Traveling With Your Pet

When you plan your vacations, do you plan them around your pet? Well, most people do.  Whether you hire a professional pet sitter to care for your pet while you are away or plan to bring your pet with you; you spend a lot of time thinking about your pets needs.  With the pandemic this past year, if you’re like me, you may have had a change in travel plans.  Instead of leaving Illinois and seeing the states, we planned small, short getaways in an Airbnb - but only if they allowed pets! There is a lot to think about while traveling with your pets and as a pet sitter and dog owner, I know! I have compiled some tips to help you and your pet while traveling.

Make sure your pets ID tags and microchip are up to date.  I know I say this a lot and if you follow me on social media, you know I am passionate about this.  If you are traveling and Fido slips his leash, an up to date ID tag and microchip could be the key to reuniting you and your four legged friends. 

Secure your pet in a carrier or pet seat belt.  Did you pause and say ‘What? A seat belt?’ Well, yes, a seat belt.  Now I am guilty of not always securing my pup in her seatbelt, when we have a short trip, but when we travel you better believe it! If there is a reason you need to slam on your brakes, your pup can become a flying object and can not only injure themselves, but you as well.  Pet  seat belts connect to your pets harness, it gives them enough room to sit, lay and even stand, but will keep them from flying forward in the event of an accident.

Give your pet plenty of rest stops.  This should be a no brainer, pets need stops to stretch and relieve themselves just as much as we do.  Some pets get anxiety while being in the car and making stops so they are able to get out and sniff to help let off some of the anxiety.  I also just want to note, stay safe and keep your pets' heads in the car.  I know they love it and it is cute when their lips and ears flap in the wind, but it can be dangerous.

If you are flying, book a direct flight.  Flying on an airplane can be scary, I know I am not the best flyer out there.  But it can especially be scary for pets, they do not understand what is going on and they CANNOT have gum to help pop their ears.  Booking a direct flight can limit the amount of time your pet is on a plane or even in an airport.

Bring your pets favorite toy or blanket. My dog, Sassy, has her Yoshi toy that she loves to cuddle and play with, it is her safety net. Whenever we travel, Yoshi comes along. Bringing a toy or blanket can help ease anxiety. Being in a new environment can be stressful for pets and anything that can remind your pets of home.