Traveling with pets can be a ton of fun, but it can also be difficult and dangerous. My friend Amy drove all the way across the country with her cat Cobra. When they got within 30 miles of home, Amy took Cobra out for a breath of air and the cat bolted. This story has a happy ending-Amy found Cobra. But if Cobra had been in a pet carrier, their trip would have been much less stressful.
Pet carriers come in a bunch of styles. Some let you carry your cat or small dog close to your body, either in the front or on your back. Pet totes look like handbags; they’re perfect for taking a small animal when you run errands. If you like to walk more than your dog does, put him in pet stroller. When you go for a bicycle ride, put her in a trailer or in a special handlebar basket.
If you or you pooch or kitty care about fashion, you can choose a stylish pet carrier. It looks like a purse and, just like a purse, you can match the carrier to your mood or color of the day.
Pet travel carriers aren’t the only pet-friendly inventions that make traveling with cats easier. When you arrive at a new destination, you might want to let your cat get some exercise. Unlike dogs, most cats don’t take well to leash walking. It’s not safe to let your cat run free in a new and unfamiliar place, and your hotel isn’t going to like a cat running around the lobby. The solution? An outdoor cat enclosure. Whether you are home or away, an outdoor cat enclosure lets your kitty experience the out of doors without danger. She can watch the birds, swat at the bugs, and enjoy the feel of the grass.
Traveling with older dogs and cats can be a real challenge. Like people, senior animals may have mobility problems-climbing stairs, getting into the car, hopping onto the bed (oops!) may be hard for them. A pet ramp will make it easier for them to move around comfortably. High quality pet ramps allow pets to get where they need to go gently, slowly, and safely. Lifting a medium size or larger dog is not good for the animal or for the human back. Pet ramps make it safer for the whole family.
For places that animals can’t reach with a ramp, like the back seats of most cars, consider pet stairs. They come in different sizes and colors. Some fold up, making them perfect for travel. There’s even a ramp/stair combo on the market.
Even for a healthy young or middle aged dog, jumping from a high place, like the back of a pickup truck, isn’t good for the muscles and tendons. Ramps and steps can help prevent sudden or cumulative injury.
Next time I take my pets on a trip, I’m going to have pet carriers for them and any other equipment that will make our vacation safer and more fun for all of us.
