Tips for Traveling with Your Pets
Traveling with pets can have it's challenges. Below we offer a few tips for traveling with your furry friends:
1. Make Sure Your Pet is Healthy Enough for Travel.
Before heading out on a long vacation with your pet, you should consider consulting your veterinarian. You want to make sure that your pet is current on vaccinations, and that there are no health risks with taking a long trip, especially if your pet is older. Be sure to let your vet know where you're headed so they can determine the best way to protect your pet from potential risks in that area. Especially when you're escaping the cold weather for a beach destination, it can be easy to forget about fleas, ticks, heart worm preventatives, etc. Don't forget to bring any regular pet medications with you as well!
2. Don't Forget Your Pet Necessities.
You've got a list of things you wouldn't leave the house without, so don't forget to make a list for your pet as well. Things you'll want to be sure to pack could include: pet food, food and water bowls, bottled water, regular medications, flea, tick and heart worm preventatives, cat litter pan with litter and scoop, dog waste bags, leash and collar, bedding, grooming supplies, life vests for dogs, current veterinary contact information, contact information for vet clinics on route and at your destination, proof of current vaccination status and a pet first-aid kit.
Bonus Tip: Be sure to update your pet's identification. No matter how careful you are, pets can escape and get lost in unfamiliar areas. Make sure the ID tag on his or her collar is up-to-date. Include the address of your destination and your cell number. If your pet is micro-chipped, be sure the microchip company has your current contact information, including where you can be reached while on vacation.
3. Allow Your Pet Time to Get Used to a Carrier.
If your pet hasn't done much traveling and isn't used to being in a carrier, be sure to warm them up to it before you head out on a long trip. Make sure the carrier is roomy enough to allow your pet to stand, turn around and lay down. Introduce them to the carrier at home first, and make it comfortable by adding their favorite blanket and some toys inside. You want them to associate positive feelings with the carrier not fear or other negative emotions. Leave the door open at first so they can freely explore being in the carrier. Eventually, try closing the door, gradually extending the amount of time the door is closed.
4. Keep in Mind Traveling Can Be Stressful for Pets.
Just like traveling can stress you out, don't forget that your pets can get stressed as well. If your pet has never traveled before, or at least not for a long distance, he or she could easily become stressed on the journey. We would suggest doing a few trial runs in the car in the weeks leading up to your long trip, gradually extending your trip with each trial drive. Place your pet in a carrier, drive around the block or two and then reward your pet with praise or a treat for behaving in the car.
If you are flying with your pet, be sure to make yourself aware of what's needed to fly with an animal. Make sure you have the proper paperwork and everything you need to make the ride as comfortable for them as possible. While smaller pets may be allow to ride with you in the cabin, larger pets generally have to ride in the cargo bay. Discuss options to help decrease your pet's stress level with your vet before leaving.
5. Be Sure to Make Rest Stops Along the Way.
During long drives, you have to stop regularly to use the restroom, stretch your legs, grab a snack, etc. The same thing goes for your pets as well, especially dogs. Be sure to stop regularly at rest stops or parks to allow your pet not only a bathroom break, but a chance to get out of the carrier and stretch his or her legs. Don't forget to keep a water bowl handy, as well as your doggy waste bags! You might consider having some snacks or treats ready as well, to reward your pet for doing so well on a long trip.
Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals in Fort Myers Beach, Florida
Many of our Fort Myers Beach vacation homes are pet friendly! For these homes, we just ask that you let us know what type of pet you are bringing and pay our one-time pet fee. Below are several of our favorite pet friendly homes that you could rent for your next Florida beach vacation!
Aloha - 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath with Private Pool
Beach Bar 1 - 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath
Beach Nik - 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath
Black Louie's Lounge - 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath
Coral Cottage - 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath
Crow's Nest - 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath
Don the Beach Comber - 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath
Hibiscus Hideaway - 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath with Private Pool
Koala Cottage 1 - 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath
Koala Cottage 2 - 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath
Queen Ann's Revenge - Studio, 1 Bath
Sandy Haven - 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath
Sea Esta - Up - 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath
Sea Esta - Down - 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath
Shanti House 1 - 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath
Shanti House 2 - 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath
Tiki's Bungalow - Studio, 1 Bath
What are you waiting for? Start planning your next vacation with your pet today! Give Sea Gypsy Vacation Rentals a call at 239-463-0078 to check availability on our pet friendly vacation rentals in Florida. We can't wait to host you and your furry friend!
Sea Gypsy Vacation Rentals - Rentals on Fort Myers Beach
www.SeaGypsyVacationRentals.com
1698 Estero Boulevard
Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Phone: 239-463-0078
1698 Estero Boulevard
Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Phone: 239-463-0078
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