Traveling with your furry family members

Planning on making a move to the Lowcountry? If you are taking Fido or Fluffy with you, you’ll need to plan for their safety and well-being too. Pets are creatures of habit. They don’t appreciate their schedules and routines interrupted any more than you do. Change is hard on everyone in the family but there are a few things you can do to mitigate the stress induced in your pet by moving.

 Before you hit the road consider the following:

Safety First. If your pet will be crated during the ride, be sure the crate is well ventilated and big enough for your furry friend to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. Provide a favorite towel or blanket to lay on. Make sure the crate is secured in place to avoid injury due to sudden stops, sharp turns and traveling up and down hills. Do not travel with a crated pet in the bed of a pick up truck, open trailer or on the top of your vehicle (it has been known to happen).

If prefer not to use a crate, keep your pet safe with a pet seatbelt, safety harness or car seat. Never let your dog ride with his head out the window; he may love it but moving vehicles, strangers and road debris all represent significant dangers.

NEVER leave your pet unattended in a parked vehicle – aside from being a no-no from a safety standpoint it is also illegal in some states.

Identification. Unfortunately, mishaps occur, and pets may get lost during a trip. Microchipping is a permanent, secure form of identification. Also, a well fitted collar with tags providing your pet’s name, you name and contact number is a must. Keep a recent photo of your pet and a copy of health and vaccination records with you.

Travel kit. Keep any pet medications with you (just like you would with your own prescription medication). Bring plenty of food and bottled water. Use bottled water while on the road – you don’t want to chance your pet drinking unfamiliar water resulting in an upset stomach or diarrhea.

Prepare a pet friendly kit with a food bowl, water bowl, pooper scooper, plastic bags, first-aid, grooming supplies, new toys and a few familiar, favorite toys. Don’t forget the dog bed or blankets.

Use a sturdy leash and consider keeping an extra leash in the glove box.

While on the Road. Provide plenty of rest stops during your travels – it benefits both you and your pet. Keep meal times as consistent as possible – routine provides comfort.

If you need to stay in a hotel, book a pet friendly hotel in advance. Be aware that some hotels, while pet friendly, may have weight and breed restrictions. Keep your pet confined when needed. You may not think your pet is a runner, but an open door is a mighty temptation. Even the calmest, more well trained animal may bolt when startled.

If you would like additional information on traveling with your pet, visit https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/traveling-your-pet-faq

Arrival. Once you reach your destination, set up your pet’s familiar items, dog bed, feeding station and toys as soon as possible. This will help with your pet adjusting to their new surroundings. Keep feeding times and walks as consistent as possible to reduce stress during the unpacking process and presence of strangers.

Hilton Head Island and Bluffton have many pet-friendly communities complete with designated dog parks, walking trails and pet waste stations. Some have dog washing stations too!

 Now that you know what you need to relocate your pet safely, let Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hilton Head Bluffton Realty help you find your ideal furr-ever home!