Pet Travel Tips & Pet Friendly Vacations

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Sunny days and hot temperatures mean one thing for many families: summer vacation time. And if you're a loving pet parent eager to bring Fido or Felix along for the ride, you've probably asked yourself, "What can I do to prepare my pet for travel?"

Travel with a dog or cat does require some skill — after all, new surroundings can cause added stress to your pet, resulting in disruptive behaviors like excessive barking, whining and inappropriate soiling. To get you on the right track to a great trip — and avoid pet stress — check out these pet travel tips from Kellyann Conway, PetsIncredible animal trainer and the 2006 Comfort Zone® Dog Trainer of the Year.

Pet Travel Tips for the Car

  • Acclimate your pet to the vehicle prior to the trip. If he or she has problems with motion sickness or excessive excitability, you may need treatment from a veterinarian.
  • Secure your pet in a carrier or a pet seatbelt harness to ensure safety and prevent distraction when you travel with your dog or cat.
  • Try not to disrupt feeding schedules while your pet travels with you.
  • Keep your pet hydrated with plenty of fresh water.
  • Stop often, allowing your pet to get a little exercise and extra potty breaks.
  • Make sure you have a leash, well-fitted collar and appropriate ID tags before traveling with a dog or cat.
  • Bring your pet's identification, medication and a current photo in case you are separated. Also, talk with your veterinarian about microchipping your pet for added security.
  • Never leave your pet alone in a car. Extreme cold and hot temperatures (even if a window is cracked) can be fatal.

Pet Travel Tips for the Hotel

  • Most hotels require proof of vaccinations or a health certificate. Call ahead to check requirements.
  • Avoid hotel food and treats. Always bring your pet's regular food on the trip.
  • Always bring along your pet’s favorite bedding, toys and food dish.
  • Bring your pet's crate or carrier and put out the "Do Not Disturb" sign when you leave the room to keep out unexpected hotel staff. Consider leaving the television or radio on to drown out unfamiliar voices and noises which may frighten your pet.

Need more help keeping your four-legged friends happy on the road? Try pheromone therapy products like Comfort Zone® with D.A.P.® (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) for dogs and Comfort Zone® with Feliway® for cats — the secret to pet-friendly travel.

Unlike other dog stress remedies like medications, Comfort Zone® with D.A.P.® for dogs mimics the comforting pheromones produced naturally by a nursing mother dog, making it a powerful natural stress reliever for your dog. Comfort Zone® with Feliway® for cats mimics feline facial pheromones, which provide a calming familiarity in the environment. Learn more about Comfort Zone® products >>