Most people who own a cat or a dog try to take as less number of vacations as possible since it is inconvenient to take their pets to most places. Hotels are not friendly, you cannot travel with them and most activities will have to be enjoyed without them.
Leaving your cat or dog with another person can be hard because no one can take care of them as you do.
The good news is that many vacation spots are now welcoming pet owners and making their hotels and activities pet-friendly; pet owners can roam around the beach with their pets, even some food places allow pets to be brought inside. To find out the best pet-friendly hotels in Cape Cod click here.
However, there are some tips that can help make the experience even better.
1. Get your pet checked before leaving
This is extremely important and a must-do step. Before you leave for the vacation with your pet, no matter how friendly the place, make sure to have an appointment with your vet. Vets generally know the kind of tests they should run on your pet before a vacation, it is all standard procedure. Pets should also be vaccinated with all the proper medicines because one can never be too safe. While your pet might be of calm nature, all pets tend to react to new surroundings. So ask your vet to give them vaccinations to ensure there are no mishaps. Carry the medicines required and a prescription from the vet. In case your pet suddenly falls sick while on vacation you can treat them or go to a local vet and show them the prescription.
2. Train your pet for travel
Before you take them out for a vacation, it is advised that you train them for the vacation so that your pet is not taken by surprise. Simple things should be ensured, like if they obey your commands when excited or if they can sit quietly during a journey. Places that are pet-friendly hope their customers will have trained their pets and you do not want to be embarrassed by a pet that refused to stop calling at night. They will also have to pass through security and other formalities. Make sure to take them away from familiar places when training.
3. Accessories and necessities
Pets require many things, but first priority should be to put a pouch on them that has your name, address, phone number. New places can make pets anxious and they might try to return home, the identification is for an emergency. Make sure you are carrying enough pet food because you never know what reactions the local food can trigger in your pet. Don’t forget to carry a leash and doggy water bottle, so that your pet is hydrated. Water and having a leash makes pets calm and feel secure in case they experience fear. Do not forget to pack their favorite toy and blanket. Apart from that carry enough bags to pick up their poo.
4. Do not leave them alone
The whole point of traveling with your pet is so they can be part of the vacation. Never lock them away in the car or hotel room, they often feel abandoned and that can cause health risks. Try to keep their routine as regular, take them on a walk or a hike with you so that they get their regular exercise. Try to get them as involved as possible.