Ten Tricks to Keep Your Pet Happy on the Road
Pet owners who have decided to move are faced with the decision "What to do with the pets?"
Since no house is truly a home until the pets arrive, pet moving services exist to help people with the logistics of relocating their pets. However, many people will make the decision to take a road trip and load up their car with Fido and Fluffy. If you're planning on moving your pets by car, the thrill of the open road can quickly become burdensome if you don't plan ahead. These ten tips can help pet owners get to their new home safely with a car full of happy pets.
1. Plan your route to include pet friendly lodging. Pet-friendly hotels will help both you and Fido recover after a long day of driving. Do research ahead of time to find the perfect pet friendly hotel that fits your needs - enquire about pricing, perks and policies for each hotel.
2. Try to take your pet in the car as often as possible before the move. This will help reduce its anxiety on the big trip. Purchase a pet travel crate for your pet to ride in and work on crate training your pet in advance. Crate training your pet can assist with anxiety levels during the drive as well as at your new home.
3. Make sure you have proper identification for your pet during your move. Have a cell phone number listed on their tags or an emergency contact who is not making the trip with you.
4. Try not to feed your pet for a few of hours before the trip as it can upset his stomach.
5. Hydration is very important so be sure to always offer your pet plenty of water before and during your drive. Spill-proof water bowls will allow your pet plenty of access to water, without getting your vehicle wet.
6. If you are moving across state lines with a dog or cat, you'll need a domestic health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. This can be issued by your local veterinarian.
7. If you have an exotic pet, be sure to check with the Fish and Wildlife Service prior to your move to make sure that your pet is allowed in your new area - for example, ferrets as pets are illegal in New York City.
8. Don't forget to pack a bag for your pet! Food, water, brushes, treats, plastic bags, a scoop and even a bed for the hotel room floor can help make any hotel stay smoother.
9. If your pet is crate trained, the crate is the best place for him to travel. However, a seatbelt harness can also restrain your pet, keeping him - and you - safe.
10. It is never considered safe leave pets in the car unattended. Not only can it get very hot in cars and cause heat stroke, but pets can also be stolen or escape from partially open car windows.