Pets are a part of the family, so taking them along on your family vacation makes perfect sense. Not only are they loyal companions, but they can make your trip that much more fun with their boundless energy! However, it is important to consider all the places where your pet would feel most comfortable before you pack your bags and start your journey. For example, you can visit Gatlinburg if you want to take your dog hiking. It is known as the Gateway to the Smoky Mountains range and has the Gatlinburg Trail, a hiking trail for you and your pet to explore. Such destinations have numerous pet-friendly activities that can make your vacation more exciting.
Every year, 78% of American pet owners bring along their furry companions to their travels. However, 58% of them find this process tiresome and hectic. But fret not; here’s everything you need to know about traveling with pets.
Look for Pet-Friendly Accommodation
It’s a no-brainer that when traveling with your four-legged friend, you have to consider pet-friendly accommodations. It’s best to find a lodging where your pet is welcome and catered to. So, if you plan on hiking up the Great Smokies, consider renting a pet-friendly cabin near Gatlinburg. Stony Brook Cabins are a seven-minute drive away from Gatlinburg, TN. These cabins are nestled in the wilderness, making your pet feel more at ease. You won’t have to worry about your companion feeling cramped in a tiny hotel room. Instead, they’ll get to explore the area around the cabin while you get to enjoy scenic views.
However, booking a cabin ahead of time is crucial because pet-friendly cabins are few in number and get snagged up pretty quickly. It would be best to finalize the number of people traveling, the duration of your stay, and your budget before you leave. Once you’ve decided which cabin to rent, consider calling to confirm their policies and restrictions regarding pets to get an idea of the amenities your pet will have access to.
Set a Routine
If you’re traveling with your dog, a change in diet and routine can cause them stress and might even upset their stomach. Set a proper feeding schedule to help them maintain a routine. You must ensure the feeding time and the daily number of calorie intake stay the same.
While traveling, feed your pet at a fixed time so you can predict their bowel movements. This predictability can be especially helpful when you’re on the road, so you can take timely breaks to reduce the amount of accidents in the car. Also, remember not to immediately drive off after feeding your pet to prevent motion sickness. Plan your drive and stops in a way that ensures your pet’s comfort throughout the journey without causing any delays.
Get Your Pet Microchipped
More than 10 million pets go missing in America yearly; unfortunately, more than half of them never find their way back home. While traveling, these odds can increase as your pet is in an unfamiliar environment with strange scents and sounds. However, updating your pet’s microchip with your most current details can prevent such a scenario. It is more efficient than simply placing an ID tag on their collar, as your pet can accidentally remove it.
A Visit to the Vet
Before planning your trip, make sure your pet is healthy enough to travel. You must evaluate your pet’s general health and stress levels and determine how much of a physical toll traveling will have on them. Your vet can also check if your pet will suffer from anxiety on the road and can recommend calming treats or aids to help them get through the journey.
If you’re traveling abroad, a checkup can also ensure your pet is up-to-date on their necessary vaccinations to get a health certification from a USDA-Accredited veterinarian. Certain countries also require you to do blood tests on your pets to check for rabies. A thorough medical checkup of your pet will ensure that this trip will not risk their health or others. It is a mandatory step and one of the first things you should do if you are traveling with your pet.
Essentials You Need to Pack
Since you won’t have access to your home during the trip, you must ensure you’re carrying everything your pet may need. These items include the following:
- A comfortable harness or collar that also has an ID tag
- Health certifications and necessary documents of your pet
- Feeding bowls
- A comfortable pet carrier
- Seat covers to protect the leather or upholstery of your car from scratches if you’re traveling by road
- A first-aid kit
- Portable litter boxes if you’re traveling with a cat
- A travel water dispenser to prevent splashing
- Your pet’s favorite toys to keep them busy
- A grooming kit that contains a brush, shampoo, towels, and alcohol-free pet sanitizer
Making a list of your pet’s needs will help you prepare for your trip and prevent you from wasting money buying duplicate items you left at home. Traveling can be a stressful experience for your pet if they do not have their essentials, so having everything on hand will help make their journey more comfortable.
Conclusion
Traveling with a furry companion makes any trip so much more exciting and fun. However, you must take great care of their needs since your pets cannot verbally communicate their distress or discomfort. Your pets are part of the family and deserve to take part in a family vacation. Yet their health and well-being are a top priority, which you shouldn’t overlook. By following the steps mentioned above, you can guarantee you’ve checked all the boxes essential to caring for your pet as you embark on this journey together. Bon voyage!
