Planning a road trip with your pet can be exciting but also overwhelming, especially if your pet has never gone on a trip before. When traveling with a furry friend, there are so many considerations it’s sometimes hard to know where to start.
Taking care of the logistics in advance helps ensure you and your pet can focus on your adventure whether you’re at the beach, in the mountains, or out on the open road. Vetster is there to support you, no matter where you are. Use this pet-friendly road trip PDF guide for each stage of your journey. If you run into trouble at any stage, whether it’s due to motion sickness, concerns about swimming safety, fleas, ticks, or more, a Vetster vet can help you.
A little bit of preparation can go a long way when traveling with your pet. Get the ball rolling with these pre-road trip tasks.
Just like humans, making a packing list for your pet can help ensure you have everything you need for your trip. Don’t forget to pack these must-have items when traveling with your pet:
With a little planning, no obstacle will get in the way of a dream vacation with your pet. Enjoy the open road with these tips.
Safety first: It’s hard to have a good time when things go wrong, so take steps to keep yourself and your furry or feathered co-pilot safe on the road. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid taking unnecessary risks so you can minimize the likelihood of you or your pet getting sick, injured, or separated from each other. Travel with a buddy when you can. Don’t lose sight of subtle dangers like how easily things can turn disastrous if your pet bolts from the car in a busy parking lot or how quickly the car can heat up when it’s not all that hot outside. Stay on your A-game when it comes to traveling safely because your pet is counting on you and check with a Vetster online vet regarding your planned travel route to find out if you should take extra health precautions for birds, rabbits, dogs, cats, or other pets.
Pit stops: Plan for frequent pit stops for both you and your furry companion. Scheduling adequate pit stops will ensure you and your pet are comfortable and relaxed on your journey. While large highway rest areas may be pet-friendly, also consider other locations, such as parks or beaches, that may offer a more enjoyable break for you and your pet. Taking a break also gives you a chance to enjoy exploring your surroundings with your pet, which is the reason you brought them along in the first place.
Pet-friendly accommodations: Even if you have accommodations confirmed ahead of time, it’s wise to have some pet-friendly backups ready along the way. Keep a list of hotel chains or nearby friends or family members that will allow you to stay with your pet if any of your plans fall through. You can use an app, such as BringFido, to easily find dog-friendly hotels and destinations, like parks or walking trails.
Vetster: When you’re traveling with your pet, a local Vetster vet can advise you on vaccines required for the region, local hazards, and advisories for pets, as well as conditions that might affect your dog like travel anxiety and car sickness. If you find that you need to consult a vet at any time on your journey, Vetster offers 24/7 on-demand, online virtual care appointments that put your pet’s health first. Don’t wait until you get home if your pet is experiencing symptoms that can be easily addressed with Vetster. Select a time convenient for you and video chat with a Vetster online veterinarian from anywhere. You can choose from thousands of licensed vets based on their specialty, location, or availability, and see their flat-rate fee upfront. A local vet can answer your questions and assess your pet’s condition. For emergencies, checkups, prescriptions*, and everything in between, take control of your pet’s health anytime and anywhere with Vetster.
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