By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Trips With Pets
pets

Keep Pets Safe During Labor Day Travels

 

By ANN KELLY

info@tripswithpets.com

Labor Day symbolizes the end of summer for you and your pet. Time to start planning your weekend getaway - whether it be to the beach, the mountains, or somewhere in between! Before you hit the road, it’s important to plan ahead for pet travel and always keep the best interests of your furry sidekick in mind. Traveling with your pet can be a wonderful and bonding experience or a not so pleasant one. It’s all a matter of proper planning and preparation.

Here are some tips to ensure your Labor Day getaway with your pet is a safe one.

 

No Heads Out the Window

Although many pets find that sticking their head out the window is the best part of the road trip, it’s not safe. Your pet can easily be injured by flying debris. This should go without saying, but never travel with a pet in the back of a pickup truck. Some states have laws restricting such transport and it is always dangerous.

 

Frequent Pit Stops

Always provide frequent bathroom and exercise breaks. Most travel service areas have designated areas for walking your pet. Be sure to stay in this area particularly when your pet needs a potty break, and of course, bring along a bag to pick up after your pet. When outside your vehicle, make sure that your pet is always on a leash and wearing a collar with a permanent and temporary travel identification tag.

 

Proper Hydration

During your pit stops be sure to provide your pet with some fresh water to wet their whistle. Occasionally traveling can upset your pet’s stomach. Take along ice cubes, which are easier on your pet than large amounts of water.

 

Watch the Food Intake

It is recommended that you keep feeding to a minimum during travel. Be sure to feed them their regular pet food and resist the temptation to give them some of your fast food burger or fries (that never has a good ending!).

 

Don’t Leave Them Alone

Never leave your pet unattended in a parked vehicle. On warm days, the temperature in your vehicle can rise to 120 degrees in minutes, even with the windows slightly open. In addition, an animal left alone in a vehicle is an open invitation to pet thieves.

 

Practice Restraint

Be sure that your pet is safely secured in your vehicle. Utilizing a pet safety harness, travel kennel, vehicle pet barrier, or pet car seat are the best ways to keep your pet safe. They not only protect your pet from injury, but they help by keeping them from distracting you as you drive. A safety harness functions like a seatbelt. While most pets will not have a problem adjusting to it, you may want to let them wear the harness by itself a few times before using it in the vehicle. If your pet prefers a travel kennel, be sure it is well ventilated and stabilized.

 

 

TripsWithPets.com is the premier online pet friendly travel guide. For more information, please visit http://www.tripswithpets.com.