| Traveling with Pets | |
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There
is a $300.00 pet deposit when hiring a caravan/renting an RV. Deposit is refundable if pet does no damage. |
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The information provided here are only suggestions and anecdotal stories. Nothing in this page should be taken as absolute fact. The information provided in this page can change at any given day.
Traveling with Fido or Felicity can be quite an adventure. We want to provide you with some tips and tricks to make the trip something to remember for both and to make sure that everyone has a good time!
Keep in mind that pets can suffer from heatstroke
when left in a confined space or in a hot vehicle. Take extra care to be sure
there is ample ventilation. When in a car, caravan or motorhome, leave at least
two windows open slightly to provide fresh ventilated air and be sure to park in
the shade. Consider a solar powered fan, one that fits snugly into the window
and is powered by the sun.
If you answer Yes to either of the above, you might try a short trip. If the pet
doesn't seem to stressed, try a longer one. Some pets travel best in a carrier,
others want to travel loose. It's really safer in a cage, strapped down to the
floor, as if (heaven forbid) there is an accident, the pet will not be loose,
and possibly badly injured. Soon the pet will look forward to traveling as much
as you do!
There are several ways to do this. The most important one is keep your pet on a
leash at all times when you are in a strange environment. This DOES apply to
cats, too. Kepp your pet with its tags
attached, and on a lead whenever it is out of the caravan/motorhome. There could
be some stress at the beginning, as the harness is new to your pet, but it will
adapt to its lead, as well as staying tied out when you are with him. Birds
should be caged/clipped. Ferrets and lizards
also adapt to leashes well. up This is sometimes treatable. Ask your vet to prescribe a medication that helps
with this, then try a short trip - say an hour or so. If this helps, try a
longer one. Some pets just work themselves up because they haven't been exposed
to travel in a vehicle. Once they are acclimated, they become excited with the
idea and no longer need medication. If medication doesn't work, then you have a
problem, and may not be able to travel with your pet. This DOES happen, and you
just need to accept it.
Take along any medication that they use regularly or may need. Always take along
syrup of Ipecac (available at any drug store) in case they eat something that
can be harmful to them (i.e., puffer fish - even dead ones, which are
poisonous). Follow the directions on the bottle. The syrup will make them throw
up; your dog will hate you for doing it, but will get over it. As gross as this
may seem, it's better than a big vet bill! What
do I need to know if I take my pet to Mexico?
If you take your pets to
Mexico, you will need a recent (sometimes
within 72 hours) International Health Certificate from your vet. We must tell
you that many hotels do not accept pets.
If you decide to take the ferry to or
from Baja California your pet must remain in the vehicle during the trip, and we
have heard this has had tragic consequences. Mexicans do not place the same
value on pets as Americans do so you will have to accept there will be many places
your pet cannot go. We
suggest it would be better off in a doggie motel in the San Diego area. There are so many pristine beaches that could have been great places for
your pet to run free. But on balance you will have no difficulty in finding a good
boarding facility in Chula Vista, just a few minutes north of the border.
If you are traveling to
Baja California have in mind that the vets in Baja focus primarily on livestock
and may not be up to date when it comes to pets. Chances
are that the
extensive littering which seems to characterize any populated area in Mexico
means you pet will likely be picking up lots of stuff that you would prefer it not have in
her mouth.
In Mexico, it's very common practice to put out rat poison to control
populations of unwanted vermin, including dogs. Do not let your dog eat anything
in Mexico, which is very hard to do. If your pet is peeing blood it is possibly
due to rat poison, and you are in trouble. If you can bring intravenous vitamin
K, then you are ahead of the game. They pee blood because the Warfrin (poison) destroys
the liver.
Strychnine is also a common poison in Mexico. Same thing, they put out bait for
vermin with the Strychnine in it.
People need to keep their dogs in control at
all time, and be conscious of any damage they do to Mexican property.
If this is a real worry for you, one idea would be to place one of those muzzles
on your dog, puppies and young dogs especially, while in and around populated
areas. That would help keep them from eating anything you wouldn't want them to.
If you are traveling
to Baja California, take plenty of food for the trip as dog food in Baja
is not cheap and quality food is hard to find.
Helpful
Tips
Also, be sure that you have provided at least
one bowl of water for your pet to drink and, if you're going to be out for
an extended period, add one or two more, just in case.
Make a definite point in always cleaning
up after your pet. Places that allow pets are making a special accommodation
and if we want to feel that our pets are welcome, we must not abuse the
privilege. Treat the areas where you walk as if it were you own yard. Your
courtesy will spread to others.
When traveling with your pet and especially
when sending them via cargo on an aircraft, freeze water so that it will not
fall out during loading, but will melt by the time your pet is thirsty.
Make sure the crate that your pet travels in is
in top condition and is labeled in multiple places. It is a good idea to
tape around the bottom of the kennel. It will keep people from opening the
door and you never know if your dog will push or jump against the door and
spring it open.
Call ahead to reconfirm the hotel is pet
friendly again. After you're sure that your pet is welcome at
the hotel or resort you are staying at, request a room on the ground floor
so your pet can get outside quickly. The room can also be at the end of the
hall and away from the ice machine and/or pool area. The quieter the room,
the fewer errant barks to worry about.
Ask what restrictions or fees the
hotel requires.
Be sure to carry a current copy of your pet's
health certificate from the veterinarian in addition to their food and toys!
Do not let your dog put his head out of a
moving vehicle, this can lead to eye injuries.
Bring your pet bed or blankets from home
so it
can sleep on it.
Keep your pet on a leash in public
areas.
If you are traveling
to Baja California, take plenty of food for the trip as dog food in Baja
is not cheap and quality food is hard to find.
Keep your pet away
from possible poisons.
Don't let your pet run
too wild right out the gate in the sand. It really leaves their paws and
webbing raw. If this happens you can tape an old pair of socks on their
feet.
Cactus is another
issue. When on a hike, it's a good idea to have a pair of needle nose
pliers or tweezers with you to pull any out of your pet, or yourself.
Provide them with
shade if it's hot out, even if it's under your vehicle. Keep them tied
up in the evening as the coyotes will try to lure them away. Pick
up their toys, food and water bowls at night because the coyotes will
carry them off.
Keep your fishing
tackle out of their reach. There is nothing worse than to be in the
middle of nowhere and have a hook in your pets' mouth.
Respect other campers
by keeping your pets out of their camps if they are not wanted there.
Fireworks can really
frighten dogs, and many gringos insist on having "fun" with
fireworks. Make sure you keep control of your dog when the fireworks
start, he/she may bolt and a lost dog is a scary proposition.
Do you pets travel in the caravan/RV with you?
Will they travel in a Carry Cage?
How do I keep my pet safe while traveling?
If you pet DOES get loose in a strange environment, stay calm. Most pets don't
wander far. However, make sure you have notified the campground owner, nearby
caravans/houses and maybe have flyers made up with a picture of your pet, if you
haven't found it by nightfall. Quite a few copy centers now have color copying.
A color picture on a flyer is more apt to attract attention, and get results.
Also contact every available pet store, vet, and shelter in the area. Sometimes
we lose them for good, but the above usually has the pet returned to you
quickly. And the same thing can happen if they get loose when they are at home.
There are reliable vets all over the country, if your pet gets ill, needs shots,
etc. DO take a copy of your pet's shot records, and health records, if possible.
Some states ask for proof of current rabies shots as you enter their state. And
if you pet DOES get sick, the vet has a record to refer to.
Are pets ever ill in the vehicle?
An antibiotic cream (e.g., Neosporin) is good for hot spots or open sores. Also,
bring along a general antibiotic in case they come down with an infection. Ask
your vet, they will probably write you a prescription.
If your pet happens to get sprayed by a skunk or decides to roll on that dead
seal over there