Taking your furry one on a trip this summer? Here are some of our tips to ensure your pets are ready. Whether it’s a short vacation or a long weekend to grandma’s house, there are several important things to remember when traveling by ground this summer.

• First on your check list should be a visit to your veterinarian to get a medical checkup and to get current on all vaccinations. Whenever you are traveling across state lines, you must have a recent health certificate and proof of vaccinations.

• Next, have a plan for how you will restrain your pet in your vehicle while traveling. Hundreds of pets are injured or even killed while riding in vehicles because they can roam freely. Pet car seats, pet seat belts, travel crates or kennels and pet barriers are all good options. Whatever you choose, be sure to familiarize your pet with the restraint-of-choice weeks or even months before the actual trip. Practice makes almost-perfect.

• One of the most important things to remember is to keep proper identification of your pet. A microchip is a good choice because it will not come off accidentally and it will certainly be checked if a lost pet ends up at an animal shelter. If you have an identification tag on your furry friend’s collar, make sure it has your cell number on it.

• As most of us know, the most important rule for traveling with pets during the warm summer months, you must never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. The ASPCA reminds us that, even with windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time and heatstroke can easily develop.

• If you need to stay overnight in a hotel or motel, make sure to plan ahead. Look online for pet-friendly accommodations that will work with you on making you and your pet comfortable during your stay.

Following these steps will make your summer trip a breeze! For more information check out one our previous posts “Pet Travel Tips“. 

If you have any questions or need assistance with your pet travel this summer, reach out to our pet specialists today!