{"id":63671,"date":"2017-06-29T11:50:39","date_gmt":"2017-06-29T15:50:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bhgre.com\/bhgrelife\/?p=63671"},"modified":"2017-11-30T12:49:45","modified_gmt":"2017-11-30T17:49:45","slug":"pet-travel-tips-car-moving-new-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bhgre.com\/bhgrelife\/pet-travel-tips-car-moving-new-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Pet Travel Tips For the Car When Moving to Your New Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019re all set and ready to pack up the car, load up the family, and travel to your new home! \u00a0Your group also includes your four-legged family members, which adds an extra component to your traveling adventure. \u00a0However, hitting the road with your pet does not have to be stressful; with a little preparation and planning, the trip will be simple and fun as you travel to your new residence. \u00a0Here are our best tips for traveling in a vehicle with your pet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pre-Travel Preparation<\/h3>\n

Start Off Happy and Healthy <\/b>
\nIt is important to take your pet to the vet for a checkup to make sure he is current on all vaccinations and receives a clean bill of health. \u00a0This will help ensure that he is not sick while you are <\/span>traveling<\/span><\/a> to your new home. \u00a0Also, your vet can provide a health certificate and a rabies vaccination certification. \u00a0Both of these are especially important if you plan to travel abroad. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Plan Ahead to Keep Your Pet Safely Secured<\/b>
\nDetermine how you will keep your pet safely secured in your vehicle while you travel. \u00a0This necessary part of pet travel is often overlooked. In reality, many pets are hurt during accidents because they are not properly secured in vehicles. \u00a0More essentially, an overly-excited pet can easily distract the driver, which can lead to a costly accident. \u00a0There are many great <\/span>safety options<\/span><\/a> for keeping your pet secured when traveling in a vehicle. \u00a0It is also necessary to allow your pet to become familiar with the option you choose ahead of time, so he is comfortable during the trip on moving day.<\/span><\/p>\n

Update Identification Tag & Chip<\/b>
\nUnfortunately, sometimes pets do run off and escape their parents. If you have an updated ID tag and a current photo of your pet, this will to ensure his safe return. \u00a0Make sure he is wearing a collar with the ID tag attached, and ensure that your cell phone number is listed. \u00a0It is also important to make sure your pet\u2019s microchip is updated with your appropriate contact information.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pack the Essentials<\/b>
\nWhen deciding what to pack for the <\/span>car trip<\/span><\/a>, a plentiful supply of their pet food is essential. \u00a0You cannot rely on being able to stop along the way to purchase your pet\u2019s food, or being able to readily buy it at your new location. \u00a0Your pet\u2019s brand of food may not be easy to find, and it is not a good time to try and introduce a new brand of food when you are traveling. \u00a0Other necessities when packing for your pet include pet travel bowls, pet beds, cat litter and a litter box, leashes, collars and tags, toys, grooming supplies, a first-aid kit and medicines. \u00a0Also, don\u2019t forget to always have plenty of fresh water available for your pet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where to Stay Along the Way<\/b>
\nFinding pet friendly lodging <\/span>along your route<\/span><\/a> is necessary if your travels involve a long drive from start to finish. \u00a0It is important to book ahead before you start your trip so you will know where you will be staying along the way. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Updated Copies of Medical Records<\/b>
\nJust in case there is a medical emergency with your pet when you are traveling, we recommend that you bring along a copy of your pet\u2019s medical records. \u00a0It is best to keep these with you, and they should include your veterinarian\u2019s contact information, in case he or she needs to be reached for a consultation.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

You\u2019re On Your Way!<\/h3>\n

Keep Your Pet\u2019s Head (and Ears and Tongues) in the Car<\/b>
\nYou see it every day — that dog with his head out the window, with the ears blowing and the tongue flapping, having what looks like the time of his life! \u00a0However cute this scene may be, it is not safe. \u00a0Pets can easily be hurt by flying debris or bugs. \u00a0Also, it should not have to be said, but you should never allow your pet to travel in the back of a pickup truck or on your lap. \u00a0There are even states that have <\/span>laws to restrict<\/span><\/a> dogs from traveling this way, and it is never safe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Plan to Take Many Breaks and Pit Stops<\/b>
\nJust as people often need to stop for bathroom and stretching breaks, your pet will need even more frequent breaks during your travels. \u00a0Most travel service areas provide specific places where you can walk and relieve with your pet. \u00a0You need to be sure to stay within these areas, especially when your pet needs to use the bathroom. \u00a0Also, be sure to always <\/span>clean up<\/span><\/a> after your pet wherever you stop. <\/span><\/p>\n

Make Sure Your Pet is Hydrated<\/b>
\nWhen making a pit stop, be sure to offer your pet fresh water to keep him hydrated. \u00a0Collapsible pet <\/span>travel bowls<\/span><\/a> offer a perfect solution for providing fresh water during your travels. \u00a0Sometimes traveling can upset your pet\u2019s tummy. \u00a0Bringing along ice cubes can help as it is easier on your pet\u2019s stomach than a large amount of water all at once.<\/span><\/p>\n

Monitor His Food <\/b>
\nIt is recommended that feeding your pets during travel should be kept to a minimum. \u00a0It is best to feed him his regular brand of food, and avoid giving in to offering him some of the fast food you may eat along the way. \u00a0Consistency is key for his digestion, especially when traveling.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do Not Leave Your Pet Unattended<\/b>
\nYou should never leave your <\/span>pet unattended<\/span><\/a> in your vehicle. \u00a0When it is warm the temperature in the car can rise quickly, up to 100+ degrees in a matter of minutes, even when the windows are cracked open. \u00a0Also, pets left alone in vehicles are often a target for pet thieves, so stay with your pet to keep him safe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Your Pet Should Be Safely Secured<\/b>
\nMake sure your pet is safe and secure in your vehicle with a proper restraint. \u00a0Also, remember that no matter which restraint option you choose, you should not be tempted to release your pet and allow him to roam in the vehicle or sit on your lap. \u00a0Just as we stay buckled up during a road trip, your pet needs to stay secured, too. \u00a0If he starts to get anxious or antsy, make a pit stop and let him walk around outside. \u00a0Also, keeping your pet in the back seat is always the safest location when out on the road.<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep Your Pet Safe and Comfy<\/b>
\nBe sure that your pet\u2019s comfort is your top priority on your <\/span>road trip<\/span><\/a>. \u00a0You want your seat to be comfortable on that long road trip, and your pet does, too. \u00a0An easy option is to use his favorite blanket or <\/span>travel bed<\/span><\/a>, and there are also some very comfortable pet car seat options available that will keep him very cozy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Traveling by car to your new home can be a fun adventure for all involved. \u00a0Keep in mind that the planning and preparation that goes into keeping every family member safe and secure during the <\/span>trip<\/span><\/a> will pay off in the end, as you happily travel with your pet to your new home.<\/span><\/p>\n

TripsWithPets.com<\/span><\/a> is the premier online pet friendly travel guide — providing online reservations at over 30,000 pet friendly hotels & accommodations across the U.S. and Canada. \u00a0When planning a trip, pet parents go to <\/span>TripsWithPets.com<\/span><\/a> for detailed, up-to-date information on hotel pet policies and pet amenities. \u00a0TripsWithPets.com also features airline & car rental pet policies, pet friendly activities, a user-friendly <\/span>search-by-route<\/span><\/a> option, as well as pet travel gear. For more information, please visit <\/span>http:\/\/www.tripswithpets.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"