How can travelling with pets be incorporated into your creative family beach vacations?

Travelling with pets can pose problems, but here are some tips to make this process much easier.

Can your pet travel?
First, be honest about whether or not you can travel with your pet. If your pet is sick, too young, too old, or pregnant, it might be better to board your pet with a friend or at a pet hotel. Always consult your veterinarian if in doubt.

Consult your Vet
Tell your veterinarian where you plan to travel to, for how long, and the mode of transportation you will be using. See if they know of any health risks for your pet at the area you will be travelling to. If you happen to know that your pet is sick or nervous when travelling, ask for appropriate medications.

Vaccinations
While at the vet, make sure that all the vaccinations are valid and up-to-date. Remember that you will need to have current health and rabies certifications if you are going to travel by air. These documents are a good idea even if you are not travelling by air. What if you have to board your pet unexpectedly? Many kennels will not accept pets without them.

Losing your Pet
While travelling with pets, you will be in a new place, with new surroundings. It is not unreasonable that you will become separated from your pet, so you should take precautions. Consider getting your pet microchipped, a process that is becoming cheaper and more common all the time. Your veterinarian can tell you more about it. Always bring along a recent photo of your pet and a thorough description as this will come in handy if your pet happens to get lost.

Before you Leave
Clip your pet's nails if appropriate. This will help protect the belongings at your destination, and will make it easier to restrain your pet if need be. Brush your pet's hair so that you don't leave a trail on your travels.

What to Bring
a) A good sturdy leash. b) An extra collar in case you should lose the original. c) A pet blanket to cover the car seat, couch, etc. d) Food, especially if your pet is very particular about what they eat and it may not be available at your destination. e) A can opener, bowl, and spoon for item (d). f) A water dish. g) Treats and snacks. h) Toys. i) Any pet medications. j) For cats, litter and a litter box with newspaper. k) A flashlight. l) Anything else that you feel will prepare you for the worst.

The Pet Carrier
Travelling with pets can be a very tramatic experience, so make sure that you obtain a secure and comfortable pet carrier. It should be well ventilated, and with enough room so that they can lie down, get up, and turn around in comfort. It should have handles on the outside so that anyone can handle it without being bitten. Along with a leak-proof bottom, put a towel in it to absorb any leaks or moisture.

Make sure that you print your pet's name, and your name, and contact information for both your home and destination on the outside of the crate with a permanent marker.

Let your pet sleep in it for a while to become familiar with the surroundings and smells.

The Pet Collar
Your pet should have a secure collar with current identification tags at all times, but this is especially important when you are travelling. Make sure that these tags show the proof of rabies vaccination as well.

While Travelling
Be sure to keep fresh water available at all times for your pet as travelling can dehydrate them. Never leave your pet in a car alone with the windows shut. Avoid escalators as their claws or fur can become caught. Make sure your pet is either on a leash, or in a carrier, when not in a room.

Utilize these travelling with pets tips so that your creative family beach vacations can be enhanced...not destroyed.

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