We love taking our pets with us to family and friends houses for the holidays! Most of our pets also enjoy these visits, but there are a few considerations before taking your pet with you.

What to bring?

Bring something familiar with you. Whether it’s a bed, crate or a favorite toy, it’s nice for pets to have something that reminds them of home. It also may decrease their anxiety and allow them to rest or sleep easier.

Make sure to take the same food and treats. Feeding a new food or treat can cause GI upset (vomiting or diarrhea) so it’s best to stick with the same food your pet receives at home. Also, ask your family and friends not to feed your pet food they aren’t used to. Things like table scraps or new bones can lead to serious consequences such as pancreatitis or a foreign body. 

Take any medications your pet needs along with you. If your pet is on medication or sometimes needs medication then it is best to pick up a supply before you go and bring it with you as it may be hard to get medications at your destination. 

Considerations for the house you’re visiting

Are there other pets in the house you are visiting? If so, make sure all pets get along before you go or have a plan in place for what will happen if the pets don’t get along. It’s also a good idea to separate pets that aren’t used to each other if no one is there to supervise or there are high value treats involved (bones, food, new toys, etc). 

Pet proof the house you’re visiting (or at least the space your pet is going to be staying). Consider removing items that can be dangerous to your pet (decorations, candles, plants, food/treats etc). Some pets are more likely to get into things, so even if there is another pet in the household, check to see if there are items that could be harmful to your pet. 

Additional pre-trip checks

How does your pet travel? If your pet is anxious or gets motion sickness, then you may need to consider having medications for these situations before you go. Consult with your veterinarian to see what is best for your pet. 

Look at the weather forecast to decide if there is any additional items your pet may need. Is it going to be cold and snowing where your visiting? Consider getting some boots to protect paws or a jacket for warmth. 

Check out the local veterinary clinics and know where the nearest emergency clinic is located. Although you may not need it, sometimes pets have emergencies while traveling & knowing where to go ahead of time can be helpful. 

Make sure your pet has a microchip and your contact information is up to date. In the event that your pet gets away from you while you’re gone, having a microchip is the best way to ensure they will be reunited with you. There are also GPS collars/tags available for pets, which are helpful, but can fall off in some situations. 

Do you need any health certificates or travel documents to travel? Most often these are needed if traveling by plane or entering another country (Mexico or Canada). It’s best to check with the airline or destination country what documents and vaccinations are needed and make an appointment with your veterinarian before you travel. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at Pawtown. Wishing all Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!