What can be more thrilling than taking your pet on a fun road trip? It is all about preparation, everything from packing foods to carrying the right documents. Just keep in mind that you need to put extra effort to make sure your dog or cat is comfortable and safe in any situation. So, regardless of where you’re going on the next road trip, these tips can help you plan the most enjoyable pet-friendly adventure.

Take your pet to your vet

Before you embark on the long ride with your pet, take a short trip to your vet’s clinic to check if your pet is up to date on all vaccinations and preventive medication for fleas and ticks. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, it’s better to visit your vet at least 30 days before the trip. Most hotels ask for the latest certificate of your pet’s health signed by an accredited veterinarian, so make sure to carry all necessary paperwork with you.

Create a dedicated space for them

Creating a dedicated spot for your pet inside the car is one of the most useful tips for ensuring a pet-friendly road trip. Having space where they can move around a little makes them feel comfortable and safe. You can keep your pets in a travel crate and make them feel more at home with familiar blankets and toys inside the crate, or you can keep your pet in the back of your vehicle if your car has a cargo barrier for safety.

Know what to pack

Packing tips are crucial, and packing shouldn’t be a last-minute thing when planning a pet-friendly road trip. The first thing you need to buy is a first aid kit for dogs or cats. You can easily find good-quality kits online. Other essentials for your furry companions include plenty of water and food, leashes, pet wipes, poop bags, towels, blankets, medications, protective clothes, flea comb, tick remover, and, of course, their favorite toys.

Look for pet-friendly accommodations

If you’re not going to stay at a friend or family member’s place, booking a pet-friendly accommodation will be necessary. Not all hotels indeed allow pets. But luckily, there are many websites where you can search for pet-friendly vacation rentals. Make sure to check the reviews and read through the pet policies to ensure that you’ll have no surprises later.

Properly ID your pets

Nothing can be worse than losing your pet when on vacation. But in case this unfortunate situation takes place, having a collar with up-to-date contact information will play an essential part in finding them quickly. A more reliable and secure option here would be to get a microchip implanted in your pet. This is a permanent identification of your pet and useful for all your trips in the future. Also, ensure to get the microchip registered with the concerned authority.