Travelling is not limited to humans. Nowadays, with the growing number of Pets in every household, we’re becoming more aware of the impacts of our furry friends on our lives, resulting in us wanting to take them out and be a part of our holidays. Because they are, in fact, more our family members and less our pets. While the idea is great and might seem easy, in reality, it is a hard task and requires some thought and hard work. So if you have a furry friend at home and are also planning on a vacation, then here is a guide on travelling with pets:

What to pack?

Let’s start with the basics. I think it’s obvious that packing for humans and packing for pets are two different things. Although it is relatively easy to pack for yourself, doing so for your pet- it’s a different ball game. Plenty of extra food, toys, their favourite blankets are a must. Again, you should also keep in mind your destination’s climate. If it’s very hot, then it’s probably safe to pack a cooling vest. But in extremely cold conditions, you should pack a sweater.

road trips

If you’re going on a good old road Trip with your pet, then you’ve got a lot of homework to do. While road trips may seem fun, but without proper planning, it might be extremely difficult for your four-legged friend.

• Before going on long holidays, you should first take them on shorter trips to get them accustomed to being in the car.
• It is very important to buckle your pet up. Hundreds of accidents occur each year due to pets roaming freely in the car. They can distract drivers and cause injury to themselves in the process. So use a pet seat belt or a pet barrier to keep them away from harm.
• Try not to let your pets peak out of car windows. It can cause lung infections and ear damage.
• Always attach a second tag on your pets. It helps to be extra careful. And don’t forget to write your address and where you will be staying during the course of your trip.
• Every 2-3 hours do a pit stop so that your pet can take a bathroom break and also get some exercise.
• Give them lots of fluids to keep them hydrated. Keep a gallon of cold water handy.
• And whatever you do, don’t leave them alone!

Flight trips

If you’re planning on a trip which requires flying on an aeroplane, then you need to do some extra research.

• Check up with a doctor before flying. If your pet is too young or too old, or even sick, try to keep them in a care centre instead.
• Different airlines have different regulations and fees, So it’s safe to do your research in advance and then pick the airlines of your choice.
• If it’s possible, consider picking a pets-only airline. They’re equipped to handle pets and can take better care of them.
• If you’re flying out of the country, then make sure what vaccinations you’ll need once there, and prepare yourself and your pets. Also, take their medical papers, just in case.
• Purchasing the right kennel is extremely important. Buy one in which your pets can stand up straight and turn around.
• I cannot stress enough on how important it is to attach ID tags on your pets and the carrier. Your name, contact information, and address is a must.

train trips

In case of trains, you are only allowed to take your pets in the First Class. Other classes don’t allow pets. Of course, you have to book the entire coup in that case. Also, there’s a separate fee that you need to pay, in order to take your pets.

In conclusion, as great as it may feel to include your pets in your vacation trips, it’s also a lot of hard work. Do proper research in order to ensure that your furry friend has a comfortable journey. Also, to avoid harassment, book pet-friendly hotels. And now that you have got this guide to help you with your planning, I’m sure it’ll all go well! Happy travelling!

Contributor: Archi Sengupta.

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