Spring Travel with Pets

Spring is a great time to plan weekend getaways in the United States. The weather warms up and you can still find places to ski but also places to camp, hike, and be outside. With the holidays that come around in spring, the kids have some weeks off from school which can make planning vacations easy and set in stone.

Spring is also an excellent time to take a trip that includes the family pet, especially if they love being out in warmer weather that’s not too hot and not too cold.

No matter what the weather’s like outside your window right now, there’s no reason you can’t start dreaming – and planning – for your next adventure. And that’s where we come in. Here are some pet travel tips for the winter, plus links to articles we’ve written about pet-related events in the US during the winter months like pet parades, photos with Santa, and other fun spring events.

Spring Pet Travel Tips

Planning ahead can reduce stress and save time. Don’t forget the following items before you head out:

  1. Medication – make sure you have enough of it for the duration of your time away from home. Pick up refills for your pet before you head out.
  2. Kennels and carriers – some places require that your pet be in a carrier or crate when left alone. A kennel is also a safe way to travel for your pet. Airlines have size restrictions for kennels that can travel in cabin. Check about restrictions and policies of the airline before booking.
  3. Never leave your pet in the car – the air in the car doesn’t circulate and the temperature can drop or rise within minutes to a point where it can become life threatening.
  4. Rest stop areas mean everyone gets a break – take your dog out for a walk, offer some water and a snack. If you’re going to be there for a while, play a little to burn off any pent up energy.
  5. Identification – make sure the tags on your pet’s collar are up to date and fastened securely to the collar.
  6. Vet records – bring a copy of your pet’s vaccines. Hotels and vacation rentals often ask for proof of your pet’s vaccines.
  7. Find the local emergency vet – know before you go where the emergency vet is in the area you are staying in case your pet becomes injured. It saves a lot of stress and time in the event that your pet needs immediate medical attention.
  8. Spring means that some of those annoying parasites are starting to come back, protect your pets with heartworm pills and flea and tick medications. Talk to your vet about the proper dosages and any other preventatives you may need depending on where you are traveling to.

Spring Pet Events in the USA

Please note that these lists aren’t comprehensive – yet! – so if you know of an event for dogs, cats, horses, parrots, guinea pigs or anything else that you think should be added to our lists, please let us know!

Image from Upphotos.net

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