Traveling with Your Dog/Cat

What are things I need for traveling with my cat/dog?

Atta Boy! Animal Care
Pet Sitting + Dog Walking
Lakeland, Florida

SEVEN amazing travel safety tips for pets

Thinking about taking your pets on your trip with you? No doubt, your pet’s company can make your experience more enjoyable, but there are a few tips you must consider before loading the animal in the back seat. 

1- Grab a pet carrier or a crate and set it up for comfortable and calming items for you trip. It must be spacious enough for them to stand and spin around, and made of hard plastic ( wire crates can puncture pets if in a car accident!). PRO TIP: Provide their favorite bedding, chew toys and USB fan for air motion!

2- Before starting a long trip, take your cat or dog for short car drives. This way, you can judge their temperament for traveling without any issues. Increase the time of drives and have them get more comfortable with positive drives that include treats, petting and calm music and smells.

3- Feed your pet 5-6 hours before leaving. Avoid offering food while traveling, unless having a long meal or snack break. Many pets tend to get carsick! PRO TIP: Have plastic bags, paper towels and cleaners for messes!

4- When parking or leaving your car, take the pets with you. Extremely high or low temperatures inside the car can be hazardous for your pet’s survival. They can die of heatstroke or freezing in hot summer or cold winters, respectively.  PRO TIP: Plan your stops accordingly- not all places are pet friendly, and not all places allow you to leave your pet in the car if you are stopping to potty yourself, and some pets cant go inside bathrooms!

5– Don’t forget to take the pet travel essentials when going on a trip. Plastic bags, medicine, travel paper, leash, extra food, bowls and vaccine records are essentials every pet parents needs to have with them. PRO TIP: Carry emergency pet first aid supplies and medications!

6- To ensure your pet is well identified in case of getting lost – go to the Veterinarian and get  microchip implanted AND have a collar with tags around your pet’s neck. Always mention your address, phone number, your pet’s name, and other necessary information on the tag. 

7- Try not to open your car’s window when there is an animal inside. Pets usually take their heads out of the window and receive injuries from flying debris. Also use a pet seatbelt to ensure they can’t jump out of any open windows or doors. PRO TIP: Some states have made it illegal for pets heads to be sticking outside of windows!

Does this all sound tedious? Call us at 863-774-7387 or check out www.AttaBoyAnimalCare.com for IN YOUR HOME pet care options- leave them in their favorite space while you travel to yours!