I would've wanted to start today's blog with an enthusiastic “Summer's almost here” complete with 3 exclamation points for emphasis, nut I just got off reading weather news and in some states it isn't good. In reference to weather, we just couldn't resist optimism and write about pre-trip planning for a family holiday with the pet/ pets.
Gauge your pet- Have you got a new pup or kitten with you? A new pet can be a kink in relaxing holiday plans if they show behavioral problems and have not taken on crate training well. How about your 12 year old dog? To make pet travel a cinch, have pet restraints such as carriers or pet crates which keep pets safe and sound in the car. For pet dogs with illness, a “go” signal from your Vet and a refill of their maintenance medicines must be at the top of your pet trip planning. If the Vet says otherwise, arrangements must be done before any trip planning proceeds. Depending on the length of time you'd be gone, a pet sitter or a space at your Vet are the safest places.
Update your pets papers and check on dog tag information. A pet gets booster shots every few months or so and there are times their chips or tags haven't been updated, it would be best to check the information and update. If you have transferred, get a dog tag with your present address- a temporary dog tag will do.
Prepare a list of things to bring. Packing for a pet is different from packing for your family where your needs are common human needs. Jotting down a list makes sure you haven't left anything out.
Where are you going? Unless you are a veteran pet traveler this would be easy, for the novice there are several web pages you can refer to. Reading through Eileen Barish pet travel books which are very informative for travel in the US and Canada.
Make reservations. A phone call or an e-mail confirming a pet friendly hotel or park or inn is a precaution you must take. Some ads stating some pet facilities may be obsolete but are still posted (why? Your guess is as good as mine!). It wouldn't hurt to check existing and amended laws on pets, like keeping dogs on-leash, make sure to ask about these things (re:www.animallaw.info).
Check on the weather, if a storm is close to the place you choose change venue or be prepared for everything that may happen if you won't cancel.
Well, holidays are great when prepared well. Come on back for other tips we'd be posting for this summer.