them wear the
harness by itself a few times before using it in the vehicle. If
your pet prefers a travel kennel, be sure it is well ventilated
and stabilized. Many pet owners prefer vehicle barriers,
particularly for larger pets. Vehicle barriers are best suited
for SUVs. No matter what method you choose, back seat travel is
always safer for your pet.
Safe and comfortable:
Whatever method
you choose to properly restrain your pet in your vehicle, be
sure to make their comfort a priority. Just as it's important
for your "seat" to be comfortable for your long road trip, your
pet's seat should be comfortable too. Typically their favorite
blanket or travel bed will do the trick. There are also some
safe and very cozy pet car seats available that your pet may
find quite comfy. Following some basic rules during road travel will help to make
your journey with your little one much more enjoyable and safe!
Travel Tips
Assess your pet:
Be honest about
your pet's ability to travel. If your pet is very young or old, or
is ill, pregnant, or recovering from surgery, it may be better for
all concerned to look into a pet sitter or kennel rather than take a
chance on injuring your pet by taking it with you. If you are in
doubt, ask your veterinarian. If your pet has not traveled before,
try a short overnight or weekend trip first.
Schedule a visit with your veterinarian:
Inform your
veterinarian where you will be traveling to, for how long, as well
as whether your pet will be traveling by air or car. Ask your
veterinarian about any flea, heartworm, or tick risks for areas you
will be traveling to. If your pet becomes carsick or restless when
traveling, ask your veterinarian about appropriate medications or
treatments.
Many pets become separated from their people while traveling and
often collars are not on pets when they are recovered at shelters.
Seriously consider having your pet micro chipped - animal hospitals,
humane societies, kennels, and shelters nationwide are using
scanners that will read these implanted chips and let you be
reunited with your lost pet. Microchip procedures are safe, quick,
inexpensive, and very common. Your veterinarian can tell you more
about this procedure.
Make certain that all vaccinations are up to date and obtain current
health and rabies certificates no more than ten (10) days prior to
your departure. You will be required to have these if your pet is
traveling by air. These certificates are also strongly recommended
if your plans do not include air travel as you may need to board
your pet unexpectedly and many kennels will not accept pets without
these certificates. And, if your pet does require emergency medical
care, these will allow this to take place much more quickly and
without the potentially dangerous duplication of vaccinations.
Obtain a secure carrier for your pet:
You need a
sturdy, properly ventilated crate of adequate size for your pet to
stand up, turn around, and lie down in comfortably. Knobs or a rim
at least 3/4 inches deep is required so that the ventilation will
not be blocked. The crate should be free of interior hazardous
protrusions, have a door that securely latches, and have handles or
grips on the outside to prevent anyone who might need to handle the
crate from being bitten. The bottom should be leak proof and covered
with a towel or other absorbent material.
Print your pet's name and your name, address, and phone number for
both your home and destination on the outside of the crate with
permanent marker. Include your personal 800 number if you have one
or the words "call collect".
Never put a leash in the crate as your pet could get tangled in it.
Make sure your pet is accustomed to the crate before you begin your
trip.
Verify that your pet's tags are current:
Your pet should
wear a secure collar at all times with tags showing proof of rabies
vaccination and your name, address, and phone number in case your
pet becomes separated. Make a set of temporary paper tags with the
address and phone number at your destination.
Never allow your pet to wear a choke, pinch, or training collar
while traveling. Safety collars, which attach with elastic or
Velcro, are recommended for cats.
Before you leave:
Clip your
pet's nails. Pets with freshly-trimmed nails will be less likely to
damage items in strange surroundings and will be easier to restrain
if necessary.
Brush your pet to remove all loose hair.
If your pet has fleas, obtain and complete the necessary treatment
before traveling to avoid infesting its new surroundings.
Ideas on things to bring:
-
A
leash.
-
An
extra collar.
-
An old
blanket or sheet for the back seat of your car or wherever the
pet's carrier will be secured to make cleanup easier.
-
Two old
sheets to cover bedding and furniture at your destination.
-
Some of
your pet's bedding.
-
Food.
If you do not feed a brand you are certain will be available at
your destination and along the way, bring enough for the whole
trip. If you feed canned, bring a can opener and spoon.
-
Two
gallons of extra drinking water from home. When you are down to
the last half gallon, begin mixing in equal parts with the water
supply at your destination. If your pet is especially sensitive,
use distilled water.
-
Food &
water bowl set.
-
Portable water bowl or bottle for use when away from your
lodging.
-
Treats.
-
Toys or
chew items.
-
All
required medications, supplements, and preventatives.
-
Tweezers to remove foreign objects from fur or paws.
-
Brush
or comb.
-
Lint
and hair remover.
-
Baby
wipes or moist towel wipes to wipe off paws.
-
For
cats, a full litter pan with extra litter, liners, and newspaper
to place underneath for cats.
-
Waste
removal bags.
-
Old
towels, carpet cleaner, disinfectant spray, and trash bags for
accidents.
-
First
aid kit.
-
Flashlight for nighttime walks.
Be prepared for the worst:
While no one
likes to think about it, many pets do become separated while away
from home. To increase the chances of a safe and quick return, bring
a recent photograph and written description of your pet including
call name, breed, sex, age, any microchip or tattoo numbers, and a
description of coat, color and markings including any unusual
markings, scars, or other identifying marks, as well as weight and
height. These will be invaluable if your pet does become separated.
While you're traveling:
Keep fresh
water available for your pet at all times. Avoid sudden changes of
diet. If you are unable to obtain your pet's normal brand, switch
gradually over to the new food over a period of four or more days.
Clean your pet's food and water bowls out regularly with soap.
Never take your pet on an escalator unless it is securely in its
crate as its claws or fur could become caught.
Obey all leash laws and make certain to keep your pet on a leash or
in a carrier at all times when not securely in a room. Clean up
after your pet.
Never give your pet sedatives or tranquilizers unless under a
veterinarian's prescription. Such medications can interfere with
your pet's ability to maintain its balance and equilibrium, which
could prevent your pet from being able to brace itself and prevent
injury. Air travel while under the influence of these medications is
especially dangerous as exposure to increased altitude can cause
respiratory and cardiovascular problems. |