US Service Animals - Tips For Traveling Long Distance With A Pet
The adventure of travel can add a fun and thrilling dimension to your life, and bringing your furry companion along can only increase that excitement. Long distance travel can lead to wondrous new sights, but it can also become uncomfortable for everyone (human and pet alike) after a while. So how can you make the trip safe and comfortable for all? Here are some ways to the make “getting there” just as much fun as the destination.
Create A Plan
No matter the type of travel or the distance, the best thing to do first is to create a plan. Spend some time researching secure travel methods, pet-friendly lodgings, and safe stopping points for rest and potty breaks so that you don’t have to spend time looking while out on the road.
Secure Your Pet And Make Them Comfortable
Your pet can travel securely either in a carrier or a harness. Carriers are an excellent choice because they can be used for car travel or air travel. They allow your pet freedom of movement but limit their amount of space so they can’t get into anything dangerous while you are driving. Harnesses, on the other hand, act like a seatbelt for pets. They allow your pet to stay in the backseat of your car safely by limiting their ability to move around. Either of these options will ensure that you and your pet enjoy life on the road without concerns for safety.
Take Breaks
Just like you, your pet is going to need to take some breaks while on the open road. Planning ahead for things like food, water, and bathroom breaks can make for smoother travel. Getting high-quality travel bowls can be tremendously helpful so you don't have leaks along the way. As far as bathroom breaks go, make sure you plan your route so you don’t go too long between rest stops. No one wants an accident in the car and that includes your pet. Not to mention, sometimes one just needs to stop and stretch a bit. When looking for a place to stop, make sure the area is not only safe for your pet but also for you. Look for designated rest stops or areas where you can completely exit the highway and be safe away from traffic.
Make Your Pet A Service Animal Or Emotional Support Animal
If you have a disability that may qualify your pet to become a service animal, then you may want to explore the process of making your pet a service animal. Registering your pet as a service animal or emotional support animal can allow you to take your pet to places where you can't without the registration. For example, service animals are welcome is almost all grocery stores and hotels so traveling with a registered service animal could make your life a lot easier.
Conclusion
It may sound like a lot of work to make sure that traveling with your pet is a safe experience but it is well worth the effort when you reach your destination. In many families today, pets are as much a part of the core group as a child so the idea of a trip without them just doesn't make sense. These tips will get you on the road and to your destination with every member of your family. And the more you travel as a whole, the easier the planning will get. So, where will you and your pet be traveling next?
