Animal shelter adoption and pet sales across the nation sky rocketed after last March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It seemed like everyone knew a few people who made the decision to add a furry friend to their life like a “pandemic puppy”. Even before the pandemic, we had many travelers who asked “Can I bring my pets?” The answer is yes, of course but there’s a little bit of extra paper work required. Animal shelter adoption and pet sales across the nation sky rocketed after last March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It seemed like everyone knew a few people who made the decision to add a furry friend to their life like a “pandemic puppy”. Even before the pandemic, we had many travelers who asked “Can I bring my pets?” The answer is yes, of course but there’s a little bit of extra paper work required.
First things first, you must have documentation and tracking paperwork on you whether you’re at home, on the road, or exploring a new destination nearby. When traveling here are a few checkpoints you might want to add to your list before traveling when bringing your pet along for the adventure.
Rabies Certification
Be sure to have your pet’s rabies certification. It is important to note that these certifications change from state to state. Make sure your pet is up to date for wherever you may travel to next with this helpful website.
Wellness Check
Make sure to get a checkup or wellness check on your pet before hitting the road. Your veterinarian can also sign a certificate of interstate health meaning your pet is safe and healthy to travel.
Vaccination Records
Bring copies of your pet’s vaccination records as well as spay or neuter certifications.
Updated Contact Info
If your pet runs away, make sure you have updated contact info on their collar and consider getting a microchip. Hopefully this will not happen but at least whomever finds your pet can get in contact with you ASAP.
Travelers with pets will have to find housing that accepts having an animal within the living space. There are plenty of housing options across the nation that allow for your pet to tag along but there are also numerous websites for people specifically traveling with pets! Furnished Finder specializes in short term stays and is accepting of animals on the property. There are even a few extended stay hotels that allow pets as well, such as, Candlewood Suites, Extended Stay America and Residence Inn.
Making sure your pet can handle the traveling is important for your pet’s health and your mental health. Take your pets for test drives to make sure they do not get car sick. Pet anxiety can be a consistent problem in the car and sometimes it just takes the pet some getting used to. Allowing your pet to take breaks along your route to stretch their legs and use the restroom can help break up the driving for you and settle their anxiety a bit more.
When considering traveling with your pet, it just takes a little extra time to make sure all of their documentation and necessities are packed up with you. As long as you find housing that is accepting of pets in your unit, your furry friend can experience all of your adventures right by your side.
