Image Credit: BC SPCA
July 11, 2020 - 6:00 PM
Summer vacation planning is in full swing and as more B.C. residents explore their backyards, the BC SPCA is offering some travel tips for your four-legged family members.
Before you leave
Ensure your pet’s identification (tattoo, microchip) is up to date and registered to help ensure you are reunited with your pet promptly if he or she gets lost, according to the BC SPCA in a news release.
Get a health check for your pet. A quick trip to the vet to confirm that your pet is healthy and ready to travel can save time and heartache if your pet gets sick away from home.
Research pet-friendly accommodation. Not every hotel allows pets, and pet-related fees can vary from place to place. Do your homework before you go to make sure you can find appropriate pet-friendly accommodation along your travel route. Many online sites also highlight pet-friendly stops, like parks and beaches, according to the release.
Remember to pack
The essentials – food, water, dishes, bedding, a crate, your pet’s favourite toys, leashes, medication, a pet first-aid kit and any items that will help your pet feel comfortable in strange surroundings. Keep your pet’s supplies in a separate bin or bag within easy reach in the vehicle.
A copy of your pet’s key medical records in case you need to use an emergency vet along the way.
On the road
Ensure your pet is secured in the vehicle with a pet seat belt, harness or crate to ensure its safety, according to the release.
Make sure your pet has a comfortable place to lay in the car. Keep water, treats and toys handy. While it’s tempting to let your dog hang his head out the window for the breeze, this can lead to serious eye injuries and other negative outcomes.
Take frequent breaks. Build in extra time to stop frequently to let your pet explore and have bathroom breaks. Some pets do suffer from car sickness, so fresh air and a chance to stretch their legs will help keep your pet happy.
Know where your pet is at all times. Your pet may be fine off-leash at home, but don’t take a chance in unfamiliar surroundings.
Never leave your pet in a parked car in warm weather. It can take only a short time for a pet to suffer irreparable brain damage or to die in a car on a warm day, even with windows cracked open and parked in the shade. Never leave your pet unattended in a hot car, even for quick stops – this can make meal stops tricky, but it can save your pet’s life.
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