1. Decide the form of travel
Keep in mind that the sensitivity of cats or dogs is not the same as yours towards travel. Therefore, you must first decide what will be the form of travel, and then proceed to enlist your faithful companion. train? Car? Airplane?
Let’s say you decided on the alternative of going by car to one of the spectacular beaches in Spain or to another province to see its colorful towns. If so, you need to know that the legislature prohibits traveling with loose animals, due to the fact that an unforeseen event may occur and you will have to leave.
To avoid any kind of accidents your pet will need to be well protected with the correct equipment such as a harness, dividing grid or the safest option a carrier. When purchasing them, think about the proportions of your animal so that it feels comfortable.
2. Choose Pet Friendly places
Despite the fact that more and more places allow pets to enter their establishments, there are of course exceptions. Therefore, you must take special care, especially with the place where you are going to stay during your getaway.
In that sense, the majority of sites will admit to being Pet Friendly, since the idea of traveling with pets lies in sharing as much as they can together. Therefore, look for places with ample walking and exploring options such as mountains, natural parks and beaches.
3. Papers in order
If you are going to travel with animals in the interior of Spain, you will need to have all their documentation in order. Don’t forget to take your health card with you, which shows you have received your vaccinations.
In the event that you travel abroad, you will need to know the regulations of that destination and which vaccines are required. Similarly, depending on its size and proportion, the animal may or may not travel with you in the seat.
You have to be quite committed to complying with the law in all respects. Remember that, at the moment, there are certain travel restrictions caused by the pandemic. So, if you are going to leave as a traveler, you will need to take a PCR test, to prove that you are free of the virus and avoid contagion.
4. Veterinary check
Health is one of the essential factors to check before traveling with your pet. Go to your trusted vet and check that everything is in order.
If you need a special vaccine, you can get it, as well as ordering your health card. Surely, the specialist will recommend you take an emergency first aid kit with which you can meet basic needs.
5. Food and toys
When traveling with animals you will need to prepare a separate bag with their accessories, food and toys. It is vitally important that you only feed him with fresh food such as natural feed. We know that many of us break our diets when we travel, but they need special nutrients to stay healthy. Pack your goodies!
If you take any medicine, don’t forget it at home. It is also advisable to ask your vet what things you can take to optimize your experience and enjoyment.
6. Avoid giving him food before the trip
When the day of the trip arrives, avoid feeding your pet before boarding to prevent accidents and dizziness, which can make the animal more nervous.
However, if your pet has special nutritional needs or an advanced age, you will then need to take different measures. If he is not in good health, you need to consider whether it is a good plan or not to go through that situation.
Similarly, if the journey has a long extension and you find yourself traveling by car, the most advisable thing is that you make one or two stops in which you manage to drain energy and more importantly do your needs.
7. Practice with tours
If you are going to travel with pets, one of the most recommended tips is to practice driving with them before embarking on the adventure. In this way, the dog or cat will get used to being in that environment of irregular movement, largely avoiding generating anxiety or stress.
Another alternative could be to take a walk or play with the animal hours before the trip, this way it will feel more relaxed and cause a numbing effect during the journey.
We hope that with these tips you will be able to prepare well for a fun getaway with your faithful companion. And if you have previously traveled with your pets, we would love to know your experience.
Did you know that Neptuno Hotel & Spa is a Pet Friendly hotel? You and your pet are welcome