How to safely travel with pets this summer

With road trips rising in popularity over the past year due to the pandemic, and summer travel on the horizon, pet parents are starting to explore their options. And let's be honest, we don't want to leave them behind! According to a new survey, 53% of pet owners are worried about how their pets will react when they leave for a vacation. This survey also found that:

• 85% of pet owners reported a positive impact on their pet’s behavior due to increased time spent together during the pandemic.
• Four out of five dog owners have noticed at least one symptom of anxiety (such as clingy behavior or overshadowing, whining, barking, or howling when left alone or excessive chewing or licking of paws and tail), but only 24% have diagnosed their dog.
• 90% of pet owners reported taking steps to promote a more pet-friendly home, such as buying a soft bed or crate, providing adequate lighting and white noise, and offering an access door to the outside.
• 58% of rescue cat owners have noticed signs of trauma, with 25% noting separation anxiety specifically.
• More than half of pet owners reported being worried about how their pets will react as they spend more time away, including going on vacation (53%) and returning to work (40%).

As many pet parents have experienced, traveling with your furry friends can be stressful for the whole family, but thanks to Dr. Sharon Campbell, DVM, MS, DACVIM, Medical Lead & Behavior at Zoetis Petcare, with a little planning and preparation it doesn’t have to be too RUFF! Dr. Campbell has outlined some top health and safety tips to keep in mind for the road trips ahead to ensure a safe and enjoyable pet-cation.

Some of the top health and safety concerns to keep in mind on road trips are:

• Motion sickness: Even if your pet isn’t vomiting, they could be exhibiting less obvious signs of distress. If your dog exhibits any of these signs of motion sickness, talk with your veterinarian — they can prescribe medication to help prevent the vomiting while riding in a car.
• In-car safety: Having pets loose in the car can cause an accident if they crawl on your lap or end up down by your feet. Having a harness or carrier may also help with anxiety since they’re strapped in and not skidding around the backseat with every stop or turn.
• Make sure your dog is wearing their ID tag and rabies tag: Your dog should also be microchipped, that way if they jump out of the car you have a better chance of reuniting with your furry friend.
• Have their immunization records: These are their passport to doggie daycare, boarding facilities, and some hotels ask for these records. Have a copy or even take a photo on your phone and keep them handy.
• Know your emergency exits: It’s good to know where a few animal hospitals and emergency clinics are, just in case. It’s also beneficial to know where the closest one is to your lodging. After all, time is critical when there’s an emergency.
• Take breaks and anticipate their needs: Take time along your trip for you dog to get out an exercise, if only briefly. Make sure you have fresh water available for you pet and offer every few hours.
• Keep close to their regular routine as much as possible: Although travel can upset everyone’s routine, it is important to keep you pets as close to normal as possible. Bring their usual food and treats and feed them close to their regular feeding time. Make sure that they receive their medications on time. If they are used to walks at a certain time of day, once you reach your location try to stick to that schedule.
• Most importantly: Make time for fun! There are many resources to help you find dog-friendly lodging and restaurants, parks, and other activities along your route so your dog can exercise. They will thank you!