Traveling With and Without Pets (also home) - Handy Tips

[petsitterkat]

Traveling With and Without Pets (also home) - Handy Tips

Saw this online and thought I'd pass it along. #2 also applies to those who don't have pets who want their home secure and don't have the money or not enough need to hire a private security company.

As spring approaches, thoughts of traveling to warmer destinations fill our mind.  Whether you are heading on a spring break trip down South, or have a cabin up North, March often marks the start of Spring and the start of the travel season.

Before doing any sort of traveling with or without your pet make sure that your pet is up to date on vaccinations and parasite control.  You should also microchip your pet so they have a permanent form of identification.  For more info on microchips see the above article.

TRAVEL WITHOUT PETS
Spring break trips to places like Florida and Mexico are not very conducive to bringing pets along.  If you plan to leave your pets at home make sure to plan ahead.  There are many options for pet care.

1.  Boarding Facilities or Private Home Boarders:  If a boarding facility or a private home boarder is the best option for your pet make sure to schedule in advance as these places  get full very quickly.

When you pack for your pet's stay make sure to include the following:
    -Plenty of their own food, and instructions for feeding
    -Any medications they are on, and instructions for   
      administration
    -Special bowls, blankets, and toys
    -Contact numbers for you, your veterinarian, and an
     alternate contact

Boarding facilities and private home boarders come in all shapes and sizes and it is a good idea to check out your options ahead of time.  With boarding facilities try to show up unannounced and ask to see the boarding areas.  If you are not happy with what you see, hear, and smell then keep looking.

You can look for boarding facilities at http://petcareservices.org or for private in home boarders at Pet Sitters International at www.petsit.com.

2.  Pet Sitters:  Pet sitters are a great option if you prefer to keep your pets in your home while you are gone.

Pet sitters often have the option of in-home visits or in-home stays.  To learn more about Pet Sitting options go visit Pet Sitters International at www.petsit.com.

3.  Board With Friends:  If you have friends or family that like your pets this is often a good option.  Just make sure to plan ahead so you know your pets will be welcome in their home.  Pack the same things you would if you were boarding. Also make sure you purchase insurance on benefit of pet care to safeguard yourself against negligence, loss or damage and make sure whiichever friend or family you have taking care of your pets knows how to take care your pet and their breed or species.

Remember that not all animals automatically get along so if your friend has their own pets it is wise to do a trial run first to make sure that everyone can cohabitate well.

TRAVEL WITH PETS
If your travel plans include your pet then make sure your pet will be welcome where you are going.  Plan ahead and verify accommodations for your furry friends.

Bring with your the following:
  -Medications
  -Pet First Aid Kit
  -Medical Records, including vet records and microchip info
  -Signed Health Certificate from your Veterinarian if traveling
   across state lines or internationally
  -A leash,  harness, and kennel
  -Food and water for your trip plus enough for a few extra
   days
  -Bowls, litter boxes, and cat litter as needed
  -Toys and bedding as needed

When you arrive at your destination the first thing you should do is find the number of the local veterinarian and/or emergency clinic in case your pet gets injured or sick while you are traveling.

Whether your travel plans include bringing your pet along or leaving them home make sure to plan ahead so their "vacation" will be just as relaxing as yours.

Enjoy!

Kat