COVID-19 has been a major deterrent for family vacations this year; you don’t want your pet to become another hurdle in the way. Don’t get us wrong; pets are equal members of the house but traveling with them is nothing less than a challenge.

If you’re a pet owner, the headcount for the trip includes your partner, children, and your pet. Flying or driving with a pet requires a lot of planning, preparation, and determination. It’s not easy, but it’s worth the fun and memories you make with your entire family.

Here are a few guidelines for vacationing with your pets.

Trial Runs

If you’re planning to hit the road with your pet for the first time, it’s better to do a trial run first. Most pets freak out in a moving car or throw tantrums while in it. Many pet owners also struggle to potty train their pets for a road trip. You don’t want to encounter trouble on the way; it’s better to take them out on short rounds, to give them a sense of road travel.

Buckle Up

This is a great way to ensure your pet is safe at all times. AAA has reported that about 30,000 road accidents happen due to unrestrained pets in the car. They can distract the driver or injure themselves. It’s also crucial to train them to keep their head and paws inside. The air pressure and pollution can cause ear damage or lung infections in pets. Your pet needs to be taught the ground rules for traveling by road; without that, your vacation plans can go south!

A dog leaning dangerously out of the car window and enjoying the breeze.

Pit Stops

Regardless of how well-trained your pet is for the trip, it’s always better to stop during travel. This allows your pet to roam around, get their muscles jogging, and use their litter more freely. It’s also a healthy change from the car ride and saves you from travel sickness.

Air Travel

Flying is infinitely more difficult with a pet than taking a road trip. You need to check with the airline if they allow your pet breed to aboard the plane. Like the snub-nosed pugs, some breeds can’t travel in cargo; it’s a health risk. It’s essential to look into the details and evaluate which mode of travel would suit you and your pet best.

Need some time off from pet parenting to plan a vacation? We can help.

We’re experts in pet care near Palm Desert who can look after your dog for however long you need. Our doggie day camp is perfect for keeping your little pup busy and entertained all day. We also have animal experts on-site to look after health concerns and safety issues.

Call us at (760) 398-9900 for more details.