The holidays are quickly approaching, and that no doubt means you'll
be planning some road trips to spend time with friends and family.
Whether it's your parents, siblings, or friends you've known forever,
spending time in another person's space can cause some tension ... throw
your pets into the mix and things can get downright hairy!

If
you're packing up the pooch and getting ready to head out, the
following tips will make your stay a success and ensure you get invited
back again next year!

 

 

 

1. Check to be sure your pet is welcome.

Bringing
your pet along as a surprise for your hosts is never a good idea.
Friends or relatives may not be comfortable having your pet as a guest.
Confirm in advance that your pet is welcome and discuss any restricted
areas or rules that will need to be followed during your stay.

 

2. Brush up on obedience. 

Traveling
with pets means introducing them to new places, scents, and people - and
helping them determine which behaviors are appropriate in a new
environment is part of our responsibility. Spend some time refreshing
your dog's basic obedience skills before you leave and give him the chance to dazzle your hosts with his manners. Simple commands like
“Stay,” “Down,” and “Drop It” can keep a dog from bolting out an open
door, making inappropriate greetings, or eating something harmful.

3.Give your pet a comfortable retreat.

Large
groups overwhelm a lot of pets, so provide a quiet spot away from the
activity. Having their dog bed or crate and favorite toy readily available creates a welcome
refuge where they can relax.

4. Stick to the schedule.

As
simple as it seems, feeding and exercising your pets on their normal
schedule can reduce their anxiety. Set an alarm to remind yourself of your
pet’s feeding time and don’t skip their daily walks - it's the perfect
excuse for some one-on-one time!

5. Avoid digestive disaster.

 

It’s very tempting to spoil your pet with food and treats while you're away from home. However, it's a risky proposition. Eating foods he's not used to can lead to gastrointestinal distress, so it's best to stick to his normal diet while you're traveling. Let your hosts and other guests know that your pet is well fed, and anyone offering unapproved treats may be cleaning up after him later.

6. Leave no trace.

The best way to ensure you'll receive another invitation is to clean
up after yourself. Bring a spare sheet to cover the bedding if you know
your pet will insist on sleeping with you; pack your lint roller to
remove the fur your pup left on the sofa; and be sure to pick up and
dispose of your dog's waste in the yard.

7. Play it cool.

Holiday
gatherings can be an emotional time. Remember that your pet will pick
up on your feelings, and over-excitement, anxiety, and stress are common
emotions when we travel - so relax, stay calm, and have fun!

 

We wish you waggin’ trails!

About the Author: Amy Burkert runs the award-winning pet travel website,GoPetFriendly.com, which makes it easy to plan a trip with your entire family. Her blog, Take Paws,
is an encyclopedia of pet travel tips, pet-friendly destination advice,
and stories of the adventures she and her husband have as they travel
full-time in their Winnebago with their dogs, Ty and Buster
.