Are you planning to travel for the holidays? Are you considering taking your pet with you? Travel can be fun for pets, but it can also be dangerous for them. A Tumwater, WA veterinarian offers some advice on this below.

ID

Make sure that your furry best friend is microchipped and wearing ID tags. You’ll also need to verify that your information is correct in the chipmaker’s database. For added protection, you may want to get them a collar with GPS tracking. Many of these work with cell phone towers. That way, if your four-legged pal slips away in a strange area, you can track them. There are several different products on the market now: just do some research before buying.

Preventative Care

Be sure that your furry pal is up-to-date on required vaccines and parasite control. If you’re traveling to a different region, you may need to find out if there is anything local to that area that your pet should be protected against. Ask your vet for advice.

Use A Crate

Pets should always travel in crates or carriers. It’s much safer for everyone! You can make the crate comfy by adding soft bedding and perhaps a few toys.

Consider Comfort

Before traveling with your animal companion, ask yourself if you really should take Fido or Fluffy with you. If you’re only going away overnight, Fluffy may be fine at home. However, kitties that are sick, elderly, and/or very young shouldn’t be left alone. As for Fido, boarding him may be a better option. Ask your vet for recommendations.

Packing

Don’t forget to pack for your furry buddy! You’ll need food, toys, bedding, treats, dishes, grooming supplies, wipes, towels, and a pet first-aid kit. Fido will need waste baggies, a spare leash, collar and tie line, while Fluffy requires a litterbox and litter. You may also want to bring water from home: some pets get sick from drinking water that is drastically different from what they’re used to.

Accommodations

Settling In

Your four-legged travel buddy will feel more at home with their own bedding and a few toys. If the area you’re staying in is significantly louder or quieter than your home, play soft music or turn on a white noise app. Do you have questions or concerns about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your Tumwater, WA animal clinic, today.