Parkway Animal Hospital's
PET OWNER'S GUIDE TO
Traveling With Your Pet
Taking your pet on vacation can be fun for both you and your pet. To ensure your vacation is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible the staff at Parkway Animal Hospital compiled this checklist for you.
- Leash your dog, to prevent injury, avoid loss, and as a consideration for other people. Cats should always be kept indoors when visiting a new location.
- Crate train your pet. The crate actually becomes security to your pet. Keep the pet crated when the vehicle is moving for security and safety. The crate will help protect the pet in case of an accident.
- Be sure the pet wears a collar, Rabies Tag, and ID Tag in case it should become lost.
- Take the usual food. Sudden diet changes are the most common
causes of vomiting and diarrhea. Never assume you will be able to find special
diets away from home carry ample amounts. Stick to a routine feeding schedule.
- A supply of drinking water should also be considered to allow gradual change. Simply take a gallon jug, add new water to the jug as the home water is used out of the container.
- Don’t forget any prescribed medications required by your pet.
- Take the pet’s vaccinations records and rabies certificate. Many motels and campgrounds are now requiring proof of vaccinations.
- When driving, stop every two (2) hours to exercise the pet and give water.
- Tranquilizers and carsickness medications are available from
our hospital. Over-the-counter products will not work. They work best if given
on an empty stomach. Do not feed the pet for 4-6 hours prior to administering
the medication. We usually recommend only feeding the pet once you reach each
day’s destination each day for best effect.
- Be responsible for your pet’s eliminations. Take it to suitable places for urination. Carry a supply of plastic bags which can be placed on the hand-then turned inside out after the stool is grasped in your hand.
- Never leave your pet unattended in the car.
- Consider the feelings of others before taking your pet to visit friends or relatives. Be sure they have no allergy problems and really do not mind the pet accompanying you. Otherwise, everyone will have a better time (including your pet) if the pet is left in our care. Ask to see our boarding facilities.
