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Decisions, decisions -

Before any pet owner puts their furry friend in a crate and carts them off to a foreign destination, it is imperative that they first consider whether it’s in their pet’s best interest to travel. Aside from the many issues faced by the owner, pets themselves don’t always find the experience enjoyable.

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Expenses -

First and foremost, one of the biggest factors to consider is that traveling with pets can be incredibly expensive. There are many added fees that pile up unexpectedly when traveling with a pet, and budgeting for these expenses in advance is necessary to avoid financial strain.

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Preparation - Traveling with pets requires thorough preparation, including researching pet-friendly accommodations and transport options. Unlike solo trips, you must ensure that your pet has all necessary vaccinations, documents, and supplies, which add extra layers of complexity to travel planning.

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Transportation -

Not all modes of transportation are pet-friendly. Air travel, for instance, may require pets to be crated and travel in cargo, which can be stressful. Trains and buses might have restrictions, and so careful consideration and planning is needed to avoid issues.

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Health and safety -

Traveling can pose health risks to pets, especially in unfamiliar environments. Pet owners must always ensure their pets are protected from parasites, diseases, and extreme temperatures, which might require consulting a vet beforehand and packing appropriate medications.

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Comfort during travel -

Ensuring a pet's comfort during travel is essential. This may involve frequent stops during road trips for bathroom breaks and exercise, as well as providing a cozy and secure space for them to rest, which adds to travel logistics.

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Pet anxiety -

Many pets experience anxiety during travel, which can manifest as restlessness, whining, or even aggression. Calming measures (such as pheromone sprays, anxiety wraps, or medication) might be necessary, but these require prior planning and consultation with a veterinarian.

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Accommodation -

Not all hotels, Airbnbs, or vacation rentals are pet-friendly. Finding accommodations that welcome pets (sometimes for an additional fee) can be time-consuming and may limit your options, especially in more remote or luxury destinations.

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Packing for pets -

Traveling with pets necessitates packing extra supplies, including food, water, bowls, a bed, toys, leashes, and waste bags. This added luggage can make travel more cumbersome and require more careful organization, especially when space is limited.

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Local laws and regulations -

Different destinations may have specific laws and regulations regarding pets, such as leash laws, breed restrictions, and vaccination requirements. Researching and complying with these regulations is essential to avoid fines or being turned away.

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Natural reserves -

Many national parks around the world have restrictions in place when it comes to animals. Oftentimes, pets are not permitted, which means that a long journey to visit a park may be entirely pointless if a beloved pet is barred from entering.

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Travel restrictions -

Some destinations, particularly international ones, have strict quarantine rules for pets. These restrictions can significantly alter travel plans, inevitably adding time, cost, and stress. It is important to research in advance and consider alternatives if necessary.

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Pet identification -

It's crucial that your pet is easily identifiable in case they get lost while traveling. This might mean updating their ID tags with travel details, microchipping them, and keeping a recent photo handy.

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Veterinary documentation -

When traveling, especially internationally, you may need to carry specific veterinary documentation for your pet, such as proof of vaccinations or health certificates. Ensuring all paperwork is up-to-date and accessible is crucial to avoid issues.

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Pet emergencies -

Much like it is with humans, unexpected health emergencies can arise during travel, and not all destinations have readily available veterinary services. Researching emergency vets along your route and having a first aid kit for your pet is essential for peace of mind.

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Weather -

Different climates can affect your pet's comfort and health. Hot or cold weather can be dangerous, requiring extra precautions such as cooling vests, booties, or sweaters, depending on the season and destination.

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Feeding and hydration -

Ensuring that your pet stays well fed and hydrated during travel can be challenging, especially if their diet requires specific food. It is imperative to bring along enough supplies and suitable food to avoid health issues.

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Exercise -

Pets, especially dogs, need regular exercise, which can be difficult to manage during long trips. Planning stops for walks and playtime is necessary to keep your pet healthy and happy, but it also adds to travel time and logistics.

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Pet hygiene -

Maintaining your pet’s hygiene during travel can be tricky. Depending on the length of the trip, you may need to find places to bathe your pet or at least clean them regularly. This adds another layer of complexity and potential expense to the journey.

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Public transport -

Using public transport with a pet can be challenging, especially in crowded places. Many public transportation systems around the world have specific rules for pets, often requiring them to be crated or muzzled, which may not be comfortable for your pet.

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Cultural differences -

Different cultures have varying attitudes towards pets, which can affect your travel experience. In some countries, pets may not be as welcome in public spaces. As such, it’s important to research cultural norms and adjust your plans accordingly.

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Multiple pets -

If you have more than one pet, traveling becomes even more complicated. Managing multiple animals requires extremely careful coordination and even more patience, making travel potentially stressful and less relaxing.

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Pet travel insurance -

While it isn’t always necessary, pet travel insurance can be a wise investment. It covers emergencies, such as illness or injury during the trip, although it’s an additional expense and requires research to find the right policy.

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Pet-friendly dining -

Finding places to eat with your pet can be limiting, especially if your destination doesn't have many pet-friendly restaurants. You may need to eat outdoors or bring food back to your accommodation, which has impacts your dining experience.

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Environmental hazards -

Traveling to unseen destinations can pose unique environmental hazards for pets, such as poisonous plants, wildlife, or harsh terrains. Every traveling pet owner must be aware of these dangers and take precautions.

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Pet care -

In some situations, you may need temporary pet care during your travels, such as a pet sitter or daycare. But finding reliable and trustworthy care in a foreign place can be challenging.

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Feeding -

One tip that many veterinarians have for impending travelers is to feed their pets a few hours before leaving. This could help them digest their food before encountering the stressors of travel.

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Strapping in -

When taking bumpy modes of transportation, you might find it beneficial to strap your dog in so that they don’t experience too much anxiety. Local pet stores will likely have an extensive supply of pet seat belts or travel kennels for just this purpose.

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Post-travel recovery -

After a trip, pets may need time to readjust to their home environment. This could involve reestablishing routines and dealing with any travel-related stress or anxiety they may have experienced. This is important if you want to keep your beloved buddy happy.

Sources: (Wand'rly Magazine) (Pet Travel Advisor) (Dogster) (Forbes) (The Seattle Times)

See also: The best gifts for pets

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