Often, when dog owners are planning a lengthy trip, their first option is to board their pet. It certainly saves a lot of time and effort. There are times, however, when pet owners may want to take their furry friends along. It could be for a relocation or just for companionship.
If you are planning a longer trip and are taking your dog with you, here are a few tips on how to prepare.
- See your vet.
Take your pet in for a checkup to make sure he or she is healthy and ready for the trip. Also, make copies of your dog’s vaccination records and take them along. Check with the places where you will be staying to see what vaccinations they want your pet to have.
- Plan out your route.
As a pet owner, you know that not all hotels allow animals. So, you will have to plan ahead to find places along your route that allow pets. Also, do not rely just on a hotel’s website. It may be out of date. Call and speak to someone directly to confirm their pet policy.
Some people who have more than one dog prefer to camp out when they travel or use an RV. Just to be safe, you should still call ahead to make sure your pet will be welcome at campgrounds and RV stops.
- Things to take along.
Before you leave, make a list of all the things you will need for your pet. Here are a few that you will probably want to take: dog crate or car restraint, dog food and toys, dog bed, first aid kit, bowls, leashes and a collar, and, of course, vaccination records.
- Microchip your pet.
If your pet is not microchipped, you should have one implanted before you go. If your pet does have a microchip, check online at the manufacturer’s website to make sure all of your information is up to date and that you have a cell phone number listed just in case your pet wanders away while you are traveling.
- Prepare your dog.
Before the big trip, take your dog for rides in the car to get him used to traveling. Gradually increase the distance so he will get acclimated to riding for longer stretches. When you do make your trip, make sure to take rest stops frequently to give your pet a chance to relieve himself and to get some exercise. Also, make sure your dog gets plenty of water during the trip so that he stays hydrated.
If you’re dog’s not a good traveler, give him a treat when you travel and let him stay here with us at Barney’s Ranch. He’ll have a great vacation, too, running around to his heart’s content with other dogs in our 4,000-square-foot dog run.
Give us a call at (469) 273-1661 for more information about our day and overnight dog boarding services.