Pet birds, cats, dogs and other small animals can enjoy a family getaway as much as anyone else, as long as their behavioural, environmental, nutritional and maintenance needs are met. Petland recommends you to take along the following to ensure a happy holiday with your pets!

• Bring along an ample supply of your pet’s regular food. If you offer your pet treats, be sure to include those as well. Keeping to your pet’s regular feeding, exercise and sleeping schedule while on vacation will make the trip less stressful for your pet. 

• Fresh water should be offered at all times. Take water from home. When travelling by car, some pets, like people, may have intestinal problems when adapting to drinking water that is different from the tap water at home. Diarrhea is not a problem you want to deal with in any circumstance and certainly not in the car or in your hotel room! To help your pet make the transition, bring along a couple of gallons of water from home. Once on your way, you can gradually add small amounts of the “new” water to the water from home.

• Pack a few of their favourite toys, a blanket and/or bed. Just like us, memories of  home help them feel secure.

• A tie-out stake and cable, collar/harness and leash will be necessary if you plan on having your dog or cat enjoy the outdoors. Don’t forget Petland litter bags to tidy up after your pet has eliminated. Breaks for elimination should be frequent with your pet secured well; a harness along with a collar for identification is recommended. 

• Proper identification. Occasionally a pet will get lost on vacation. At the very minimum, collar tags should bear your pet’s name, your address and telephone number. A Petland pet counsellor can show you how to make your own engraved pet tag while you wait in our store. It’s fast and easy. Other forms of identification include tattoos and microchips. Your veterinarian can talk to you about the best form of identification for your pet.

• A travelling crate will help your pet to feel safe and will give you a piece of mind knowing that he is secure. All modes of transportation whether it is by air, water or road, require pets to be confined in well-ventilated, pet-approved travelling crates; one in which your pet can stand up, lie down and turn around in. Strapping the crate onto the back seat of the car with a seat belt will keep your pet in place and safe during sudden stops. Airlines sometimes allow small pets to ride in crates under their owner’s seat in the plane’s cabin. However, larger pets usually must ride in the plane’s cargo section. If you are travelling by plane, call ahead to find out which airlines allow pets in the cabin and what are the shipping regulations. Generally, pet crates must be appropriately tagged, and many airlines require a veterinarian-approved health certificate. Once you find a suitable airline, you’ll need to make a reservation for you and your pet. You will find information about travelling with your pets at http://www.westjet.com/guest/en/why-westjet.shtml or http://www.aircanada.com/.

• If you are gone for an extended period of time, and in particular, if your pet will be near (or in) water, a comb, brush and shampoo will keep him from smelling like “the lake.” Also, the grooming tools will help to eliminate the matts and tangles he may develop from exploring unchartered territories!

• Pack a container and keep it close at hand for any prescribed medications your pet may need.

• For kitty, a smaller travel litter box, litter and pooper scooper will be necessary.

Bon Voyage!

Your pet may be a wonderful traveller, but it’s common that the motion of extended car travel may make your pet ill. In preparation for a road trip, take your pet on a few practice trips in the car to see how he responds. If his response is an upset tummy and/or anxiety, your veterinarian may want to prescribe some medication to help your pet travel. If however, his sickness is severe, you may decide it is best to keep your pet at home while you vacation.

No Vacancy For Pets:

You may be surprised to find that not all hotels and motels love your pet the way you do. Some welcome pets, but it is up to you to secure reservations at these facilities before you leave home. The Internet has many websites that provide names and phone numbers of hotels and motels worldwide that are pet friendly.

Should you decide to keep your pet(s) at home, you will need to arrange for either accommodations outside of your home, such as a boarding kennel, or have someone come in, such as a neighbour, family member or independent pet sitting service to take care of your pets. Either way, make sure you provide the kennel or pet sitter with the number to your veterinarian and written instructions regarding your pet’s meals, their habits and how to administer any prescription medications if necessary. 

Veterinarian On Call:

Plan for the worst and have a veterinarian on call at your intended vacation destination. This is especially important with birds and small pets that may require specialized veterinary care. If you are travelling far away, you may want to have several veterinarians on call at points along the way.