Pets make great travel companions if they are comfortable, so explore the huge variety of pet travel products that are available and hit the road.
Dog Travel Beds
Dog travel beds are useful as they are very portable and can be used to line a carrier if you are using one, or soften the hard flooring of a hatchback or estate car behind a pet barrier or dog car cage. When you arrive at your destination the dog travel bed will provide a familiar bed for your dog. If your dog is travelling on a car seat, consider buying a rear seat cover. These quilted covers will keep the rear car seat clean and free of grease and hair; will protect the seat from muddy paws after a walk; will stop the fabric being snagged by claws and will provide a comfortable travel bed for your four legged friend. The outlay will be more than covered by maintaining the value of your car.
Dog Travel Bags
Dog travel bags are invaluable for containing all your pet's needs while you are away. With a place for everything, a dog travel bag will hold tins of food (and a can opener if necessary!) food and water bowls, chews and treats, a blanket, brushes, and most importantly the lead. Some dog travel bags even come on wheels for easy transporting. When travelling, you may want to consider a dog travel bowl. Heavy pot bowls are not practical as they are likely to chip or break and will take up valuable weight allowance when flying. Dog travel bowls come in lightweight plastic and collapsible food and water bowls are also available for easy transportation.
Pet Carrier
For smaller dogs, cats, ferrets and other smaller creatures a pet carrier is essential. A purpose-made pet carrier or car cage should be used even for a trip to the local vets. Make sure you buy the right size and line it with a familiar blanket or cushion. Introduce your pet to it before the journey by leaving it open in the home so your pet is not afraid to be secured in it. It makes transporting your pet safe and secure however long the journey is. Pet carriers can also be used for taking small pets on public transport including buses, trains and airplanes. Large pets will need their own pet cages or pet crates especially if travelling by air.
Birds can be transported in their own bird cages, while small guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats and mice will be happy living in an appropriate pet cage which will have food bowls and water bottles attached to the bars for easy filling.
Make sure when you travel with your pet you take as many familiar things with you as possible. Small dog beds, familiar food bowls, rugs and toys all keep your pet happy while away from home, and most importantly, don't forget the lead!
