Everyone loves a day of travel. They’re the perfect opportunity to get out, stretch your legs, and find new places to explore. But doesn’t it sometimes feel like a certain four-legged someone is missing?Imagine how much fun your day of travel would be if you brought your pet along for the ride. Your pet would be the cherry on top of an already amazing day! But how exactly do you travel with your pets, and where can you go?
If you want to know the answer to the above questions and more, stick around! Everything you need to know about bus traveling with your pets is waiting below.
- Make Sure Your Pet Is VaccinatedÂ
Many public businesses and transportation options do not allow unvaccinated pets onto their property. This is mostly due to safety concerns for other animals and humans, but the law is also meant to protect you. In the case that your pet is bit by another animal, their vaccinations will ensure they’re safe.
Their vaccinations will also prove to any concerned passengers that your animal is not a threat to their health.
Before you travel, take your animal to the vet so it can receive any necessary shots or boosters. You will also need to ask for a printed version of their shot record that you can carry with you during your trip. If any questions regarding your animal’s health come up, pull out the record and you’ll be good to go.
- Pack SuppliesÂ
During the bus ride, your pet may get hungry or bored. To keep them entertained, pack a bag with snacks, toys, water, and whatever else they may need. Make sure the bag is small, easy to store, and designed for quick access.
This way, you’ll be able to grab whatever you need from your pet stock without unpacking the entire bag.
If your animal is a nervous traveller or tends to get car sick, consider asking your vet for medication to help alleviate its symptoms. You can also find over-the-counter remedies for your animal at most pet shops.
- Decide Between Crating or Leashing Your Pet
Some buses require all animals to be crated while boarded. If this is the case, make sure your animal is comfortable in their crate. If your pet has never been inside a crate, begin crate training them a few weeks before your travels begin.
When you find your seats, try securing their crate to their seat with a seat belt or crate anchor.
Pet-friendly buses usually allow leashed animals during the ride. If your animal is leash-trained and comfortable around strangers, it will ride best on its leash. Just make sure you have plenty of lap room for your furry friend.
If you know that your pet would be more comfortable in a crate, you can still board and ride with your crated animal (even on leash-friendly buses). For optimum comfort, throw a bed and some toys into their crate before boarding. Your pet will thank you later.
- Make Sure Your Pet Has an ID Tag
One of the most important things you need to do before traveling with your pet is to make sure they have an ID tag attached to their collar. In the rare case that you lose track of your animal, their ID tag will allow others to help you find your animal. These tags will also prove that your animal is yours while traveling.
You can find pet tags at most pet shops and online. They are inexpensive and will save you a lot of stress. If your pet already has a tag attached to its collar, make sure the information on it is updated, clear, and correct.
If you want to keep an extra close eye on your animal during your trip, consider purchasing a tracker to clip onto its collar. When connected, the tracker will lead you to the exact location of your pet, allowing you to find them more quickly.
- Find Pet-Friendly DestinationsÂ
As stated earlier, not every location is pet-friendly. This is why it is important to find locations and travel accommodations that allow both you and your pet to enjoy the trip. A pet warehouse, pet barn, parks, pet stores, and beaches are all examples of pet-friendly locations.
If you plan on spending the night at a hotel, make sure the hotel you choose allows animals. You can usually find out about their pet policies online or over the phone.
You can also bring your animal with you to an adoption event or pet rescue. Who knows, you and your furry friend may even adopt a pet to add to your own pet circle during your next outing.
- Walk Your Animal Before Your Trip
Regardless of the length of your trip, you should always walk your animal before you board the bus. Giving them time to stretch their legs will help them stay still throughout the ride. The walk may even be enough to induce a long nap during the bus ride.
The walk will also allow them a moment to use the restroom and walk off any pre-trip nerves.
You should also walk your animal after you reach your destination. By the end of the ride, they will need to use the restroom and stretch their legs. The walk will give you a chance to walk off the road trip as well.
Ready to Travel With Your Pets?Â
Ready to give your pets the adventure of a lifetime? If you answered yes to the above question, consider traveling with Pets On Tour. Our animal-friendly buses are designed to give both you and your furry friend a stress-free journey to your own pet city.
Visit our website to learn more about our services, and travel accommodations, or contact us as soon as today. We hope to travel with you soon!