Fun in the sun with your pet
Summer is a great time for vacation, promising fun and adventure. However, it can be hard to get out of the house with big puppy dog eyes begging you to stay. One option for easing summer travel is to utilize our great boarding services to ensure your best friend is safe and well cared for while you're away. Alternatively, you could include your pet in your adventure and bring him with you for a vacation you'll never forget. With the right planning, you and your dog could have the best summer ever!
Picking the Perfect Location
The first step for any vacation is to think about where you want to go and what you want to do. Outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers might enjoy a trip focused on camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Others may want to head for the beach to enjoy the sand, surf, and ocean air, or maybe you plan to visit family that lives far away. Scope out what each destination has to offer and make a list of the things you want to do with and without your dog. Wherever you decide to go, be sure to think about your dog's personality. If your dog is more of a couch potato, a trip hiking through the mountains is probably not the best idea.
Finding Pet-Friendly Lodging
After choosing your destination, you'll need to find a place to stay. For campers, it's easy to find dog-friendly campsites, and for those who prefer more urban accommodations, it's easier than ever to find a home-away-from-home for you and your pet, as more hotels and vacation rentals take notice of traveling pet lovers. There are plenty of online resources to help you select the perfect campground, hotel, or rental for you and your dog, such as bringfido.com, which has listings for pet-friendly accommodations all across the US.
Packing for your pet
Once you know where you're going and what you're doing, it's time to plan and pack everything you need to have a relaxing vacation with your pet. Some items to remember include:
- Food and water dishes
- Enough pet food to last the duration of the trip
- Bottled water for you and your pet, especially if you are traveling somewhere without access to fresh water
- Any grooming supplies your pet may need
- Prescription medications
- A doggy first-aid kit including self-cling bandages, absorbent gauze pads, adhesive tape, an antiseptic, cotton balls or swabs, rolls of gauze, disposable gloves, tweezers, and a flashlight. Ask your veterinarian if there are any extra items you should bring for your pet.
- Copies of your pets paperwork and proof of vaccination
- Health Certificates required for flying
- Toys and bedding
- Leash
- Waste cleaning supplies, like a waste scoop and plastic bags
- A crate or carrier
Travel Tips for Pets
Now that you're ready to hit the road, we have some final thoughts and tips to remember while you travel:
- Make sure to visit your veterinarian before traveling with your pet, to make sure it is healthy enough for travel.
- Never leave your dog in the car unattended, even with the windows open, to prevent heat stroke.
- Unless your dog is friendly to all other people and animals and comes when called without hesitation, it's best to keep him on a leash at all times, even at parks that allow dogs off-leash.
- While on nature trails, remember to bring extra water for your pet to keep him hydrated during your hike. Do not let him drink from standing water, streams, or lakes, as this could introduce him to harmful bacteria.
- Make note of the veterinary clinic or emergency pet clinic closest to where you are staying, in case of medical emergency.
- While camping, make sure your dog stays a safe distance from fires and sharp cooking utensils to avoid injury. Additionally, be sure to check for ticks regularly and remove any that you find.
- Watch for sharp objects on trails and beaches that could cut or damage your dogs paws.
- When at the beach, be sure to provide shade and fresh water for your pet. It is helpful to find out before your trip how comfortable your dog is with water.
- Be aware of rip currents and strong waves to ensure the safety of both you and your dog.