Seniors Site

Is Your Pet Good Enough to Travel?

One of hardest, heart-breaking moment when you are about to go on an exciting trip is when you have to leave someone you so dearly love behind, i.e. your pet! Sometimes I even find myself cancelling a trip just because it would be too much of an inconvenience for me and my dog. I must say, I have an obvious inclination to travel destinations wherein pets are very much welcomed and accommodated. For a quick getaway with your pet, your best bet would be to go camping and of course, via road trip. By far, the most distressing for both pet and pet owners would be air travels especially if you happen to fly with a nasty airline requiring all pets to be checked as baggage! That would mean your pet is to fly alone in somewhere dark and God knows what! You, on the other hand, won’t be able to sleep a wink nor rest your worried mind.
While it is indeed joyful to spend your vacations with your pet, it is always wise to consult their vets prior to travelling especially if this is their first time to go on a trip. Many pets have shown unpredictable behavior that is completely different from what we’re used to when subjected to a trip.
Vets explain that when pets travel, they are subjected to stress, particularly when in unfamiliar condition. The only thing that will calm them down is if they see their owner or if the owner himself assures the pet that everything’s alright. In truth, your pets really enjoy travelling especially with you, it’s just that they feel threatened when something unusual comes along. Sometimes, it could also be the excitement of finding himself in a new place with lots to explore. These “new” feelings can sometimes trigger unpredictable behavior to your pet.
So how would you know if your pet is ready to travel? Here are some basic points you need to consider to determine if your pet is good enough:
·    Consider the size and nature of your pet and the type of trip you are about to take. Your pet should have enough room to move around. Aside from that, you should be in close proximity to your pet at all times, especially if this is his first. Gauge the nature of your pet: is he behaving well in cages? Would he require space when travelling? Does he possess a nature that is easily provoked and distracted?
·    Your travel destination. Some travel spots have pet restriction. You might want to know more about these areas before bringing Fido there.
·    Health status of your pet. Of course, a visit to the vet is never a bad idea when your pet is about to travel. Your pet should receive a clean bill of health otherwise he should stay home.
·    Your pet’s level of obedience. Remember that you and your pet are not the only ones in this trip. There are millions of people you are about to meet and you can never tell how your pet will react. Be sure that he knows exactly what to do in such cases, or at least, heed your call when told.