DINGO TRAVEL TIPS - 

What could be better than planning and getting ready for that long-awaited vacation?  Got your destination, printed your road maps, packed your socks, and you're ready to go....OH WAIT, what about Fifi and Fido?

 

1.) PET-FRIENDLY JOURNEYS

  a.) Destination - Where are you headed? How long is the trip? Is the destination pet-friendly?  Be sure you are clear about the appropriate goal of your vacation for the enjoyment of both you AND your pet.

  b.) Length of Trip - Pets are creatures of habit...The longer a he/she is away from home, the more stressful can be for them. Keep in mind that although animals can adapt to nearly any situation, the happiest pets (like people) like to rely on some sort of routine.

  c.) Method of Travel - Planes, trains and automobiles.  Not every mode of transportation is set up for a pet to accompany its owner.  Plane travel is highly stressful since most medium to large breed dogs must be kept in the baggage compartment.  Not a pleasant ride with the noise, smells and unfamiliarity of the sometimes dangerous storage below.  Trains are not equipped for pet travel and cars have lots of dangers to contend with.

MOST IMPORTANT - - - NEVER EVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN A CAR UNATTENDED.  Hundreds of pets die every year from the extreme temperatures inside, espeically during the summer!

 

2.) ASSESS YOUR PET'S "TRAVEL-WORTHINESS"

Age: How old is your pet?  Puppies and kittens tend to have a much higher energy level than an older, more relaxed dog.  If your pet is a senior, take into consideration it's special needs and requirements.

Breed: Take an honest look at the breed of your pet;  A Siamese may tend to be a more vocal whiner than a Manx or a Ragdoll.  Your poodle would fit nicely into your sedan, but that Great Dane would be more comfortable in it's own HEMI.  Make sure the mode of travel fits the breed and personality of your pet.

Health: A pregnant pet is not a good candidate for going on vacation with you.  Even if her litter is due after your return, the stress and conditions of traveling could spell future trouble for your expanding family.

Previous Trips - If you are planning a road trip and you don't know if your pet gets carsick, you NEED to do a 'dry run' before setting off for 2 weeks of howling and heaving.  Be sure your pet road-worthy.

 

3.) VET VISIT

Chip - 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 microchipped - 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

Flea/Tick/Heartworm - Have complete list, due dates and products to cover time on the road.

Vaccination Papers -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.  Bordetella and Canine Influenza is now required for many boarding facilities.  If emergency care needed, these will allow this to take place much more quickly and without the potentially dangerous duplication of vaccinations.

4.) WHAT TO DO, WHAT TO BRING - 

a.) CRATE -  properly ventilated / adequate size for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down in comfortably /  free of interior hazardous protrusions /have a door that securely latches / 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  / 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".  And, Make sure your pet is accustomed to the crate before you begin your trip.

 

b.) BATHROOM BREAKS - Travel stressful for both people and pets.  Make sure that you have plenty of 'walk' stops to stretch out and exercise you and your pet.  Helps relieve tension, empty bladders, and provide some distractions for Fifi or Fido.

• A sturdy 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 towelettes 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.

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.

5.) BEFORE YOU GO - 

a.) 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.

b.) Brush your pet to remove all loose hair.

c.) If your pet has fleas, obtain and complete the necessary treatment before traveling to avoid infesting its new surroundings.

 

6.) ON THE ROAD - 

a.) Join takeyourpet.com to find lodging along the way where your pet will be welcome.

b.) 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.

c.) Never take your pet on an escalator unless it is securely in its crate as its claws or fur could become caught.

d.) 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. 

e.) Clean up after your pet.

f.) 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.

7.) PREPARE 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.