It’s summer time, which means it’s vacation season! 

While COVID may be altering some families plans to travel this summer it is estimated that more than 93 million American’s plan to take at least 1 trip. Many of those choosing to travel have something in common – pets! If your furry companion will journey with you check out our top 10 pre-travel tips and considerations when traveling with your pet.

Your pet is going with you!

1. Is your pet a good traveler, easy going? Have you tried short day trips?
2. Will you fly or drive?
   • Plane: do you have all the required documents the airline needs to see, are vaccines current. Will your pet travel in the cabin or in cargo? We recommend having you per with you in the cabin whenever possible and using caution giving pets sedatives prior to travel especially if they’re in cargo. A DVM should guide all choices when it comes to pharmaceuticals and air travel. 
   • Car: how does you pet do in the car? Are they used to taking short rides? Do they get car sick?
3. Are you crossing state lines or leaving the country? You may need a health certificate! Your veterinarian can help guide you on this.
4. Have you packed enough food and medications for the entire trip? Diet changes or running out of medications can be difficult when in a new location and can make your pet ill. Do you have a plan to refill medications if needed?
5. If you’re driving we recommend mapping out veterinary hospitals along the way so that if care was needed quickly you would have a plan. This is very important for senior pets and pets with health conditions such a cardiovascular disease. 
6. Do you have adequate cooling capabilities in your vehicle?
7. A dog or cat should never be left alone in the car! Especially when it’s hot!! Pets need to be safely restrained in the car at all times when driving.
8. Are you going somewhere internationally where your pet may not be properly protected against foreign diseases? You can discuss this with your veterinarian if needed. 
9. Be sure to map out pet friendly hotels along the way. 
10. Let you veterinarian know when you’re planing to travel with your pet so that an exam prior to leaving can be set up and a care plan can be established.

Hopefully these tips are helpful as you plan your summer travel, contact us if you have additional questions or are in need of services like vaccines prior to travel.  If you find yourself in a situation where you need vaccinations without much notice or need to leave suddenly a mobile service like Happy Pet Mobile Vet may be very convenient for you! We can often offer same day or next day appointments for services like vaccines! Happy travels!