If you're considering sharing your home and life with a canine companion, you're undoubtedly anticipating many long years of fun and happiness with your future furry friend. You're probably even thinking that your new pal will travel with you. Although traveling pets can be enjoyable and rewarding for both owners and their pets, there are certain things new pet owners should know to help circumvent traveling turning into tragedy. Following are five of them.
Always Carry Your Pet's Medical Records With You
Having your pet's medical records with you when you travel will come in handy if your pet becomes ill or injured while on your trip. It also helps if the pet is on medication that somehow gets lost.
Always Carry a Photo of Your Pet With You
Whether you store it on your smartphone or carry a hard copy in your wallet, a clear photo of your pet can be invaluable in the event that you and your furry friend become separated during your travels. For instance, the first few minutes after becoming separated from your pet are the most vital, and having a photo on hand to show to others in the area can make all the difference when it comes to quickly finding your pet.
Make Sure Your Pet is Microchipped
If your pet is microchipped, animal shelter personnel or veterinary offices will be able to locate you through the information on the chip. Always make sure that you update the chip each time you move or change your contact information.
Make Sure Your Pet is Well-Trained
Your dog should be well-trained before you take it traveling with you. In the event that it gets loose in an unfamiliar environment, it's essential that your pet knows to come when it's called. Your dog should also know how to walk on a leash as well as basic commands such as "sit" and "stay."
Know When to Use a Dog Boarding Facility Instead
Taking your dog with you when you travel isn't always a good idea. For instance, if you're planning on a summer road trip, keep in mind that you won't be able to take your dog with you into restaurants and stores, and that means leaving it in the car. Even with windows cracked, interior temperatures in vehicles can heat up to extremely uncomfortable levels in a matter of minutes, and your canine companion is wearing a fur coat and doesn't have any biological cooling mechanisms such as sweat glands.
Other considerations are that although there are many pet-friendly hotels, motels, and other accommodations, these facilities almost always have rules prohibiting guests from leaving pets unattended on the premises. When your pet is in the hands of a professional boarding facility, you can enjoy worry-free travels.
Contact a center like Animal House Veterinary Hospital to learn more.
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