The holiday season is upon us. For many of us, that means hitting the road. Most people who want to spend the holidays with family want their whole family there—so that includes their four-legged family members. It is estimated that 5 out of 6 pet owners will bring their pets along when they travel for the holidays.
Travel can be difficult around Thanksgiving and Christmas, even if you don't have a furry friend in tow. If you're thinking of taking a trip with your cat or dog at this time of year, make sure you plan and take some precautions to keep them safe and happy.
Pack Smart
Once you're on the road, you will kick yourself if you forgot any of your pet's needs. Make sure to bring bowls for water and food, a litter box with the extra litter for your cat, medications, extra food, treats, and plenty of toys. If you’re going to a colder climate, you might want to get some booties, a sweater or coat for your pet if you think he’ll need it. Your pet will also appreciate some of the comforts of home, so if she has a favorite pillow or stuffed animal she likes to cozy up with, make sure you include it in your pet's travel bag.
Don't Forget the Papers
Every state and country has different laws for pets. To avoid any surprises, do a little research to see what the laws are in any state or country you plan to pass through. A few weeks before the trip, talk to your vet to make sure your pet is up to date on immunizations, and ask about getting a signed health certificate.
Avoid the Rush
It's smart to plan early for a trip, but it's even smarter to leave early if you're bringing along a pet. A road trip with a dog or cat in the car can take a little longer. Give yourself that extra time. Your fuzzy travel companion will appreciate a few extra pit stops so they can stretch their legs and relieve themselves.
Try to Stick to Your Normal Schedule
Animals are creatures of habit. Traveling and being in a new home for a few days can be stressful, but one way to help keep them feeling secure is to keep your normal daily schedule as much as possible. Try to feed pets at their regular feeding times. Avoid skipping the daily long walks if your dog is used to them, and try to take them out as close as possible to the normal walk schedule.
Prevent a Disaster
When you're traveling for the holidays, your pet may be nervous in unfamiliar territory. If your pet gets lost, you'll want to make sure he'll find your way back to you as soon as possible. Make sure your pet has an ID tag on his collar with up-to-date contact information. It also pays to have your pet microchipped, and to have the microchip registered. Having a recent picture of your pet on hand also comes in handy for spreading alerts on local social media groups.
If you're planning to travel with your pet this holiday season, we can help! The Animal Doctors have been serving patients and their humans in Palo Alto and the surrounding areas for over 40 years. We can help you prepare for your trip, make sure your pet is ready for it, and give you some advice if you're new to pet travel.
Contact our office with questions. We care for pets in the San Francisco Peninsula, including Atherton, Cupertino, East Palo Alto, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Portola Valley, Redwood City, Stanford, and Woodside.
