Traveling with pets for the first time? Learn tips to avoid some of the biggest, most common mistakes!

If you’re a new pet owner, you probably know by now that bringing an animal into your life is like bringing a child into your life, in more ways than not. While our animals can’t talk back or spend money or need a college fund, they are completely dependent on their parents. Take care of your pets, and they will give you all the unconditional love and support that is only possible through an animal.

That said, pet owners sometimes have to deal with some inconveniences. Chief among them is traveling with pets. This gets easier over time, but if you’re a first –time pet owner or haven’t traveled with your animals before, here are some tips to make it as easy as possible. With a little planning and preparedness, taking your dogs and cats along for a trip can make for the most memorable vacations!

Where are you going? How far you have to travel will determine your options in traveling with pets. If it’s just a few hours drive up the coast, no problem. A few hours of flying time, however, is both more costly and more frightening for your pet. If you’re planning on driving, the first thing to do is get your dog or cat used to being in the car. This is usually more easily accomplished with dogs, but try the techniques out on your cat as well. The psychology behind them is the same.

First: if the only car visits your pets takes end up at the vet, odds are they don’t like the car very much. Start taking your animals out with you for shorter drives, ending at the park or an animal supply store, and give them a treat when you get home. This will hopefully negate some of the bad feeli

ngs associated with cars. Don’t feed your animal a full meal before you drive. Instead, stop every few hours for food and water, and let your animals stretch their legs and do their business outside. Keeping the food portions small should help prevent motion sickness. If you want to be really safe, ask your vet for some anti-nausea medication.

If you’re flying, make sure to line your animal’s crate with old towels, sheets and blankets. The mustier they are, the better; this smell is the scent of home, and may help calm and comfort your pet while in transit. Bring toys, a large enough supply of food, and a well-played dvd or two to play in the background: all of these elements are important benchmarks for your animals, and can help them if they become anxious in new surroundings. Try to keep your normal schedule of activities, such as feeding times, walks, brushings, or play. A schedule will help you to remember everything your pets need, and will keep them from being confused. Remember, the most important thing in the world to your pets is you: traveling with pets is much easier if you think of them like infants: they need a solid presence to comfort them. As long as you give them plenty of attention and assurance, your pet travel should be uneventful and fun! For more tips or to start planning your trip, see the rest of our site. We have listings by city and state of pet-friendly hotels, campgrounds, motels, kennels, etc. Check in to stay up to date on pet travel policies, and be prepared for your next vacation.