TIPS FOR TRAVELLING WITH YOUR PETS

The holidays are almost upon us again and if you’re planning a family getaway or road trip and are wanting to take your four-legged family members along, there is extra planning involved to make sure the journey is as stress-free as possible for you and your pets.

Travelling with a pet by car involves more than just loading your dog in the back seat and heading off, especially if you will be driving long distances or plan to be away for a few weeks.

We have put together 5 helpful car travel safety tips to help ensure a safe and comfortable journey for everyone.

• Prep your pet for a long trip.

Get your pet/s used to the car by taking him/her on a series of short drives first, gradually increasing the time spent in the car.

• Safety First.

Just like we buckle–in ourselves and our kids, our pets too need to be kept safe and secure, we suggest using a well-ventilated crate or carrier. The crate should be large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. Make sure that your pet’s crate is well secured so it will not slide or shift in the event of an abrupt stop. If you decide to not use a travel crate, don’t allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window, and always keep him in the back seat in a harness attached to a seat buckle.

• Packing for your Pet.

You will need to make sure you have a pet-friendly travel kit. This will include food, a bowl, a leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and first-aid, and any travel documents. Make sure to pack a favourite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity.

Pack plenty of water and avoid feeding your pet in a moving vehicle. Your pet’s travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure, and always opt for bottled water.

• No one is left behind.

Ensure that your pets are never left alone in a parked vehicle. We are heading into Summer and on a hot day even with the windows open a parked car can become a furnace in a very short time, and heatstroke can develop.

• Invest in Travelling with your Pets.

If you travel frequently with your pets, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, available at auto product retailers.

One final thing to remember, no matter where you’re headed or how you plan to get there, make sure your pet is microchipped for identification and wears a collar and tag imprinted with your name, phone number and any relevant contact information.

 

Contact Rambling Rose Self-Catering Accommodation for Pet-Friendly Accommodation

13 Albinia Road, Hillcrest, 3650
Telephone:+2731 765 4930
Mobile:+27 79 106 5027
E-mail: kflorens@mweb.co.za

 

Article by Judith Ludick