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Last updated on January 6th, 2023 at 02:38 pm
Having a pet has so many mental, emotional, and physical benefits and can add so much to your life. But, when pet owners have to travel, they often leave their pets with someone else to look after them. Unfortuntaely, this can lead to separation anxiety–in both the pet and the owner.
You can save yourself and your pet the stress of being apart by traveling together. Many pet owners leave their pets behind because they think it’s too difficult to travel with them. But, there are many times when you can take your pet with you, and it doesn’t have to be difficult.
Keep reading to see how you and your pet can travel together successfully–and save yourself and your pet from separation anxiety.
Here’s How You and Your Pet Can Travel Together
Get An ESA Letter
Emotional support animals (ESA) are pets that help people with mental health issues and disabilities. They are often part of a treatment plan, and the animal helps reduce symptoms of conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
An ESA letter is an official letter you receive from a mental health professional to allow the use of an emotional support animal as part of a treatment plan.
You will have to meet ESA requirements to receive a legitimate ESA letter. ESA letters can help you travel with your pet since ESA laws are legally enforceable; hence authorities will grant you and your pet access to most facilities, including airplanes.
Transportation Crates or Bags
If you want to travel with your pet, you should get them a comfortable transportation crate or bag. Very few pets are well trained enough to handle everything that comes with travel. Though you might be tempted to give your pet plenty of room, they should have a secure place they can spend their time during your journey.
It might be a good idea to use a favorite blanket on the floor of the crate. The familiar smell can help make your pet feel more comfortable.
Using a transportation crate for travel is much safer for your pet and for other people. Your furry friend can enjoy all the space they need once you arrive at your destination.
Bring Along Pet Toys
Pets are a lot like children in that they require a lot of stimulation, especially when traveling. If you are going on a long journey, your pet might get bored, which might cause agitation leading to unwanted behavior. Therefore, you should take along some of your pet’s favorite toys to ensure it is occupied for the duration of the trip.
Toys will also help reduce separation anxiety when you have to spend some time away from your pet, for example, in an airplane.
Plan Your Trip
The best advice for traveling with your pet, especially if it is an emotional support animal you cannot do without, is to plan well ahead of time. It would be best to account for your pet in the planning stage instead of making them an afterthought.
You should begin by finding out the requirements you need to meet to travel with your pet. Find hotels or lodging that allows pets, and find out if there are any additional fees. You should also find pet-friendly restaurants or places where you can feed your pet or let it out for a potty break while you travel.
You might also want to research dog parks at your destination, so you can take your pet out for some exercise. And, if you’ll need to leave your dog for any length of time while you’re at your destination, you should research doggie daycares too.
You may also want to be prepared for an emergency, and get referrals and/or read reviews for veterinarians at your destination in case the need arises. And, speaking of veterinary care, don’t forget to take along copies of your pets’ vaccination history. This is something you may need to show at a hotel, and certainly at a boarding or daycare facility.
If you plan your trip well, you should have a fantastic time traveling with your pet.
Now you know how you and your pet can travel together successfully! Yes, it can be challenging, but it can also make your trip more meaningful than traveling alone. You will want to plan, bring along some of your pet’s toys, use a transportation crate, and get an ESA letter if possible. When you travel with your beloved pet, both of you can enjoy the trip and avoid separation anxiety.
Do you take your pets with you when you travel? Do you have more tips for how you and your pet can travel together? Please leave us a comment below.
Separation Anxiety is Real: Here's How You and Your Pet Can Travel Together | #pets #travel Share on XYou might like these articles:
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