When you travel do you take the whole family? Taking the family pets along on vacation has become a very popular thing to do in recent years, and why not! They are a part of the family too, right? Just make sure you're doing it correctly.
Many people think it's fun to let their pet hop in the car and take a ride with them.
The dog or cat is hopping around in the backseat, or front seat, through the whole trip.
Would you let your child do that? Of course not.
You would insist on them being in a child seat or at least have a seat belt on.
Why are you not taking similar precautions with your family pet? If you are in a wreck and your pet is free in the car, he will become airborne during a wreck and could be severely injured or even killed.
Pet Carriers for Travel The best option for your pets is to put them in pet carriers.
Many pet carriers can even be strapped into the seat of your car to give your pet double the safety.
Consider the difference in a wreck.
While before your pet could be tossed all the way across, and even out of, the car, now your pet may shift to one side or another in the carrier.
The impact will be nowhere as severe.
Training Your Pet for Travel If your pet is not used to a pet carrier, or traveling in pet carriers, this is something you need to work on.
Start by putting your pet in pet carriers inside the house.
Let them get used to the space and being in this space and realize that it is a safe space.
It may be best if you put in a familiar blanket or toy to make them more comfortable.
Putting Them in the Car Once your pet is accustomed to the pet carriers and no longer afraid of them, move the pet carriers to the car.
This should be done long before you take a trip.
Put the carrier in the car, put your pet inside and take a drive around the block.
Don't be gone too long as this may be a very stressful thing to your dog.
They know they are moving and are not sure why.
Let them see this is not something to be scared of by taking them on a short trip, returning home and then rewarding them with a lot of attention.
You should make a habit of loading your pets in pet carriers in the car and taking them on short drives so when it comes time to take your trip your pet is no longer afraid of the idea.
Packing for Your Pet When you are getting ready to go on the real trip, don't forget to take all of the things your pet needs like a food and water bowl, food, water, toys, treats and a leash so you can take them for a walk in your vacation location.