Lots of seniors are bringing their best friends along on vacation. Plan ahead for a fun, safe, and comfortable trip for everyone.
More than half of Americans over age 50 own pets, and over half of those pet owners choose to take their pets along with them when they travel, according to a Healthy Aging poll. And why not? As we know, owning a dog or cat has been shown to boost brain health, and our pets are family. As long as we know they'll be safe and comfortable, it’s a joy to bring pets along on life’s adventures.
If you’re looking ahead to summer and planning a road trip, or maybe even looking to board a plane with your pet, here are some tips for making it a happy and safe journey for both two- and four-legged travelers.
1. Advance planning is key. While there’s no need to plan every pit stop, taking a look at a map for dog-friendly parks and restaurants along your route will make for smooth sailing. Plan on stopping every two or three hours, for twenty minutes or more, to give dogs a chance to get a few laps in. (More frequent breaks are a plus for most older adults, too! Having the dog along will remind you to stop and get your own body moving on long car trips.) Websites like GoPetFriendly and BringFido can help you look at your route and find pet-friendly stops you can plan around. These sites can also point you to local veterinarians at your destination.
2. Flying? Consider the pros and cons. What makes an airline pet-friendly? Most airlines will accommodate your pets, but whether they’re allowed to be in the cabin with you depends on each airline. On almost every airline, if pets are allowed in the cabin, they must be in carriers the entire flight (the one exception we found, for dogs at least, is BARK Air, described below). Consider your dog or cat’s temperament before scheduling any non-essential air travel. Total sedation is generally discouraged because it can be dangerous; most vets will prescribe a mild anti-anxiety drug for air travel. Flying is certainly stressful, but some pets will take it in stride.
For luxury air travel with your dog, consider BARK Air, a newer company that partners with U.S. air carriers to offer flights where dogs are the VIPs. Your dog rides with you in the cabin, and the whole in-flight experience is tailored to your dog’s comfort and needs. All dogs on the flight are seated (with their persons) according to trained dog behaviorists’ assessment of pre-flight pup socialization. That level of attention to detail makes for smooth sailing, albeit with a hefty price tag. BARK Air currently flies between New York City, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Lisbon, San Francisco, and Madrid, and flights sell out months in advance.
3. Pack with care. In addition to the essentials–like plenty of familiar food and treats, bowls for water, and doggie bags–pack favorite blankets, toys, and other comfort items to help make new places feel more familiar. Be sure to pack all your pet’s needed medication and consider bringing a pet first-aid kit–here are some good ones. For long car trips in the heat of summer, a cooling mat can keep pets comfy.
Before a trip, make sure your pet’s identification tags are secure and easy to read, and make sure their harness and leash are in good repair. Same goes for any crate or pen you plan to bring along.
4. Drive pet-safe. Most dogs love a car ride. Experts caution that it’s safest for dogs to keep their heads inside moving cars to stay safe from debris and other vehicles. To cut down on distractions and protect against impacts, dogs should be in a crate or secured with a pet seat belt, and cats should be crated while cars are in motion. Dog seatbelt technology has come a long way; today’s products are comfortable and light. Many will double as a harness for walking.
While it’s common knowledge, it can’t be overstated: never leave a pet in a hot car, even with the window cracked. Heatstroke can happen within minutes. Always err on the side of caution, and keep pets with you on hot days.
5. Take lots of pictures. Your friends and family want to see you and your pet enjoying life in far-flung locales. Don’t forget to post those photos, please!
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