By Debbie Gardner
dgardner@thereminder.com
When it comes to taking to the road with your pet, East Longmeadow native Carleen Eve Fischer Hoffman, organizational lifestyle expert and owner of The Clutter Doctor Inc. and Carleen Hoffman Holistic Healing, has plenty of firsthand experience. She and her husband, Brian, have navigated a multi-month cross-country RV trip with their current Scotch Terriers, 2-year-old Miles and 1-year-old Mable, as well as shorter vacations with their pets.
Prime reached out to Fischer Hoffman for advice on taking your pets on the road this summer. Here’s the tips and tricks she shared:
Q: Travel means routine disruption for people – and pets. Are there any special steps you should take to prepare your pet for a trip?
“In general, you don’t really need to do anything routine-wise to prepare your pet to travel with you. Pets are very adaptable; they are just happy to be with you and happy to go.
“On your end, however, you should think about the age of your pet when you are planning your trip. Different ages need different things. A younger pet – especially a dog – will need an opportunity to release energy and plenty of things to keep it busy while you travel. An older pet may not be as rambunctious but will still need to have opportunities to get sufficient exercise.
“It’s also important to bring your pet to the vet to make sure he or she is OK to travel, make sure your pet is up to date with all vaccines and to make sure you have a printout of your pet’s vaccination record. Keep that record with you in an accessible spot; some places you visit may require proof of your pet’s vaccinations. You’ll also need that record if you have a situation or emergency where you need to kennel your pet while you are on the road.
“Make sure you have your pet bathed and groomed before you travel, especially if you have a dog with long hair and plan to do some hiking. You don’t want to have to deal with hair matting, twigs in their coat and everything else they will brush up against on the trail while you are on the road.
“Before you set off, make sure your pet has the proper identification, such as a collar with a tag – though I know there are people who don’t like tags on their pets – and have your pet microchipped.
“One last important point, if your travel will be by car or camper, get your pet used to being on the road before you take that big trip. Start with short rides and build up to longer trips. Motion sickness is a real thing for dogs, if this happens go to your vet for help. Don’t assume the over-the-counter medicines will work for your pet.”
Q: The big trip is on the books. What should you pack for your pet?
“Make sure you pack the usual stuff – food bowl, water bowl, treats, toys, towels, cleaning supplies, a bed and your pet’s favorite snuggle. If your pet is a dog, it’s also important to pack a sturdy leash – not the retractable kind or bungee kind. In fact, pack two – as one may get wet or torn or in some other way damaged. I would also pack a harness of the right size for your dog; take your dog to get it fitted for the harness.
“If you are going to be on or near the water, bring a life preserver for your pet. I like the kind that has Velcro underneath and has clips that go over the Velcro, so it is very secure. Mine also has a handle so you can grab your pet if necessary.
“That being said, there are dogs that because of the structure of their breed, can’t wear a harness or a life preserver. Know your animal.
“Always bring an emergency kit for your pet with you when you travel. This is something your vet can help you with. We kept ours in an insulated cooler and stocked it with smaller sizes of things like extra medicine, bandages, and a tick remover – things you hope you won’t need but have just in case.
“Pet-safe sunscreen and bug spray are two other items that are always good to bring along. If you have room, some of your pet’s favorite food, as the flavor or brand they prefer may not always be available as you travel.
“A travel-secure pet bed or crate is also important. People who have hatchback vehicles sometimes prefer crates that can travel in the back. We used a pet bed that plugged into the car’s seatbelt, with securing straps that went under the bed and partially around the outside edge of the bed, so it was stable in a quick stop. It’s important to have a way for your pet to travel safely.
“One more thing to consider packing is a white noise machine if you will be staying in a hotel with your pet. This will cut down on the noise outside your room like doors banging or people going to get ice, that your pet may react to.”
Q: What other type of planning is important when traveling with your pet(s)?
“Don’t assume dogs will be allowed wherever you go; you need to call ahead to see if the place you are planning to visit allows dogs (or pets). This is true whether you are camping or staying in a hotel/motel. You should also expect to pay more to have your pet stay with you.
“Make sure your dog has proof of a Bordetella vaccine (which protects dogs from the virus that produces kennel cough). Some places require your pet to have this shot every six months, even though at your vet it is required once a year. You have to be mindful of this when you are traveling. This is part of the paperwork you need for a backup plan if you need to kennel your pet in an emergency.
“Also, map out, or keep in the back of your head, where the local vets are along your travel route in case you need emergency care for your pet.”
