Whether you’re moving to another part of the country, taking a road trip to visit family, or you simply want to bring your furry friend with you on vacation, pets don’t have the same travel rules as humans. Here are 10 things from our EWR Airport parking company that you should know about traveling with your pet:
Basic Tips
- Travel with paperwork. No matter how close or far you’re traveling, it’s a good idea to travel with your pet’s paperwork and vaccination records just in case.
- Help them relax. If your pet has never traveled before, it’s likely they’ll be a little scared. Help them relax by giving them their favorite toy, blanket, or scent.
- Book pet-friendly rooms. Whether you stay at a hotel, Airbnb, or bed & breakfast, make sure you book one that’s pet friendly. Also look into fees that may apply.
- Make a pre-trip vet visit. Before you set off, make an appointment with your pet’s vet and give him/her a check-up to make sure they’re in good health. Also, do your research to find out if they’ll need a vaccine for wherever they’re going.
Road Trips
Taking your pet on a road trip is much easier than taking your pet on a flight, but there are still some precautions and rules to follow.
- Do a trial run. If your pet has never taken a ride in your car that was longer than to the vet, do a trial run before taking him/her on a long trip to see how he or she deals with the travel.
- Take frequent pit stops. Let your pet get some exercise and go to the bathroom every two to three hours, according to American Veterinary Medical Association.
- Don’t leave them alone. On an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach 110 degrees in 10 minutes (even with the windows cracked), so don’t leave your pet alone.
Flights
- Consider your airline choice. Different airlines have different pet policies and fees, so before you book your flight, look into the best choice.
- Prepare them for carrier life. If your pet isn’t used to a carrier, make sure you buy one that he/she can fully turn around in and stand up in. Get them used to the carrier before you go ahead and take your trip.
- Take them only if you can. If your pet is very old, very young, or not in good health, it’s a better idea to leave him or her behind. Traveling can be jarring to pets that are not fit to do so.
If your next trip involves a plane ride, don’t forget to make your parking reservation with our EWR Airport parking company. We’ll give you a safe place to keep your car and a smooth ride to and from the airport.