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Thinking about taking your pet on your next family vacation? Before you plan the trip, Here’s what you need to know.
Years ago, my son asked for a dog for Christmas. We’d never had a pet, other than a strange little fish he’d won at a fair that miraculously lived much longer than we ever thought a fish from the fair would survive. So when we agreed to a dog, we had no idea just what that would mean for the whole family. As soon as we brought her home, however, Millie was the star of the show.
She was so cute and cuddly, and since I was the one feeding her, she immediately became attached to me, too. Just like that, we were those pet people. I found myself totally in love with being a pet owner and even my husband treated Millie as the queen of our castle. So, of course, ever since we’ve had her, she goes wherever we go.
If you’re like us and want your pet to tag along on your family vacation, here are just a few things you need to know.
How To Take A Pet-Friendly Vacation
1. Secure a Pet-Friendly Property
Millie’s normally not an incessant barker, but in unfamiliar places she seems to bark and growl more often at those new noises and sounds. That’s why we prefer staying at detached rental homes rather than hotels to make our stay easier on everyone.
In either case, make sure you read their pet policy in advance to see if leaving your pet alone is permitted and if a kennel is required during your stay. Choose a place that best suits your situation and try to find a rental where there is plenty of outdoor space in close proximity, too.
2. Allow Extra Travel Time
Depending on how far you’re traveling, make sure you take plenty of breaks along the way. Millie loves to travel, but her excitement for the trip usually means a couple of extra potty breaks. When traveling with pets, remember to plan for extra stops and plenty of time for outside of the car.
3. Bring Plenty of Water
Make sure to keep water ready and available throughout the trip so that your pet stays hydrated and comfortable. I just keep one of Millie’s small bowls handy and refill it along the way.
4. Don’t Forget the Toys and Blanket
You also want to bring along a favorite toy for entertainment and a familiar blanket or pillow. This will help make the transition to a new place easier by adding just a few comforts from home.
5. Safety
Pets can sometimes be unpredictable in new situations. Keep pets leashed at all times when touring new places and never leave your pets alone in the car.
6. Don’t Forget Your Pet’s Favorite Food
On one of our first trips with Millie, I forgot her food container and had to make a mad dash to the nearest grocery store late in the night as soon as we arrived. Make sure you take along your pet’s food so that they have all they need for a great stay, too.
Has your dog had Purina® Dog Chow® Natural? I love that it’s 100% complete and balanced without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Featuring natural ingredients, it’s a nutritious bag of kibble that Millie really enjoys. There’s also a puppy formula called Puppy Chow® Natural, too.
I picked up a bag of Purina® Dog Chow® Natural for Millie on the pet aisle at Kroger. Even better, there’s a $2 off coupon right now along with several other Purina coupons at Kroger, too! Click HERE for the coupon offer.
Through the years we’ve taken Millie to visit so many places and it’s been wonderful. By following just a few simple steps for our pet-friendly vacations, we’ve been able to take her along with us so that she could have fun with us, too.
Whether a trip to the beach in the sunshine or a winter trip to the mountains in the snow, Millie has enjoyed our family vacations like the rest of us. Millie’s certainly the star of our show.
What about you?
How do you give your pet the star treatment? Share you ideas and join the Purina® Facebook community, too!
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