Taking a Trip With Your Four Legged Family Members

Pet friendly accommodation: scruffy west highland white terrier westie dog in packed suitcase luggage

Article by :Jan Jeremias, Contributing Writer

Our pets are part of our families and often the thought of leaving them home is not an option nor do we want to. So when we go on trips, whether near or far, our first thought is deciding if we can take our animal children with us. This decision requires some investigating and additional preparation, should we plan to travel with them.

No matter if you’re traveling locally or a great distance, there are some necessary precautions to take for your pet’s health and safety:

~Make sure your pet is up to date on all required vaccinations.

~ Be sure you have your pet’s health certificates; all states require them.

~Carry an extra copy of your pets health and vaccination records. 

~Consider microchipping your pet.

~Your pet should have two name tags: one inscribed on his or her collar and one that attaches to the collar. All name tags should have your name and cell number.

~ Learn whether there are any risks, such as infectious diseases at your destination and prepare accordingly.

~It is helpful to know someone in the area you are visiting, should you become ill and be unable to take care of your pet. 

~Always pack extra food, medications and supplements in case you are delayed returning home. 

~Have a name and number of a local veterinarian in case your pet becomes ill while you are traveling. Save this number in your contact list.

~Have the Animal Poison Control Hotline number saved in your phone. 

~Crate or use a carrier when you are traveling. 

The gaze of a pet that has climbed to the top of the mountain is directed into the distance. Close-up.

~If your pet does not to travel, try to introduce them to that experience prior to your departure date. 

~Bring your pet’s favorite toys, treats, blankets, beds to make your temporary home away from home more familiar and welcoming. 

~If you are planning to stay in a hotel, campsite, state park or other

accommodations, call well before leaving to find out their specific rules and/or regulations. 

~While traveling, don’t initiate interaction with other dogs unless you know the dog.

We all know our pet’s personality, disposition and reaction to a change in their environment, prepare accordingly. For example, I always travel with certain essential oil blends that help with anxiety, and car sickness. 

You can never be too prepared and should always err on the side of protection for your pet. As always be careful when introducing your dog to other dogs. 

If you decide that your pet will stay home, leaving clear directives is imperative, including specific guidelines for your animal caretaker. 

Whether away on a trip or just out for the day, leave a pet information packet for first responders. It should include your pet’s up-to-date vaccine and health information, the name and number of your veterinarian and your contact information. Attach it to your pet’s crate or another obvious place.

Happy Traveling!

Jan and Tonka

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jan Jeremias, MSc., DTM, RYT, CR is a clinical research scientist, and expert in the usage of essential oils. Jan is a wellness counselor for pets and is the co-author of the top selling aromatherapy book SpOIL Your Pet: A Practical Guide to Using Essential Oils in Dogs and Cats. Jan is also an energy and Reiki practitioner for Pets.For more information or to schedule a session, contact Jan at 917-865-2155 or jan@aromatotus.com or visit janjeremias.com Also watch for Jan’s monthly column each month here in PET CORNER at Western Mass Women Magazine and the Hartford County Women Magazine.