The latest Summer Pet Travel Survey from PetRelocation.com found that 60% of pet owners travel with their four-legged friends. With Memorial Day holiday weekend coming signaling the official start of the summer travel season, many pet owners will head out for vacation. Whether you’re driving across the country in your SUV, van or camper, hopping on a plane, or spending days on the lake or river in your boat, Tobi Skovron, CEO and founder of Pet Loo, has a few tips on how to keep your pet happy and healthy while by your side on your adventure.

 

·         Check airline policies and requirements – Each airline has different policies so always check before you book a ticket. Ask the following questions: Does the airline allow you to take small animals in the cabin? If not, do they have any restrictions or blackout periods for transporting animal in the cargo cabin? Are there any pet health or immunization requirements? What type of pet carriers does the airline require? Websites like PetRelocation.com can help you research the best airlines and locate pet-friendly hotels.

 

·         Have your veterinarian examine your pet – Most airlines require health certificates, so having your vet do a thorough examination will allow you to gather the most up-to-date medical records and also determine if your pet will need any sedatives during travel.

 

·         Choose appropriate safety travel products – With the rise in pet-friendly travel safety gear, there are many different products for pet owners to choose from today. In addition to standard travel carriers, you can also find padded seat belt harnesses and booster seats for pets. Determine which products are best for your pet and mode of transportation (your veterinarian or local pet retailer can help you with this decision).

 

·         Prepare your pet for departure – Whether traveling by air or land, it’s best to exercise your pet a couple of hours before departure to help relax and tire them out. Additionally, don’t feed your pet at least two hours before departure. Small amounts of water can be given before the trip. If possible, put ice cubes in the water tray attached to the inside of your pet’s travel case – water will spill!

 

·         Portable Potties  – When traveling, you might not always have immediate access to pet-friendly ‘bathroom’ facilities. If you’re taking the RV on a long road trip, or spending an afternoon aboard a boat with your furry friend, indoor pet potties like The Pet Loo offer a compact, hygienic and environmentally-friendly toilet solution. The synthetic grass used for The Pet Loo will remind your dog of the outdoors, so you don’t have to worry about training your dog to go on pee pads/newspaper (or stocking up on them before your trip). In addition to reducing waste and airborne odors associated with pee pads/newspaper, The Pet Loo uses a revolutionary Pee-Pod which absorbs urine and turns it into a solidified gel, allowing The Pet Loo to hold at least 100 times its weight in liquids and also prevent any sloshing while you’re on the go.