Oct 3, 2024
Family road trip iStock

Are you taking the family on a road trip this autumn and want to bring the family pet? Is it your first time bringing a pet on a trip and feeling overwhelmed? It may sound like a stressful situation, but following these tips by Thelen Honda in Bay City, Michigan, you can have a rewarding experience that the whole family can enjoy.

Travel Tips with Your Pets

Visit the Vet – Before you go on your trip, bring your pet to the vet to ensure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations. Getting them a full exam with bloodwork will ensure your pet is healthy enough for travel. Plus, if your pet gets anxious during travel, you can discuss calming medication for them.

Bring Important Paperwork – Depending on where you travel and what way you travel, you may need to have a veterinarian-signed health certificate. This goes hand in hand with your pet’s full exam.

Be Sure Your Pet Has Identification – Be sure your pet has an updated microchip and their full ID tags on them before leaving. Should the unthinkable happen and you are separated from your pet, these are your best bets.

Buckle Them Up! – Your pet should never be free-roaming in the vehicle while you are traveling; they are a hazard to you and can injure themselves. If you are traveling via car, make sure they are secured in a travel crate that is comfortable enough for them to stand up and turn around. Alternatively, there are tethers that secure your pet to the seatbelt to keep them from roaming too far.

Pack Necessary Supplies – There are numerous things your pet needs when traveling. Leash, bowls/dishes, food/treats, water, medication, toys, waste bags (or litter box), blankets, and a pet first aid kit are just some of the items to have with you.

Don’t Leave Your Pet Alone in a Vehicle – Even if you think it’s not too hot or too cold outside, never leave your pet alone in a vehicle. If you are going somewhere during the day that is not pet-friendly, make sure to secure your pet wherever you are lodging.

(Photo Credit: PEXELS)