Holiday Travel with Pets

If you’re planning to pack your bags and your pets this holiday season, our team at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital has some helpful hints for holiday travel with pets to start your journey on the right paw.

The First Stop: Your Veterinarian’s Office

Here’s why a pit stop at the vet’s office should be on any pet travel itinerary:

• If your trip involves air travel or crossing state lines, your pet may need a health certificate.
• New places mean new exposures, so we’ll make sure your pet is properly vaccinated.
• We’ll recommend and/or administer necessary parasite control.
• We’ll conduct a thorough examination to make sure your pet is healthy enough to travel.
• We can microchip your pet to improve your chances of being reunited if you become separated during dog travel or cat travel.

Pet Travel Tips for Success

Whether you’re traveling over the river and through the woods or just across town, your pet’s health and safety must be considered at every turn. Keep these pet travel tips in mind:

• If you have any doubts about your pet’s comfort level when it comes to travel, consider a reputable pet sitter or boarding facility instead.
• Always keep your pet in a crate or properly restrained during car travel.
• Never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle.
• Double-check all airline requirements for pet travel.
• Research pet-friendly hotels in advance and make sure your pet meets all the requirements for size and breed.
• Pack everything your pet needs: food, medications, toys, and blankets. 

Helpful Hints for Cat Travel

Here are some ways to keep cats comfy when traveling over the holidays:

• Use a carrier large enough for your cat to stand up in.
• A blanket over the carrier can help reduce visual stimuli for anxious cats.
• Line the carrier with a puppy pad and top it with a blanket for softness. Bring extra towels or blankets, as well as cleaning wipes and odor-eliminating spray. 
• Ask your veterinarian about medications for travel anxiety. Use Feliway Spray in the carrier.
• Bring a litter box from home with your cat’s familiar litter.

Helpful Hints for Dog Travel

Keep these additional tips in mind when traveling with your canine companion:

• Pre-plan places for frequent potty breaks and walks, and consider that when traveling by car, you could encounter traffic delays.
• Pack plenty of waste disposal bags.
• A dog crate can keep your pet safe and secure during a hotel stay or when staying at someone else’s house.
• Make sure your dog’s harness and leash are in good shape and that your dog is wearing a collar with proper ID tags.
• Always restrain your dog in the car using a crate or a safety harness and seat belt.

Holidays are special times for family, friends, and pets. From all of us at Rocklin Ranch,  we wish you and your pets a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Contact us at (916) 624-7387 for more tips on holiday travel with pets or to schedule a visit.