6 Best Tips for Taking your Pet on Holidays
Ever dreamt of taking your pet on holidays with you? It doesn’t matter if you’re a caravanner, swag man, hotel dweller or the back seat of your car kind of person. All that matters is if you and your four-legged friend are planning to jump into your car and drive off into the sunset.
We here at Capalaba Produce know the importance of pets as well as the need for travel. Especially at a time like this, when most people have been confined to their homes and local state for the past few years. However, the borders have opened, restrictions are easing and there is the potential to fly overseas again. So now is the perfect time to get planning for your well-earned holiday.
So where do you start if you are wanting to bring your pet?
Ensure your pet is microchipped and collared.
One of the most important things you can do for your pet when you’re traveling is to have updated their microchip with all your current information.
It would be devastating if you were to become separated during your travels. So doing this gives you the best chance of finding your pet if they get lost.
Make sure your pet is travel safe
Does your pet have a travel harness, or are they crate trained? Regardless of your choice, you must always put your pet’s safety first and they must always be secure if the car is moving. Even though your pet might prefer to be in your lap while driving, this is extremely unsafe. If you were in an accident, your pet’s survival rate is minimal. Do the right thing, so can both enjoy the journey together.
Don’t leave your pet unattended
Easier said then done. If you travel alone then you are going to be rather limited by what you can do, as you must cater for your pet. Need to go somewhere pets aren’t allowed? Then you must leave them alone, but leaving your pet in your car isn’t the best option. If you’ve no other choice, ensure there is lots of fresh water and cool air flow, even in the mildest temperatures pets can suffer if left unattended in a car. Even if you have done everything right, there is still a chance of a passerby breaking your window “to save” your pet. If you want a happy and healthy pet, minus the vehicle damage, do your research and go to locations which are pet friendly, so your furry friend doesn’t have to wait in the car.
Toilet and rest breaks
You need to consider the fact that not all pets can “hold it” like we humans can. If you are taking your pet on holiday, be prepared to stop a lot. It might become a little tedious on long journeys, but they will be happier for it. Allow them time to do their business as well as explore the world around them, after all they’re on holidays too.
If you are traveling with a cat, be sure to pack a travel litter tray. Some cats may not be comfortable enough to go in the car, if your cat is leash trained, you could always take them outside.
Pet’s luggage
Don’t forget to pack for your pet; food, water, litter tray, bedding, toys, doggy bags, lead/harness, medication and a first aid kit. As well as anything else they use daily.
Plan ahead
When finding a place to stay, always check beforehand to see if it is pet friendly, you don’t want to be left in the lurch if the place you booked isn’t. And no, you can’t just sneak them in any way, most of the time the rules are in place for a reason. There are many pet-friendly options across Australia. Caravan parks, national parks, camping sites, hotels, and Airbnb usually all tell you if they allow pets, checking first will save you time and effort so you can enjoy your holiday.
