Tips for Traveling With Your Pet

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

There are still a few weeks of summer left, which means there is plenty of time available for you and your family to head out on a vacation before the back-to-school season starts. For some, that may mean packing up just the humans in the house, but for others, that may also mean packing up the family pet to bring them along too.

If you have a summer vacation planned and know that you'll be bringing your furry friend(s) with you, here are some tips to help keep them happy and safe:

1. If your pet isn't microchipped, they need to be for identification purposes. In addition to this, they should also have a collar on that clearly identifies their name, your name and your phone number so that someone can get in touch with you should your pet get loose during the trip. Bonus tip: you should also include where you're traveling to and from on your pet's collar.
2. Aside from your pet having the proper identification on them, also make sure that their travel crate has identification information on it. Again, you should include their name, your name and your phone number, and it also wouldn't hurt to have information such as your address on it or a picture of your pet attached either. 
3. Regarding the specifics of your pet's carrier, make sure it is large enough for your pet to be able to stand, sit, lie down and turn around. If you'll be taking your pet along with you on a road trip, make sure that the carrier is securely fastened within the car so that it doesn't move or slide back and forth, especially in instances where you may have to hit your brakes a little harder.
4. Always prepare a travel kit specifically for your pet. That means packing items such as a water bowl (and water), extra food, a leash, some plastic bags, their favorite toy or two, and anything else that will help make your pet feel comfortable. 
5. If you are driving to your destination, never ever leave your pets alone in a parked car. Even if you leave the windows open, a parked car can become extremely hot, extremely fast, and as you probably know this is extremely dangerous for animals. If you know you'll have to stop, make sure you're choosing places that are pet-friendly so your pets can go with you.

For additional travel tips, check out this article from The Humane Society of the United States.

Prior to leaving for vacation, it's also a good idea to have your pet seen by their veterinarian to ensure that they are in good health and ready for travel. For the best veterinary care in Berkeley Heights, Murray Hill, Summit, New Providence, Plainfield and Westfield, NJ, visit Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital. If your pet will be a new patient with us, your first exam is free!

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please call (908) 464-0023.