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With summer comes vacation—or so I’m told. When we are making those get-away plans, we must be sure to remember our pets. Whether traveling near or far, with or without them, planning ahead can make sure your trip is as relaxing and worry-free as possible.

With summer comes vacation—or so I’m told. When we are making those get-away plans, we must be sure to remember our pets. Whether traveling near or far, with or without them, planning ahead can make sure your trip is as relaxing and worry-free as possible.

If you feel it best to leave your pet at home, make arrangements for his care as soon as you know your plans. You may choose to leave him with a friend or neighbor, or find someone to come into your home to care for him while you are away. When I was a college student/vet assistant, I loved to pet sit for our clients. It was fun for me to have a pet for a week and the clients liked knowing that someone who knew their pet and had veterinary knowledge was caring for him. This is a great resource for in-home pet care, as most clinics employ at least a couple of starving college students at any given time. Professional pet sitters are also available, but again, planning ahead will be key to making sure you have time to meet each other, check references, discuss your needs, and reserve their services.  You may prefer to board your pets at a kennel while you’re gone, and many exist from the basic to the poochie posh. If your little one has special medical needs, be sure to mention this to the staff when making the reservation and be sure they are willing and able to accommodate accordingly. Regardless of whom you choose as a caregiver, make sure they have any and all pertinent medical information in case of emergency, including medical history,  phone number for and directions to the veterinarian (including after hours emergencies), and a reliable way to reach you. 

If you are traveling with your pet, doing a little prep beforehand can make for a more pleasant trip. If your pet experiences anxiety or nausea, you might ask your vet if she recommends any medication to help make the ride a smoother one. If traveling by plane or over state lines, you should have a health certificate completed by your vet prior to the trip. Consider your destination and any specific rules, regulations, or concerns associated with it. For example, can I take my pet on the beach or in the state park? What health threats might exist--ticks, snakes, toxic plants…alligators? One can’t be too careful!  Lastly, before you travel, consider doing a web search for full-service animal hospitals in the area of your destination and have the numbers and addresses available, just in case. A little preparation often proves to be the best travel insurance of all.