Spring is just around the corner. While planning your vacation you not only need to consider where you are going and how you will get there, but also what you will do with your pet. If you decide to travel by car and plan on taking your pet with you, there are a few things you should consider. Preparations will need to be made before traveling and certain factors will need to be taken into account while traveling.

Before Traveling With Your Pet Before you travel with your pet, the most important thing you should do is consult your pet’s veterinarian. Make sure your pet is healthy enough to go on a road trip. Take any health problems your pet may have into account and make sure that the trip will not aggravate these health issues. You will also want to consider your pet’s temperament. A dog with a nervous tendency, for example, may not enjoy a long ride in the car. Health problems can occur if a nervous dog is exposed to stress for long periods. If you are unsure how your pet will handle a car ride, take them with you on several small local trips, such as to the park or the pet store. This will not only get them used to a car ride but it will also help them associate it with something fun. Just remember not to take your pet with you where they will have to be left alone in the car.

If the road trip requires overnight stops, check with the hotels or motels you will be staying at to make sure that your pet is welcome. Be sure you pack all the necessary items your pet will need such as food and water, leashes, comfortable bedding, medication, and a first-aid kit. Also be sure to carry your vet’s information with you and see if they can provide you with a 24 hour emergency number. You will also want to make sure your pet is wearing their ID tags and that the information on the tags is legible. Carry a photo of your pet for in case your pet gets loose and lost.

While Traveling With Your Pet Make sure your pet has a comfortable place for them to rest while on the trip. Carriers or dog car safety seats can be quite comfortable. A simple blanket or dog bed will also be sufficient. Never let your pet travel in the back of an open pickup bed. Always make sure you pet is safely restrained. Dog car seat belts allow your dog to sit or lay down comfortably. And they will also keep your dog from interfering while you drive. Do not allow your dog to stick their head out the window while on the road. A tiny speck of flying debris can do a lot of damage to your pet. You can keep the window partially open in order to provide ventilation. Your dog will still be able to enjoy the new scents from an open window without having to put their head out.

Be sure bring plenty of water for your pet and be sure to make several pit stops. Many rest areas have places designated especially for your pet. During these rest stops, evaluate your pet’s health. Make sure they are not stressed or car sick. If you see any signs of distress or illness, contact your veterinarian immediately.

You and your vet know your dog better than anyone. If there is any doubt about whether your pet can handle the trip, seriously consider leaving your pet behind with a friend or at a quality pet boarding facility. If you are reasonably certain that your dog will enjoy the road trip but it turns out that they do not, be prepared to make longer pit stops. Your vacation will be much more pleasurable if you take your pet’s health and safety into consideration.