Roadtrip! - Essentials For Traveling With Your Pet

Britney recently returned from a trip to Kansas City and while Brock couldn't join her this time he hopes to have the opportunity to scratch his traveling itch in the near future. Roadtripping with your pet can be an amazing life changing experience when the correct preparations are put in place, or your trek can turn to disaster if you skip the planning. Approach your trip with an open mind and an understanding that challenges will come your way. With a little bit of planning, you can pave your way to a beautiful bonding experience for you and your Furry Face.

Traveling with a dog? Expect your pup to get bored, rambunctious or even scared in the car. Think of it as similar to traveling with children, though they can't ask, "Are we there yet?" You'll want to have the following essentials on hand:

A crate, car seat, or doggie seat belt, but you'll probably want a crate for keeping your pup secure, especially at rest stops.

At least a gallon of water (2 if you have a larger dog) and a couple travel bowls for food and water.

Get a treat dispensing toy (a Kong is great). When your pup gets bored or anxious in the car, fill the toy with an enticing long lasting snack to direct focus away from unwanted behavior. These toys are also great if your pup is a grazer and won't finish their meal at the rest stop.

Snacks are essentials. I don't have to tell you this, you know why. Sometimes there are distractions on the road and we forget all the manners we've learned.

For meals, Freeze Dried Diets like Primal and Stella & Chewys are lightweight and nutritious.

Bring a towel or 2 for muddy paws or for impromptu bedding or for impromptu swimming!

A First Aid Kit is essential. Don't leave home without it!

Keep and extra collar and leash in the glove-box in case you lose yours, or in case you pick up a new friend on the way!

Make sure your pet has a microchip and more importantly, that the information attached to the microchip has been updated to reflect your ownership.

Have your pup's vaccination papers on hand in case your pet needs veterinary treatment or you need to board your pet for any reason.

Lastly, keep your pooch warm with a blanket and an optional doggie sweater.

Here's Broccoli enjoying the sweet, sweet smell of dog-friendly hotel carpet. Don't forget your scented travel candles!!

Traveling with a cat? Good luck. Kidding! With enough smarts. bravery, and planning; you can do it! Keep in mind that some feline friends get extremely stressed during travel. Evaluate your cat's level of travel stress before your big trip. Take a few loops around the neighborhood in the car. If your cat appears too distressed or frightened, reconsider their role in the trip. If you are taking a stressed cat on a road trip out of necessity, like if you're moving out of state, consult your veterinarian about travel meds that could make your trip more comfortable. If your cat is totally chill, has a zest for adventure and is at ease in the car, go for it! You'll want to take these essentials with you:

You'll want a crate or carrier to keep your cat secure in the car. If you let your kitty roam free, make sure you have some sort of barrier to keep her from climbing down by your pedals.

Offer your kitty water at any chance. Stress can add to their natural dehydration. Keep at least a gallon of water on hand.

Dehydrated or Freeze Dries Diets are lightweight and relatively mess free, but if your cat isn't drinking lots of water, offer an easy wet food pouch like Natural Balance Platefuls or B.F.F pouches. Of course you'll need to bring a couple travel bowls.

Disposable litter boxes are an essential that tends to get overlooked. Johnny Cat and Nature's Miracle make good quality boxes but if you can't find those, using a cardboard flat from canned cat food works great, just keep the plastic wrapping on the bottom and fill with litter. You may want to line the bottom of your cat's crate or carrier with a pee pad in case of accidents. Sometimes car ride stress results in urination.

Cats like to be comfy- throw their favorite blanket or bed inside their crate to make them feel more comfortable.

Again, a First Aid Kit is essential anytime you leave the house with your pet. Be sure to get a copy of your cat's vaccination history from your vet in case of any medical or boarding emergencies.

Because they are escape artists, all cats should have a microchip. If your cat doesn't have one, schedule an appointment with your vet to have one implanted. Most importantly, make sure to register your contact information with the microchip company.

A leash is fun to have on hand to allow your cat the full travel experience. Evaluate your cat's stress level and any environmental stressors before your leash walk. Know when your pet needs a break.

Now that you've packed accordingly, prepare your mind. Listen to your pet's body language. Know that you are the leader of the pack, meaning you are responsible for doing what's best for your pack. Keep an open mind and understand that finding solutions to problems is better than toiling in problems. Think safe and smart and fun. You pet is the ruler of the trip, you're just in the driver's seat. Happy tails, my friends!