Tali's Travel Tips for Pet Parents

(Part 1 of 3)

Tali's Tails

Greetings, humans!

Are you ready to ditch the stay-cations & quick getaways, and upgrade your travel plans this year to more far-reaching adventures & relaxing retreats?

(Mmmmm…. Treats…)

Tali’s Travel Tips for Pet Parents

(Part 1 of 3)

When you go travelling on your next adventure, give your pet the very best: Mentally, Emotionally, & Physically – whether you’re bringing them with you, boarding them, or they’re staying home.

Bringing them with?

Mental:

• Have toys on hand for safe play in the car and the hotel (toys that will NOT get stuck under your brake pedal!)
• Gonna be gone on an all-day excursion at your destination? Consider a local Doggy Daycare to keep boredom at bay.

Emotional:

• Travelling can be stressful to your Fur-Babies! Talk to them during the drive. At the hotel, keep a little similarity to your at-home evenings & mornings: if they’re used to curling up with you while you enjoy your morning coffee, start your day with a cup in your hotel room
• Above all, keep your own stress levels at a cool & even keel. YOU are Lead-Dog! If you’re not freaking out, they will assume all is well.

Physical:

• Keep them safe during travel with an appropriate crate, carrier, or secures-to-the-car-interior harness. Check with your vet to see what they recommend for your Fur-Baby’s particular breed & size
• Prevent stiffness – which can lead to crankiness or acting out – by letting your Fur-kid stretch his legs, with regular breaks during the road trip phase and play time outside of your hotel room while you’re at your destination

Boarding?

Mental:

• No Fur-Baby wants to be lonely while Mom & Dad are away! Choose a facility that has a balance of playtime with new furry friends as well as socializing with their human caretakers, too.
• Being uncomfortable can drive them crazy! Make sure your boarding facility has comfy beds (un-comfy beds could get eaten!) and plenty of room to move during “lights-out” hours

Emotional:

• Let your Fur-Baby get familiar with your boarding facility & staff ahead of time: Before your vacation, take a trip to the boarding place with your pet: just to say hi, to test out a daycare visit, or even to try an overnight stay
• When it’s time for your destination departure, leave something familiar with your pet to help ease his anxiety – a favorite toy or even a blanket with your scent on it

Physical:

• Choose a boarding location with the amount and type of playtime your pet prefers. Is your Fur-Baby rambunctious? Choose a place that can let him fully express that energy! Would your furry friend prefer a quiet retreat of his own? Pick somewhere that will be the sort of calm resort he would love to relax in
• Make an honest assessment before you go – What level of play will be safe for your pet? Let your boarding facility know of any precautions they should take to keep your pet healthy & happy during his stay

Fur-Babies Staying Home?

Mental:

• Keep boredom at bay by having toys accessible that your Fur-Baby can play with solo. If you can, let nature entertain them too, by leaving the curtains open at one window for “kitty cable” (bird and squirrel watching)
• Give your Fur-Baby some variety by asking your petsitter to get in on playtime, too! Be sure to tell the sitter your pet’s very favorite ways to play in two-player mode!

Emotional:

• What will keep your Fur-Baby most at ease? Some cats prefer to be left to rule the house in solitude while you’re gone. Others need a human to worship them each day until you return. My mom figured out I feel the least stressed with a blend of the two: I like going up to the first 48 hours without a petsitter checking on me, but after that I need that substitute servant to love on me until Mom gets home
• If you do have a sitter stop by, be sure to share with them how best to keep away your pet’s stress: like “hats scare him” or “bribe her with her favorite treats before petting her”

Physical:

• Ensure there are no hazards around the house that could get your Fur-Baby into mischief
• Keep them free of stiffness and discomfort by letting them roam the house, or by having your petsitter over to let them out of their crates & move around – preferably at least twice a day

Use these tools to ensure your Fur-Babies enjoy your vacation as much as you do!

Spread the love by sharing these tips with other animal-adoring Pet Parents!

AND

Be sure to catch Parts 2 and 3 of this 3 Part Series of

Tali's Tips for Travelling Pet Parents 

Go here to make sure you get all 3 pieces!

Have a PAWsome vacation!

The Tali Cat