Essential Pet Health Tips for Stress-Free Summer Travel With Your Furry Friends

Summer is here, and it’s time for new adventures! Whether you're excitedly packing for a beach trip or a mountain retreat, there’s one thing you can't overlook: your pet's health and safety. Preparing for travel is thrilling, but ensuring your furry friends are ready for the journey is just as important. At Valet Vet, we simplify pre-travel vet visits, making that essential checklist easy to complete.

Here’s everything you need to know before diving into your summer adventure with your pets.

Travel Documents & Health Certificates

Traveling can be delightful, but flying with your pet requires some essential paperwork. Most airlines and international destinations mandate a health certificate issued by a veterinarian. This document, typically valid for 10 days, confirms that your pet is in good health and free from contagious diseases.

Valet Vet Tip: Schedule your in-home travel exam at least 2 weeks prior to your travel date to avoid any last-minute rush.

Vaccinations & Preventive Care

Even if your pet stays home, now is a great time to ensure they are up-to-date on important vaccinations and preventive care. Check on these core vaccines:

• Rabies: Required by law and essential for all pets.

• Bordetella (kennel cough): Particularly important if your pet will be around others.

• Leptospirosis: Increasingly necessary depending on your travel area.

  
  

Additionally, make sure your pet is receiving monthly preventives for fleas, ticks, and heartworm. Keep in mind that traveling increases exposure risks. For example, nearly 20% of pets are at risk for infectious diseases when exposed to new environments like rest stops and parks. If you leave your furry friend behind, ensure your boarding facility has verified these vaccinations; many require proof before accepting pets.

Emergency Planning While You’re Away

Accidents happen, and being prepared makes it easier to handle unexpected situations. Assemble a comprehensive emergency planning kit that includes:

• A written list of medications and any medical history.

• Your veterinarian's contact information (that's us! 📱 623-738-2738).

• A signed treatment authorization form for your pet sitter.

• Instructions for contacting you if needed.

  
  

Need assistance? Valet Vet can create a quick reference sheet for your sitter—just ask us during your appointment!

Grooming & Hygiene

As summer temperatures rise, pets with thick fur can struggle with heat. Schedule a grooming session before your trip to help your pet feel comfortable and reduce shedding. For instance, regular grooming can decrease shedding by up to 80%, helping keep your home cleaner during travel. Additionally, trimming nails will lead to smoother travels, minimizing the risk of injury in a car or crate.

Travel Safety: Car & Carrier Prep

If you're driving to your next destination, ensuring your vehicle is safe for your pet is vital. Here are some tips to follow:

1. Crate Train Your Pet: Make sure your pet feels at home in their travel crate well before the trip.

2. Restrain Your Pet: Ensure your pet is secure with a pet seatbelt or crate to minimize distractions.

3. Plan for Breaks: Schedule regular stops every 2-3 hours for bathroom breaks and leg stretching.

4. Pack Essentials: Prepare a travel bag with water, food, bowls, toys, towels, and any medications.

   
   

Weather Considerations

Summer can be harsh on pets, especially those with health issues or breeds that are heat-sensitive. Keep these points in mind:

• Hydration is Key: Ensure fresh water is available at all times, especially during travel.

• Limit Outdoor Activities: Avoid vigorous exercise during peak heat hours and seek shade for breaks.

  
  

For trips to hotter regions, consider scheduling a mobile vet exam to confirm that your pet is fit for the climate. Changes in temperature can stress animals more than we realize.

Packing for Your Pet

An organized packing strategy makes traveling so much smoother. Here’s a checklist to keep handy:

• Food & Water

• Bowls

• Leash & Collar

• Cleaning supplies (waste bags, paper towels)

• Comfort toys

• Medications & health documents

  
  

Preparation can reduce stress and enhance enjoyment during your travels.

Research Pet-Friendly Accommodations

Before setting off, research accommodations that welcome pets. Call ahead to verify their pet policy, inquire about fees, and ask about available pet amenities. For example, 75% of hotels have pet-friendly options that offer conveniences like designated dog parks or pet beds.

Pet Sitter Tips

If you need to leave your furry friend at home, hiring a reliable pet sitter is crucial. Here are some tips to help you choose wisely:

• Choose Wisely: Look for a sitter with great reviews or recommendations.

• Meet and Greet: Schedule a preliminary meeting to see how your pet interacts with the sitter.

• Provide Detailed Instructions: Writing down feeding schedules, walking routines, and any special care needs will give you peace of mind.

  
  

Wrapping It Up

With a bit of planning and preparation, you can ensure your pet stays healthy and safe while you enjoy the summer. Don’t let last-minute details wreck your excitement. Complete your checklist ahead of time, and keep Valet Vet on standby for all your mobile vet needs in Phoenix.

Here’s to smooth travels and wonderful adventures with your furry companions! If you need a pre-travel check-in for your pet, feel free to reach out to Valet Vet. Happy travels!

 Summer Pet Travel Checklist:

•  Health certificate (if flying)

•  Vaccines up to date

•  Flea/tick/heartworm meds packed or administered

•  Med refills ready

•  Emergency contacts listed

•  Vet-approved sitter instructions

•  Travel anxiety meds (if needed)

•  Pre-trip wellness exam scheduled

Headed Out of Town? We’ll Come to You First.

Make your departure smooth by letting Valet Vet check your pet’s health before you go. One simple home visit = complete peace of mind.

📞 Call us: 623-738-2738🌐 Book online: www.valetvet.com