Take Paws The official pet travel blog of GoPetFriendly.com

Pet Travel Tips for the Holidays

This is a fantastic time of year – holiday parties, family gatherings, and visits to friends cover the calendar. For many people, spending the holidays away from their pets is inconceivable. In fact, a recent survey conducted by PetRelocation.com showed that 63% of pet owners will travel over the holidays at least 50 miles away from home with their pets.

A bit of planning can help ensure that everyone – including the furry members of the family – has a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are some tips to make sure your trip is a merry one!

A Place to Crash -  If you’re staying with family or friends, make sure they’re comfortable having your pet as a guest. Ask them about restricted areas or rules that will need to be followed during your stay. If you’re headed to a hotel, be sure to let them know your pet will be joining you, and verify that you can comply with their pet policy.

In the Car – While driving, it’s important that your pet is properly secured in a carrier, crate, or seat belt harness. For pets that get nervous in the car, you may want to check out Through A Dog’s Ear. This week they are offering free downloads of music written to relieve dogs’ anxiety.

Their Best Behavior – All the new places, scents, and people is what makes traveling exciting for our dogs. Understanding what’s allowed in a new environment, however, can be confusing. Help them impress your hosts by brushing up on their basic obedience before you go.

A Quiet Space – The hustle and bustle of holiday activities can be exhausting – for us and our pets! Bring your pet’s bed or crate and their favorite toy and give them a peaceful place to relax.

Stay on Schedule – Something as simple as feeding and exercising your pet on their normal schedule can reduce their anxiety. Set an alarm to remind you of your pet’s feeding time and use their daily walks to enjoy a little one-on-one time.

Beware of Spoilage -  With all the eating, drinking, and being merry, pets are often fed things they shouldn’t be during the holidays. Foods like chocolate, raisins, macadamia nuts, onions, and alcohol are toxic for your dog, and simply eating foods he’s not used to can lead to gastrointestinal distress. Let other guests know that your pet is well-fed and anyone offering treats may be cleaning up after him later!

Just in Case – Pets can slip out the door in a flash, so be sure your pet’s ID tags have a phone number where you can be reached while you’re traveling. In the event you need to make posters, it’s also helpful to have a picture of your pet along. Finally, having your pet’s veterinary records with you could be critical in the event of an illness or injury. Rather than lugging around a large file, make a paper copy of current vaccination records, and scan the rest of the information for storage on an easy-to-pack USB drive.

Keep Your Cool – Over-excitement, anxiety and stress are common emotions around the holidays. Remember that your pet will pick up on your feelings – so relax, stay calm, and have fun!