As the new year begins, the holiday season is coming. Some already started to plan their winter vacation with friends, family, and loved ones. While some are still figuring out how to travel with pets.
Pets are the best companions for any trip, but what if they get sick or something? Is it safe to travel with pets in winter? The answer is yes! You can travel with pets in winter. Follow some safety tips and take crucial precautions while traveling.
In this guide for “How to travel with pets in winter” we discuss some pet friendly winter travel tips and help you on how you can travel with pets in winter. Let’s get started.
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10 Pet Friendly Winter Travel Tips
While traveling with pets, you need to take certain precautions for them so you both can enjoy the experience. If it’s your first time traveling with your pet, then here we give you some important pet friendly winter travel tips.
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Tip #1 Confirm Pet’s health
One of the most crucial pet friendly winter travel tips includes the fitness of your pet and it is fine for traveling with you. Do a check-up of your pet via a veterinarian. In some cases, it is advised to leave your pet at home with a pet sitter, or you can leave it with the veterinarian. Here are some conditions in which a pet cannot travel with you:
- Young pets
Young pets are not suitable for traveling as they are very young and can be hard to manage and take care of during your trip.
- Older pets
Older pets are difficult to manage due to their age. It is advised that you keep them at home with someone during your trip.
- Pregnant
In case of pregnancy, it is strictly advised to not travel with your pet as they need extra care and support at this time. It is risky for their safety to travel in this state.
- Sick pets
If your pet is sick, then the best you can do is leave it at home. During its sickness, it is hard for them to do anything including traveling. Consult a veterinarian for confirmation of your pet’s health.
Tip #2 Do required vaccinations
If you are traveling with your pet, then you need to make sure that it is completely vaccinated by a veterinarian. Further parasite prevention vaccines may be required if you are traveling outside the country. A health certificate may be needed for your pet for state-to-state traveling.
Airlines occasionally require a veterinarian to sign an acclimation statement outlining safe travel temperatures for pets not traveling in the cabin with their owners. For international travel, further documentation may be required.
Tip #3 Do proper research for your trip
The best pet-friendly winter travel tip is to do research before your trip, such as calling your booked hotels and flights to check if they allow pets. Many hotels have certain rules for pets, like how many you can bring and if you can leave them in your room unattended. Confirming before a trip can help you to prevent any problems so you can enjoy your trip.
Tip #4 Pack safety products for pets
Always keep a collar on your pet; if they get lost or stolen, then you can reach for help nearby. The collar should contain all the information so anyone can reach you. Always keep a photo of your pet with you in case of emergency.
Do research for veterinary hospitals near your trip location, and you can also search for clinics on your route for any care. Carry a printout of your pet’s medical record so you can get help during your trip. These pet friendly winter travel tips ensure the safety of your pet with you.
Tip #5 Make your car pet-friendly
If you are traveling in a car with your pet, make sure your car is pet-friendly and can safely get you two to the desired locations. If your pet is unrestrained, it can be hard for both of you to travel by car. Unrestrained pets create disturbances and can lead to major accidents.
To prevent this, use a carrier and put your dog in a carrier. You can also consider a pet harness for larger pets. Make sure your pet is comfortable in these so it doesn’t create a nuisance in the car while traveling.
Tip #6 Carry pet care products
If you are planning to travel with pets in winter, then you have to carry pet care products like warm blankets, sweaters, bed warmers, etc., to keep them warm during the trip. Make sure these products will provide space and comfort for your pet to move around.
Tip #7 Carry your pet’s favorites
Don’t forget to pack favorites, including extra pet food, water, blankets, and toys. These will help your pet be relaxed and comfortable during stops and traffic. If your pet takes medications, then bringing extra meds can be helpful.
Tip #8 Plan your stops during the trip
If you are traveling for long hours with your pet, then make several stops during the trip for a bathroom break. Before traveling, plan these stops and include them in your overall travel time so you and your pet can relax and enjoy the trip.
Icicle paths can damage your pet’s paws to prevent this, check sidewalks, roads, and parking lots so your pet can move freely and not get frostbite. You can bring boots for your pet for extra care or you can use body wipes for paws.
Tip #9 Don’t let your dog outside for a long time
If you travel with pets in winter, make sure your pet doesn’t spend too much time outside, as it can get sick, or even worse, it can get frostbite or hypothermia. These conditions occur when an animal is exposed to cold temperatures for too long.
Frostbite areas first turn reddish color then grey after some time. Do not rub on frostbitten areas.
Signs of hypothermia include paleness of skin and strong shivering, which can be followed by listlessness to the point of lethargy. If your pet is showing these symptoms, bring her inside immediately and contact your veterinarian.
To cure frostbite, give your pet a warm bath (not too hot) and wrap them in warm towels. For further help, reach out to your nearby vet.
Tip #10 Make your pet feel at home during trip
Last but not least pet-friendly winter travel tip is that upon arrival, make sure where you are staying makes a separate section for your pet with bed warmers and blankets for its safety. It also helps to make them feel at home. Give it their favorite things, like toys and food.
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Conclusion
There you go! In this guide, we give you 10 pet-friendly winter travel tips to make sure your pet and you can get the most out of your trip. We hope this guide will help you understand how to travel with pets in winter. Follow these tips to enjoy this winter season safely.