dmccartney | Female | Wichita

Traveling with pets

9 weeks ago | 190 Views | (1) Comments

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According to the Travel Industry Association of America, more than 29 million Americans have traveled with a pet in the past three years. Were you one of them?

Traveling with pets certainly has its challenges, and we'd like to hear from people who have tried it. If you've taken your dog, cat or other pet along on a vacation or other trip, what advice would you have for other pet owners considering such a journey? What were the pluses and minuses of taking your pet along? What made it easier? What would you do different next time?

Please reply to this blog, e-mail dmccartney@wichitaeagle.com or call 316-268-6593, and we'll use your comments and tips in an upcoming Wichita Paws story. Please include an e-mail or phone number where we can contact you.

 


    1 comments

  • lexuszoi says:
    I travel with the dogs almost all the time. Proper ID, carrying vaccination/health records, and making sure to pack all the goodies is essential. Everyone usually has their own crate, sometimes one for the car and a lighter one for the hotel room. I always carry a 5 gallon jug of water in case we get stuck by the road side on a hot day. Chewies, favorite toys, and treats are a must for easily bored puppies. If I am going to be outside on a long day, I bring an exercise pen for the dogs to relax in under a shade tree (or I bring my own shade). The dogs wear reflective collars with my cell phone number and the number to borzoi rescue in case of an accident. All of my pets are microchipped as well. (I have yet to get them to remember their phone number!) They always get a good check up (bathe, groom, check nails, ect) to make sure they are healthy and ready for the road. I always keep leashes in the car and try to remember to bring their regular leashes. (Was glad I had leashes in the van this weekend when we got to MO and I realized I left their regular leashes hanging by the door.) I also try to keep at least one change of bedding for the crates...accidents happen. In my purse is a card that lists all my dogs, their names, description, and any health concerns as well as emergency contact numbers in case something should happen to me. Of course I travel with their food (and some canned to encourage them to eat if needed) any medications they need and contact information for veterinarian. If it is a long trip (or dog show) I have grooming equipment too (brush, comb, toe nail clippers). I try to contact hotels in advance to be sure we have a place to stay that allows pets. (Though I have fibbed about their size or number before). Traveling with the dogs is great! However, when the weather is hot, it is important to have a hotel room (with a crate inside) to keep your pet safe while you shop, visit museums, go on amusement rides, ect. On hot days we often have to picnic with the dogs, or we stop and open up the van completely (dogs crated) and eat where we can watch the van. Traveling with the dogs means extra stops to let them stretch their legs and have a bathroom break, but sometimes that is a nice excuse to stop by and visit a park along the way and enjoy the trip even more. It can be tough if you are traveling and you get a sick pet. Trying to find a veterinarian on the road can be a challenge, but so is finding a doctor for a sick kid. I guess I have rambled on enough....who else has thoughts?!

    Posted 8 weeks ago

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