What could be better than hitting the road with your pet? As long as you take steps to ensure Spot or Snowball is happy and comfortable (and safe), taking a road trip can be fun for all members of your family!
Consider the Destination
The first step of road trip planning is deciding where you want to go. If you’re bringing your pet along, some things to consider are whether or not the location pet-friendly and safe for animals, if your pet would enjoy being there, and if there are many dog parks and other recreational spots accessible.
A Place to Stay
Once you’ve selected your destination, the next step is finding a place to stay. Luckily we have a handy-dandy tool for searching pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, attractions and campgrounds.
Start planning your trip with our pet-friendly vacation planner.
Once you’ve arrived at your stay, it’s important to be a courteous pet owner. Keep your pet quiet as to not bother others. Leave as little of a trace of your pet as possible behind. Bring a blanket from home to drape over any furniture your pet may lay on. Get more tips in our hotel “petiquette” guide.
Getting Prepped
It’s a good idea to bring your pet to the veterinarian for a checkup before hitting the road. As animals cannot speak for themselves, the vet may notice a missed medical issue. They also might be able to provide personalized insight or tips for traveling with your pet.
While you’re there, obtain a copy of your pet records. If your pet gets ill or injured on the road requiring an emergency vet visit, having these records will make the visit much smoother. You should also map out the locations of emergency vet clinics prior to your trip.
Pack It Up
Keeping your animal companion happy and healthy on the road requires some additional thought. First, make sure your pet has ID tags and that the contact information is up-to-date. Need a pet tag? Pet ID tags are complimentary to AAA Hudson Valley Members! Order yours here.
Some other items to pack could be collapsible food and water dishes, healthy treats, carpet cleaner or deodorizer and their favorite toys.
Want more packing ideas? Read our pet packing guide.
Do a Test Run
If your pet doesn’t often go in the car or it’s been a while since they have, it’s a good idea to do a trial run. Take your pet on a drive to see how they handle being on the road and to ensure your restraining equipment still fits and functions.
Get tips for driving with your pet here.
With a bit of planning, taking a road trip with your pet can be a success. Our last bit of advice is to take plenty of pictures of you and your pet on your adventure. Enter your favorite photos to our AAA Pet Travel Photo Contest!
Happy road-tripping!
Amber Rolfe is a Marketing Associate at AAA Hudson Valley.
