Pet Friendly Travel Washington DC

A holiday weekend is coming up fast, during which time many people will travel to other parts of the state or country. And for many families with dogs, a vacation would not be complete without their beloved four-legged friends.

But hitting the open road could cause stress to both dog and owner unless the right steps are taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

“Pets such as dogs and cats are often excited by the prospect of travel in cars and can enjoy a road trip as much as their human companions, but disruptions to their schedule can have a negative impact on pets, leaving them stressed and frightened,” said animal trainer Kellyann Conway.

“Pet parents can keep their dog or cat content during travel by anticipating their needs and planning properly for the trip,” she said.
 
Conway offers the following suggestions to ensure a dog’s comfort during travel:

For car travel with dogs:

• Acclimate your dog to the vehicle prior to the trip. Determine if he or she has problems with motion sickness and/or exhibits excessive excitability that may require treatment.
• Secure your dog in a carrier or a pet seatbelt harness to ensure your pet is safe in the event of an accident and is unable to cause distraction to the driver.
• Keep your dog on his normal feeding schedule as much as possible.
• Keep plenty of fresh water on-hand to ensure your dog stays well hydrated.
• Stop often, allowing your dog to get a little exercise and some extra potty breaks.
• Don’t forget a leash a...

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