Home » Outdoor & Recreation » Travelling with Pets » Traveling with Pets, An Introduction

Traveling with Pets, An Introduction

© Beverly Eschberger

If you are like my husband and me, you consider your pets to be members of your family; perhaps you even refer to them as your "kids," as we do. So, of course, you want to spend as much time as possible with your loved ones, which includes taking them with you when you travel. The furry companions you travel with may include a dog, cat, a horse, or even a hamster. (Don't laugh! I once met someone who was taking her sick hamster home with her over the holidays because she could not bear to leave him alone while he was ill.)

Travelling with your beloved pet can make the experience much more enjoyable for the humans and be a great way to form a close relationship with your pet. It also means that your pet is not moping at home, feeling bored and neglected because you left him behind. Pets often develop inappropriate behaviors when they are left at home, feeling bored.

Travelling with pets is not, however, always simple. Taking the family dog along on a spur of the moment trip can complicate matters infinitely. Instead of packing a small overnight bag for yourself, you will find yourself toting along twice as much gear to accommodate your furry companion. In addition to the amount of packing, there are other considerations to keep in mind.

First, you must consider your fellow travelers. How does your pet react to strangers? Is he very territorial or protective of the family? The general behavior and obedience of your pet is also a consideration-can your pet be trusted to walk on a lead in a new setting without running away? Can your pet be trusted to not jump on people or chase other animals? Can your pet be trusted to not bite or drool on a stranger? Can your pet control himself to not pee or poop in inappropriate areas?

Secondly, you must consider the animal. Your pet can become carsick, a change in food or water can cause an upset stomach. You may discover new allergies in a new setting. The stresses of traveling can cause all sorts of psychosomatic illnesses as well as real distresses. Your pet will need frequent potty breaks on long car trips. And your pet can become bored or stressed if left behind in the car or the hotel room while the humans are our exploring. In addition, you may have difficulty in finding a new vet who is to your liking while you are traveling.

The copyright of the article Traveling with Pets, An Introduction in Travelling with Pets is owned by . Permission to republish Traveling with Pets, An Introduction in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.