Top Tips for Traveling with Your Pets
Traveling with pets can be challenging for many pet owners. Finding accommodation that permits animals and even the car ride itself can be stressful.
Some travel caregivers may prefer leaving their pet(s) with a family member or friend while they are away on assignment. However, bringing your pet(s) along for the ride can have several health benefits, including reduced blood pressure and decreased feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Besides, traveling with pets can provide a unique experience to explore new places with your furry friend. For those who choose to travel with their pets, here are some top tips to make every assignment with them a stress-free and enjoyable experience.
Pack Blankets, Beds, and Furniture Covers
More than likely, you will be renting a fully furnished home during your contract. Most rentals do not allow dogs on their furniture but be sure to pack blankets and furniture covers just in case your pet tends to lay on the furniture. This will help protect the furniture and help you get your deposit back once your contract ends. Bringing your pet’s favorite blankets or bed is also a great way to help them adjust to the new home and make them feel safe in the new environment.
Bring Pet-Specific Cleaning Supplies
You never know when your pet might have an accident. Bringing pet cleaning supplies such as Nature’s Miracle® or Arm & Hammer Pet Fresh Carpet Odor Eliminator® will help keep your rental in tiptop shape. It is also a good idea to bring a lint roller or some kind of pet hair remover to remove any dander from furniture.
Bring Your Pet’s Favorite Toys
Bringing your pet’s favorite toys is a great way to help them adjust and feel comfortable in their new home. Just like how we have our favorite items we turn to, pets have favorite toys they turn to for comfort. Pets also use toys to engage with their owners whether it be for playtime or cuddles. Lastly, bringing their favorite toys is a great way for your pet to entertain themselves during the car ride or while you are at work.
Pack for Activities or Events
If you plan on bringing your pet along with you for activities or events such as hiking or going to local festivals, make sure to pack the proper equipment needed. For example, if you and your pet are going hiking, make sure you pack your backpack, harness, travel water and bowl, poop bags, and pet boots depending on the terrain. If visiting a local dog park, bring some toys for your pup to play with your and other dogs in the park.
Keep a Routine to Help with Transition
The best way to help your pet with transitioning to their new home is to keep the routine going. Back home, you more than likely had a specific time for breakfast and dinner, going for walks, or even taking them out to use the bathroom. It is important to keep that schedule as this is how your pet navigates and makes sense of their day. The more you stick to your pet’s routine, the better they will be able to adjust and feel comfortable in their new home.
Research City Pet Laws
Before you move to your new city, it is recommended to view the leash and pet laws. Depending on where you are living, you may want to check the pet laws with your landlord in case they have a special area for people to take their pets to go to the bathroom, run, etc. If you plan on exploring the town with your pet, research online which shops and restaurants allow pets so you can both enjoy the day together!
Find a Doggy Daycare
Lastly, if you have several long shifts in a row, you may decide to take your dog to a doggy daycare. Pet daycares are a great way for your pup to socialize with other dogs and relieve the feeling of loneliness while you are at work. Most daycares offer discounts if you prepurchase several daycare days too. If you decide to take a mini vacation during your contract, you can also utilize dog boarding services to ensure your pet is properly taken care of while away!