Pet Travel Tips for Seniors
Rod and I haven’t quite reached the “senior” classification yet, but in our travels we meet a lot of retirees who are traveling with their pets. Today we have a guest post from Tom Demers with some tips for those spunky seniors in our pet travel community.
Much of our lives are spent working, raising families and being consumed by everyday life. The dreams of retirement are often filled with traveling the world or setting off in an RV to visit the obscure sites throughout the country. And, although your children are grown, raising families of their own, your four-legged kids are just waiting for the opportunity to join you in your adventures.
Reasons To Travel With Pets
Share their love: As we age, it’s inevitable that friends and loved ones will get sick. And, from time to time, you made find it necessary to be away from home to visit and care for them. As long as she’s welcome, don’t hesitate to bring your dog or cat with you. According to Paws & Heats, pet therapy has been proven to help seniors by diminishing emotional and physical pain, reducing boredom and anxiety, and creating an overall sense of happiness. Of course, it’s important to consider your animal’s personality prior to the trip. If you have a young dog, full of unending energy, he may add to the anxiety rather than reduce it.
Reduce your stress: Many seniors, especially those who didn’t travel much during their working years, find spending a few weeks away from home to be stressful. But, having your furry companion at your side or on your lap may be beneficial. It has long been known that petting an animal can reduce blood pressure and anxiety.
Tips To Make Travel Easier
Keep your pets medicines separate from yours: This may seem like a no-brainer, but at home you probably keep your pet’s medication in a separate location from yours. When you’re living out of a suitcase, it can be easy to get the bottles confused so be sure to clearly label Max’s meds. After all, you don’t want to end up taking each other’s arthritis medication!
Secure your pets while driving: At any age, having your pet climb into your lap while you’re driving is hazardous. Make yourself familiar with the options, including seat belt harnesses, carriers, and crates, that will keep your pet safe should you be involved in an accident. Also, it’s important to remember how quickly a dog can slip out of an open car door. Be sure to keep leashes handy and secure them before opening the door.
Use the Internet: Many seniors are more comfortable with paper maps and books, but when it comes to planning a pet friendly trip, the Internet is a powerful resource. Finding pet friendly hotels and campgrounds, veterinarians, and even restaurants with outdoor seating areas where your pet will be able to join you is fast and easy by searching online. Most hotels and campgrounds offer free Internet connections, which will also save you from having to purchase multiple guide books for your travel destinations.
Get a doctor’s note: If you find the thought of travel overwhelming and debilitating, but you have no choice, you may want to speak to your doctor. Some airlines are allowing emotional support animals to travel in the same manner service dogs have for years. The airlines do require documentation to verify your need for an emotional support animal and must be alerted to your special travel arrangements prior to the flight.
Whether you’ll be spending your Golden Years seeing the world, visiting friends across the country, or simply taking in the sights along the road, don’t hesitate to take your beloved companion with you. They are part of your family and deserve the experience as well! For more general tips on traveling with your pets, please visit our Tips & Resources page.
Are you or someone you know sharing their retirement travels with a pet? What tips can you share for traveling with a furry companion?
Bio: Tom Demers writes for Assisted Living Today, a leading source of information on a range of topics related to elderly living and retirement care and facilities that can also help to connect you with care homes for your loved ones.
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