A few months ago I wrote about the difference between staying at a kennel and using a pet sitter while our humans were attending a wedding far away. DixieLee and I weren't invited so we couldn't go but when Mom and Dad go on vacation, we can go with them.DixieLee and I both like to ride in the car. She likes to sleep in her crate the whole time while I like to sit up and look out the window. When traveling by car, a crate or seat belt harness is recommended. Just like a human, we need to be protected in case there is an accident.
Dogs should never ride with their heads outside the window because they can get stuff flying in their eyes. I keep the window down just enough to I can stick my nose out and smell all the good smells but not so far down where my eyes can get my eyes hurt.
And never ever ride in the back of a truck. You could get very hurt or even died.
Just like humans, we need to pack our belongings. We need our regular food and it's good to bring along water from our house or bottled water because we get thirsty on long car rides. Mom likes to take lots of water because she says that in some places the water tastes yucky. Don't forget any medications you are taking and of course treats and toys.
Since you will be drinking water, make time for potty breaks where you can walk around a little and stretch your legs. Lots of rest areas have poop bags available but you should bring along your own just in case. Also make sure your humans always clean up. It's the nice thing to do.
Of course we need to be on leash whenever we leave the care, even for a minute. It is easy to get distracted or confused and run into traffic.
Don't ever stay in the car without your humans, especially in hot weather. It gets really, really hot very fast. It can get so hot that you could get sick and even died.
No pet should ever leave home without proper identification and this is even more important if you are going to be far from home. We have microchips so if our collars or tags get lost, we can still be identified.
It's a good idea for your humans to have your microchip number and the phone number of where to report you missing if they somehow get separated from you. Having a recent photo of you is also a good idea.
If you are going on a very big trip a visit to the vet before you leave is recommended. The vet can make sure you are in good shape and they can give you a copy of your inoculations report to take with you.
Mom is going to take us to the beach this summer. We have never been to the beach so it will be a big adventure. The beach is far away so we will need to stay at a hotel. There are lots of hotels that let pets stay in the rooms with their humans but we need to be on our best behavior.
The first thing you need to do when you get to the hotel is take a big walk. After riding in the car it's good to stretch your legs and get rid of some extra energy. Since you will be going to a strange place, there will be lots of strange scents everywhere. Your humans should walk around the whole hotel room so their scent is the freshest. I may help you feel more comfortable.
Some places have size restrictions so Mom had to make sure we found a place where they let big dogs stay. Like not staying in the car without your humans, you shouldn't stay in the hotel room alone either. Hotels where dogs can stay are often near lots of places where dogs can go like the beach. The beach we are going to has rules so we have to be on our best behavior there too.
Sine Mom and Dad don't like to fly we don't have to worry about traveling on an airplane. If you are going on a vacation that needs an airplane to get to, there are lots more things you need to know about. And, if you are going to travel to another country, oh boy, you really need to know about lots of stuff.
I hope you get to go on vacation with your humans. If you already have been on one, I'd love to hear about it.
Your traveling friend,
Zeva
P.S. Blatant self-promotions. Did you know you can now shop at pawpalsboutique.com right from our Facebook page? Come and check it out.
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