Owning a pet is cool and fun until you want to travel. Many concerns spring up at such times and you may be torn between taking your pet and getting a pet sitter for him.
However, armed with the right information, most pet owners will prefer to take their pet along. Now, the challenge with getting a pet sitter is finding one that will be able to give your pet the same level of attention, love and warmth that give it.
If you eventually decide to take your pet along, adequate planning is very Paramount. You must, first of all, research your destination extensively. This research will include the landscape, the weather, the Laws and policies in place concerning pets, the kind of food available, etc.
Before you go ahead with your plans, you must ensure that the local legislation and policies concerning pet travel, quarantine and other related matters are friendly and haven’t changed when you decide to travel.
This will help plan and prepare adequately to ensure that everything your pet needs is duly provided. Again, you will need to get the contacts of the resident vets in the area. This is to ensure that in the case of emergencies, there will be medical help available for your pet.
A caravan is a perfect get-away choice/plan. It fits the bill, has everything you need for your comfort and that of your pet.
WHY DO YOU NEED TO CARAVAN WITH YOUR PET?
- With your pets around, you are more likely to enjoy the holiday better. With your pets around you, you get to sustain that familiar atmosphere characteristic of Home. As a plus, you have a great opportunity to strengthen the bond between your pet(s) and you. Isn’t that amazing?
- With the above, your pets also would love a chance to relax, play around and generally, enjoy laid-back serenity and the intrigues of a new environment.
- Pets are wired to desire human attention and companionship. One thing is sure and that is; your pets want to be around you every opportunity they get rather than with strangers. True that many pet sitters do just great at their job but, allowed to choose, your pets will most certainly choose YOU always!
- A caravan provides a comfy space and a home away from home. The pet will be both comfortable and safe in the caravan.
Despite the above, there is no hard and fast rule. However, the best interest of the pet is Paramount. Taking your pet along while caravanning must be in the interest of the pet. If caravanning together will cause discomforts, health challenges or will pose grave dangers to the general well-being of the pet then, it’d be a bad idea to go ahead to the detriment of the animal.
As with humans, it’s different strokes for different animals. Animals are different. Thus, what works for Animal A may not work for Animal B; what worked for a younger animal may not work for an older animal of the same breed; what worked for a dog may not work for a cat, etc.
Your planning and preparation should be mentally or manually divided into 3:
- PRE-TRAVEL
- DURING THE TRAVEL
- POST-TRAVEL/DURING THE VACATION
BEFORE THE TRAVEL
Before you get on with your plans, you may want to ensure that your caravanning location is pet-friendly. Part of this has been discussed above. For instance, some beaches do not allow dogs. So, if you are planning to visit a beach, ensure that the beach you’re choosing is a pet-friendly one if your pet is a dog. While some sites allow dogs to stay for vacations free of charge, others have an extra charge for dog owners who are bringing their pet along. Before you set out on your journey, ensure that the following are in place:
- UP-TO-DATE TREATMENT AND VACCINATION FOR YOUR DOG: Ensure that your pet’s treatment against fleas or any other disease prevalent at the vacation site is up-to-date. Your pet needs to be healthy to enjoy the vacation.
- YOUR PETS TRAVELLING KIT: Most persons prefer to travel light. However, this desire should not supersede the need to take Essentials. Essentials will include Enough food for the pet for the period of the vacation, Beddings, Bowls for water and food and a first aid kit in case of an accident or emergency. Also, ensure you come along with all necessary paperwork and document related to your dog. You just might need those.
- FAMILIARISE YOUR PET WITH CARAVANNING: There are many ways you can do this but, the first of them is taking your dog on some minor CARAVANNING trips. This helps ensure that the whole idea of caravanning is not strange to your pet. Also, include familiar toys and belongings of your pet while packing. They’d relax better and be less panicky when they are surrounded by familiar belongings.
DURING THE TRAVEL
- Your pets should be adequately secured I’m the vehicle while you’re driving. Also, they can be secured in the RV of the car.
This is important because the absence of restraint will predispose you or your pet to accidents.
Pets will not sit quietly in a place unless you make them. If your pets are not adequately restrained from wandering in the car, they will distract or face the danger of being thrown out of the window when you encounter a bump.
Thus, ensuring that restraints are in place are both for your good and that of your pet. Restraints can be attached to a dog’s collar or harness. Then, the collar or harness is in turn directly or indirectly attached to the seat belt.
- Make adequate provision for food and water for your pet. Your pet will most likely get restless when it is hungry or thirsty. Be sure to also include other treats that your dog or cat likes. This way, their all-round comfort during the journey is guaranteed.
- If your pet needs to defecate, clean up after them. This would mean keeping doggy bags, disinfectant and any other needed to keep them clean handy.
DURING THE VACATION
- Keep your dog on a lead always or as often as necessary.
- Ensure that you monitor the movements of your pet so that they do not wander into prohibited territories or scare local wildlife.
- Be considerate of the interests of other caravaners. Do not let your pet get out of control and constitute a nuisance. If your dog would bark all night then, don’t leave it outside. Comfy beds should be provided for your pets; they should be tied up and confined to that space.
- If you eating out, ensure that pets are allowed in the vicinity.
- Take your pets regular toilet stops. Your cats would need litter for their toilet needs.
- Have lots of fun! Carry your pet along and make sure that they are included in your activities. Make every activity an opportunity to bond deeper and create beautiful memories with your pet.
