Thanksgiving Travel Tips

It's almost here- the most traveled holiday of the year! Whether you're driving with your pets to see family members or leaving them home with a pet sitter, here are some tips for the Thanksgiving holiday.

If driving with your pets:
1. Check their medications.

Do you have at least a weeks worth of extra? You do not want to run out while you are away. Don't forget to pack their medication! Getting prescriptions for pets refilled while you are out of town can be difficult because veterinary hospitals are not legally allowed to act as dispensing pharmacies unless they have a relationship with your pet. Meaning, if they haven't seen your pet, they can't refill their medications.
2. Pack their food.
Swtiching up their diet while on a trip can lead to serious stomach upset. Vomiting and diarrhea can be made worse by the stress of the trip. It is always best to take the food and treats that they are used to with you when traveling. Avoid the temptation of giving them any fast food from "quick stops" along the way as well.
3. Check their collars/ identification. 
There is nothing worse than losing a pet while out of town. Make sure their collars and tags have the up to date information on them. This is a great time to check and see if the microchip information online is also up to date. The few minutes you spend doing these things could save their lives


If leaving your pets at home:
1. Make a list of important numbers for the pet sitter.
These numbers should include your veterinarian, a nearby kennel and your neighbor's number. If your pet sitter has an emergency and can't get back to the house to let your dogs out, a neighbor that is home should be on-call to help out. Call your veterinarian before you leave and give your pet sitter your permission to have your pets treated if there is a problem. It is difficult to predict what could happen while you are gone but these actions can make a big difference.
2. Write down all instructions.
Most dogs are on a schedule and it's very important that pet sitters try to adhere to the schedule already in place. This helps the pets feel less stressed in your absence. Write down how often they go outside and whether it is play time in the yard or walks. Also, specifically explain the feeding routine as well as medications administered. If pets need to be fed separately, make sure to include these details.
3. Pet proof the house.
If you know your pets have a tendency to get into the trash or destroy pillows while you are gone, make it easier on the pet sitter and take steps to prevent this from happening. Empty all trash cans before you leave and clean up so there isn't anything for the pets to get into or destroy. If your pet sitter comes home to a knocked over trash can and shredded news paper, you can be assured she will be very frustrated. Also, make sure you have enough food for the time you will be gone. You should not expect your pet sitter to go and purchase food if you run out.

Have a very safe and happy Thanksgiving :)