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In many cases, traveling with pets is not as difficult as traveling with children!
All it takes is common sense and planning ahead. The information below applies to cats and dogs.
Check with your veterinarian for specifics if you have a more exotic pet.
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Is Your Pet Ready?
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Before traveling with any pet, consider the animal's overall health and whether they are comfortable being confined in a vehicle or RV. Here are some general guidelines:
Don't plan a three-week road trip with a pet that has never traveled! Start with short car trips and build up to overnight, weekend and so on.
If car rides mean going to the vet, take your pet to the park or other fun places, so they become accustomed to the fact that getting in the car means pleasant experiences are coming.
Consider leaving your pet at home if it:
Is prone to carsickness or anxiety.
Has an illness that is not easily managed or might affect other animals.
Misbehaves or is destructive.
Barks, howls or otherwise demands attention if left alone.
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Getting There
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Stop about every two hours to exercise your pet. This will be a healthy break for you, too. Don't wait for the animal to become restless or anxious before you stop and, when you do, be sure to allow adequate time for the animal to relieve itself and get necessary exercise.
Always carry a rabies certificate with you. Many campgrounds (virtually all national parks) and officials at the Canadian and Mexican borders won't admit pets without proof of vaccination against rabies.
Provide a cozy crate. Dogs and cats naturally feel more secure when they have their own space. Loose pets are potentially dangerous; even unexpected braking can cause them to fall off of seats or fly through the air. When you pack, leave ample space around the crate for air circulation.
Buckle up. Whether your pet is crated or not, buckle him up. Pet stores sell harnesses that work in conjunction with lap and shoulder belts. These are most effective with pets that weigh 25 pounds or more. Smaller pets do best in a crate buckled to the seat or firmly attached to the floor.
Attach a leash or harness BEFORE you open the door. This applies to both cats and dogs. In the confusion and excitement of a strange place, pets often dart into traffic or run off.
Take a litter box for your cat. Few cats will relieve themselves at the end of a leash, so take a litter box when you travel. The efficient way is to have a crate big enough to put a small litter box at one end. Your cat will feel more at home if you don't start a trip with fresh litter. Let her use it a couple of times before you pack up.
Water, water, water! When you're traveling with a pet, always carry a gallon of fresh water. Even though your pet may love to travel, excitement and stress cause dehydration. Give him a drink every time you stop. Pet stores sell traveling water dishes that are difficult to tip or spill. Try freezing a small dish of water ahead of time and let your pet lick the ice when she is thirsty.
Get temporary ID tags. If someone finds your pet, they can't reach you at home if you're on vacation. Temporary tags can provide the phone number of your campground, cell phone or a friend or relative who is usually at home.
Take your pet's normal food. Changing diet on a trip can cause distress or illness. Animals generally eat less when it's hot or they are stressed from traveling.
Bad hair day? Long fur may look hot, but it often helps insulate the animal and keep it cooler. A trim is fine but, unless your pet usually has a buzz cut, don't do it just because it's hot outside.
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Courtesy is Rule #1
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Not everyone loves animals, even friendly ones. That's one reason your pet must be leashed in public places and campgrounds. ALWAYS clean up after your pet, even if it doesn't appear to be required, or other people don't. Carry a bag and small shovel or try this:
Place one plastic grocery bag inside another.
Place your hand inside both the bags.
Scoop up the waste with your bagged hand.
Turn the bags inside out to enclose waste.
Tie handles of outer bag over the inner bag and discard.
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