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PET TRAVEL TIPS 10 IMPORTANT PET TRAVEL TIPS FROM TRUSTED EXPERTS

For some folks, traveling with a pet might seem like it’s a no-brainer. Grab the leash and head out the door? Our pets depend on us, so there’s much more to consider. From “Socializing Your Pup” to “How to Reduce Fear and Anxiety When Hitting The Road,” here are 10 important travel tips from trusted pet experts. 2

CONTENTS

10 IMPORTANT PET TRAVEL TIPS FROM TRUSTED PET EXPERTS

4 - Acclimating Your Pet to its Pet Safety Restraint 8 - Keeping Your Fur Kids Safe and Entertained

Looking for more pet travel tips? Head over to YouTube.com/Sleepypod for video tips.

12 - Socializing Your Pup 16 - Preparing and Packing for a Pet-Friendly Road Trip 22 - How to Reduce Fear and Anxiety When Hitting the Road 26 - Safe Air Travel with a Pet 30 - Planning in Advance for Pet Health Emergencies During Travel 34 - Signs Your Pet Might Need Medical Care 36 - Canine Hiking Basics 42 - Pet Sitter on the Road

ACCLIMATING YOUR PET TO ITS PET-SAFETY RESTRAINT Pet Travel Safety Begins With Training

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By now most of us know that using a pet safety restraint is the key to protecting our furry friends when traveling. But sometimes our cats and dogs need a little convincing. It’s important to acclimate a pet to its new carrier or safety harness before heading out on a road adventure or even a short trip to the vet.

HERE’S HOW: Choosing the right gear

• Sleepypod

(Strawberry Red)

Start by choosing the right restraint for your pet’s size. For smaller pets, look for a carrier that has been crash tested and certified by the Center for Pet Safety. Based on research and testing, Sleepypod has determined a carrier is best for restraining smaller pets under about 18 lbs. Like people, pets come in all shapes and sizes so this is a meant to be a rough guideline. Measure the pet’s

length and height and compare against the dimensions of the carrier. The carrier size should be proportionate to the size of the pet. When in motion, the pet can slide in the empty space.

Remember: Cats have smaller frames than dogs so should always ride in a carrier and never a safety harness. For larger dogs weighing more than about 18 lbs., buckle up using a Center for Pet Safety certified safety harness. The Center for Pet Safety recommends harnesses without tethers. Find additional recommendations on their web site at https://www.CenterforPetSafety.org

ACCLIMATING YOUR PET TO ITS PET SAFETY RESTRAINT

STEP 1: Let the pet sniff the carrier or harness

Gradually introduce the pet to his carrier or harness in the days or weeks prior to travel, one step at a time. Start by placing the carrier or harness in a favorite or familiar spot at home and let the pet investigate. As soon as he sniffs or touches it, give him a positive reward of praise and treat.

STEP 2: Gradually expose pet to buckle or zipper noises

Next, let the pet hear the noises of the restraint’s zipper or buckle. When he accepts the noise, give him a reward of praise and treat.

STEP 3: Integrate the safety restraint in a pet’s everyday routine FOR CARRIER USERS: Place familiar

toys or comfort items inside and let the pet use it as an everyday bed. For particularly fearful pets, you might even try placing a small article of clothing with the owner’s scent inside the carrier. Allow the pet to roam in and out and explore. Be sure he’s comfortable with it before you zip the carrier with the pet inside.

Remember: Never put the pet inside the carrier as a punishment. A carrier should always be a happy place.

FOR HARNESS USERS: Work your way

up to putting the harness on the dog for longer periods of a time, offering a reward with each successful step. Then have him play, eat, or do other fun activities while wearing his harness. For some dogs, the gentle pressure of a harness can have a calming effect and can help ease travel anxiety.

STEP 4: Familiarize the pet with restricted movement when in a car

When introducing the pet to a car, make sure the temperature inside is a comfortable temperature. Buckle up the pet in the back seat. If you are not using a CPS approved carrier or harness, position the pet in the rear footwell to prevent it from sliding in the car. Sit next to the pet while going nowhere, offering encouragement, praise, and reward.

STEP 5: Practice short outings then build to longer trips

Practice short outings in the car to get the pet accustomed to the motion of travel. Your practice destinations should be happy destinations like the park or the home a familiar friend. WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS

For some pets, this process might require more time and successive trial runs. If a pet continues to show fear or anxiety, consult a veterinarian for a synthetic pheromone suggestion. Written by Melanie Monteiro/The Safe Dog http://www.thesafedog.com Find more information at http://sleepypod.com

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KEEPING KIDS AND FUR BABIES SAFE AND ENTERTAINED ON FAMILY ROAD TRIPS Long road trips with kids and pets can be tiring for everyone involved. Here are some tips for traveling safe and keeping kids and pets occupied while you’re on the go!

Photo: Britax: Frontier ClickTight Harness 2-Booster Car Seat (Nanotex) Sleepypod: Clickit Sport (Strawberry Red)

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Buckle Up All children and pets should be properly restrained for extra safety every trip. 9

KEEPING KIDS AND FUR BABIES SAFE AND ENTERTAINED ON FAMILY ROAD TRIPS

PIT STOPS

Kids and pets generally love to travel, but they can get antsy if you don’t stop frequently for potty breaks and to let them stretch their legs. Walking around just a little bit can go a long way!

PACKING PERFECTION

Pack a personal travel bag filled with your children’s and pet’s favorite treats and toys. The more creative you get, the better! Just make sure you pack enough to last the full trip and then some.

MAP IT OUT

Children are often concerned with where they are and how much longer the trip will be. If you put together a map that highlights all the stops along the way, it will keep the kids informed about the journey ahead. Get them to cross off exits or landmarks on the map as you pass them.

PLAYTIME

Any kind of toy or game can keep kids entertained for a little while, but interactive activities are best for long trips. Consider bringing an educational game that teaches children new skills or concepts.

WAKE UP EARLY

Traffic is often hectic during the holidays. You’ll save time and frustration by leaving at off-peak hours. Avoid getting on the road on Friday or Monday evening. Consider waiting until Saturday morning to leave or Sunday evening to get back home. Your children and pets will be happier if you aren’t sitting in traffic for extra hours during your trip.

BE PREPARED

Bring a first aid kit, car chargers, water, a tool kit, jumper cables, and flares. You never know when you’ll have an emergency. You want to be sure you’re prepared, especially when children are coming along for the ride. The sooner you can get back on the road, the better for everyone.

Find more information at https://us.Britax.com/ 10

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SOCIALIZING YOUR PUP Have you ever wondered why some dogs are happy to meet anyone or seem unafraid of loud noises and strange contraptions like bicycles, lawnmowers, or motorcycles? Chances are these dogs’ parents did a great job socializing them as puppies. It’s important you start the socialization process early in your dog’s life—the first three months of a puppy’s life are when sociability outweighs fear, making this a critical time period for pups to adapt to new people, animals, and experiences. A puppy that doesn’t go through this socialization process can have increased risk of behavioral problems later in life, such as fear, aggression, or avoidance. So generally speaking, the younger a puppy is when he begins socialization, the more quickly he gains confidence. Socialization can be easy, straightforward and fun for your puppy! Find as many stimuli as possible that you can introduce your puppy to, but make sure you go slow. You don’t want to force your new pup to confront fears that he’s not ready to handle, particularly because this can create fearful or aggressive responses. Your best bet is to go at his pace—he should be the one to initiate each approach to a new stimulus, and you should allow him to retreat when needed to feel safe.

SOCIALIZING YOUR PUP

Generalize the socialization

Continue to expose your pup to new people, places, objects, and experiences as you go through the socialization process. It’s important to, keep in mind that you generalize the socialization as much as possible. In other words, even if your puppy is comfortable with other dogs or children at home, it doesn’t necessarily mean that he’s comfortable with all children and dogs. As you continue your socialization adventure, try introducing your pup to the same type of stimulus in different situations.

Treats are your friend!

Pairing treats with positive exposure experiences can help make the socialization process go smoothly. For example, if your pup doesn’t like it when someone touches his paws, try touching one briefly then quickly following with a high-value treat. Practicing this a few times can help make him feel more comfortable with people touching his paws in the future. Now, if your pup doesn’t want the treat this could be an indication that he’s feeling stressed by the experience, so try lowering the intensity of the exposure with either more distance or less pressure. Find more information at https://ThePupster.com 14

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PREPARING AND PACKING FOR A PET-FRIENDLY ROAD TRIP Let’s Hit The Road!

Road trips are the best kind of vacation with your pet. You get to feel the wind in your fur while taking in all the sites and scents of the road! Laying out your route and locating accommodations and activities along the way is easy with GoPetFriendly.com’s Trip Planner, but there are a few additional things you’ll want to consider before taking off.

Prepare Your Vehicle

It’s important to make sure your car is mechanically ready for your trip, and you’ll also need to do some “pet prep.” For everyone’s safety, pets should be secured while traveling.

A crate, carrier, or car harness will prevent Fido or Kitty from distracting you while you’re driving. Restraints will also help protect you and your pet from injury in case of an accident. As part of your preparations, don’t forget to deactivate the airbag for any seat your pet will be occupying.

Pet Check Up

Visit your vet for a check-up to confirm vaccinations are up to date and to discuss any concerns about flea, tick, or heart worm risks where you will be traveling. It’s is also a good idea to ask about remedies for car sickness – just in case!

PREPARING AND PACKING FOR A PET-FRIENDLY ROAD TRIP

Finally, consider having your pet microchipped. If your pet already has a chip, make sure your contact information is up to date with the company that registers the chip. 18

Stick to Your Pet’s Routine

During your trip, maintaining your pet’s feeding and exercise schedule will help reduce anxiety. When planning your drives, allow for regular stops so your pet can burn off some energy. That’s what being on vacation is about, after all!

Confirm Pet Policies

When confirming your reservations, remind the hotels or campgrounds that you are traveling with your pet and ask about any pet restrictions.

Be An Ambassador

Make a great impression by training your pet in good manners, following pet policies and local leash laws, and disposing of pet waste appropriately. 19

WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR PET

FOOD + TREATS

If you are not certain that you can pick up the brand you feed your pet along the way, pack enough for the whole trip plus a little extra. For canned food –don’t forget the can opener!

DRINKING WATER

If your pet’s stomach is easily upset, it pays to take drinking water from home with you.

A ROLL OF PAPER TOWELS AND SOME CARPET CLEANER

AN OLD TOWEL

WASTE BAGS

PET INSECT REPELLENT AND SUNSCREEN

for muddy paws and other messes.

to pick up after him along the way. 20

in case of rain or after swimming.

FOOD AND WATER BOWLS

Portable bowls pack easily and are great when you are out & about, and anti-spill water bowls are fantastic in the car.

ALL MEDICATIONS, VITAMINS, SUPPLEMENTS, ETC.

LEASH

Many attractions require pets to be on a leash no longer than six feet.

PROOF OF VACCINATIONS AND YOUR PET’S HEALTH RECORDS

You’ll need these at some of the dog parks and campgrounds. Also, if you want to use a pet sitter, day care, or kennel services while traveling they will need these documents. Don’t forget to take your vet’s telephone number and the telephone number for the National Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435.

YOUR CAMERA

You’ll definitely want to capture these memories!

CURRENT IDENTIFICATION TAGS

PHOTOS OF YOUR PET

Portable, disposable, or DIY LITTERBOX + CAT LITTER (for cat travelers, of course).

YOUR PET’S BED AND A FEW TOYS

Include your cell phone number or other number where you can be reached while you are away.

In the unlikely event that you and your pet get separated, a current photo will allow you to create posters quickly. When your pet is found it can be used to prove he belongs to you.

to make him more comfortable when you spend the night in unfamiliar locations.

FIRST AID KIT

Find more information at https://www.GoPetFriendly.com 21

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HOW TO REDUCE FEAR AND ANXIETY WHEN HITTING THE ROAD Our pets love the comforts of home. For them, every day is a staycation, and they’d like it to stay that way. But it’s important for dogs and cats to be comfortable with getting out and about, whether the destination is a nearby park, a friend or relative’s home, a hotel or motel, the veterinary clinic, or a groomer, to name just a few of the many places pets may travel. Just as with humans, pets can experience fear, anxiety, and stress when they travel by car or plane. They can suffer motion sickness or they may have had an unhappy previous experience related to a vehicle, such as getting bumped around in it or going to a place they didn’t like.

It doesn’t have to be that way. Pets can learn to ride in a car in a calm, happy state of mind.

HOW TO REDUCE FEAR AND ANXIETY WHEN HITTING THE ROAD Start by making the carrier a special place to be. Leave it out where family members gather and enhance its appeal by feeding meals in it and leaving treats or a favorite toy for the pet to find when he peeks inside. Spritz or wipe down the inside with species-specific synthetic pheromones to instill feelings of security and belonging. If pets have only experienced car rides that take them to the veterinarian, open up their world. Take dogs to places such as a trailhead for hiking or to an outdoor mall where they can sniff new smells and be rewarded with treats or play for good behavior. Drive cats to your favorite fast-food spot and give them a tiny bite of burger as a reward. Other ways to help pets relax include ensuring that the car is cooled or warmed to a comfortable temperature, placing the carrier on a level surface, and playing an audiobook or pet-specific music. On a road trip, plan breaks for a quick walk and pee time every couple of hours. With regular care for their comfort as well as regular outings with pleasant outcomes, your pets can soon adapt to life on the road for long and short distances alike. Find more information at https://FearFreeHappyHomes.com 24

SAFE TRAVEL WITH YOUR PET BY AIR

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Health certificate - Airlines typically

require a health certificate be issued 7-10 days prior to travel by your veterinarian. This is an essential document and may be reviewed during different check points. Keep it with you at all times.

Choosing flights - Choosing a direct Photo: Sleepypod Air (Strawberry Red)

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flight over multiple stops will help reduce travel related stress for both of you.

Breeds - Certain breed types

(bracheocephalic) are restricted from flying for health reasons. Check with your airline for details.

Arrive early - Pets must be checked

in at the airline counter. Allow extra time especially during peak travel times.

Feeding your pet - Do not feed

your pet for at least four hours prior to boarding your flight. This will help reduce airsickness.

Do not tranquilize your pet for air travel - Tranquilizers can lead to in-flight emergencies. If your pet is a nervous traveler, try high activity exercise within two hours of heading to the airport.

SAFE TRAVEL WITH YOUR PET BY AIR

CARGO TRAVEL - While we prefer that

you stay with your pet during travel, if your pet must travel as cargo:

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Thoroughly research the airline and the care your pet will receive during travel. There are no standards for pet travel service providers (or their contractors) so the quality of care is subjective and inconsistent. Do your homework! Ensure your pet is microchipped, has collar and tags, and the carrier is appropriately and heavily marked “Live Animal,” and include your contact to include cell phone. The destination location should also be included in labeling. If you have a secondary family member who can act as your backup in the case of an emergency, provide that information to the airline and include it on the travel crate as well.

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Ensure you have a direct point of contact from the airline who can assist you with pet related problems.

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Upon inspection, if you are the least bit concerned about the condition of your pet you should obtain immediate veterinary care. Be sure to retain all paperwork and medical records.

IN-CABIN TRAVEL - If your pet can

accompany you on the plane:

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Ensure the carrier you select meets the criteria for the airline in advance of getting to the airport. Check with your airline for details on size restrictions and travel conditions for in-flight pets.

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If your pet is not accustomed to travel, acclimate him to his new carrier prior to heading to the airport. It will make the trip much easier for both of you!

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Always pack your carrier with extra potty pads, pick up bags, extra collar, and leash. Small plastic food/water bowls are also helpful (especially if they have lids).

Photo: Sleepypod Air (Strawberry Red)

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Find more information at https://www.CenterforPetSafety.org 29

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PLANNING FOR PET HEALTH EMERGENCIES DURING TRAVEL When it comes to traveling with your pets, a little time spent preparing for emergencies before you hit the road can save precious time when your pet needs medical attention. CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING WHILE YOU’RE PLANNING YOUR TRIP:

Bring your vet records.

Whether you have paper copies of important veterinary records or prefer to keep digital copies in your smartphone, having immediate access to information about your pet’s health will make it easier to treat your pet during an emergency.

Bring more medication than you need.

If your pet requires medication, pack double what you expect to use and split your supply into different bags. If a checked bag with medicine in it gets misplaced, you’ll be glad to have a full supply in your carry-on, especially if your pet’s prescription is uncommon.

PLANNING FOR PET HEALTH EMERGENCIES DURING TRAVEL Identify emergency veterinary clinics.

Use online resources to locate patient recommended, 24-hour emergency veterinary service providers before you travel; not all clinics offer after-hours treatment. Save the address and contact information of nearby emergency clinics in your phone for quick access.

Not all clinics offer after-hours treatment. Protect your pet and your budget with pet insurance. The cost of emergency medical attention for pets can rival the cost of an emergency room visit for any other member of your family. Pet health insurance can help you afford to get your pets the best available treatment if they face illness or injury during your trip. With a little planning, you’ll be ready to deal with pet emergencies without completely disrupting your trip. Happy trails! Photo: Sleepypod Atom (Robin Egg Blue)

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Find more information at http://www.GoPetPlan.com

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MEDICAL EMERGENCIES ON THE ROAD

Common signs your pet might need help with feeling their best in your car:

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES ON THE ROAD

Signs your pet might need medical care

• Vomiting:

Hopefully your road trip will be all smooth sailing but be on the lookout for these common signs your pet might need medical care. And whenever there’s any doubt or concern, a quick call to your vet back home or a local Animal ER can help point you in the right direction.

Traveling with your favorite sidekick is fun, but what do you do if your pet is not acting like themselves on the road? Start with asking yourself just how “out of the ordinary” your pet is acting. You know them best! Are they “famous” for getting car sick, or do they typically sail through a road trip without experiencing “déjà food”? Your pet’s true “difference from their normal” can tell you a lot and is a great place to start when figuring out what level of intervention you’ll need and how soon you should seek it out.

More than three times, and if their vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea and/or a lack of appetite.

• Diarrhea:

Multiple loose or watery poops could be a sign of a problem, especially if there’s any blood.

• Appetite:

Missing a couple of meals in a row.

Find more information at http://www.preventivevet.com

• Energy:

If your typically bouncy pet is suddenly sluggish.

• Breathing:

If you notice any prolonged panting or breathing difficulties.

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CANINE HIKING BASICS Dogs of many shapes and sizes make good hiking partners. On day hikes around my home in the Rocky Mountains, I see dogs you’d expect, including retrievers, herding dogs, and sturdy mixed breed dogs. I also see small, even tiny, dogs out enjoying the trails. It isn’t the size or shape of the dog that matters as much as the preparations you make to keep your dog happy and safe on the trails. CONDITIONING

Unless your dog is already super fit, start with regular neighborhood walks, building toward greater distances and time. Once your dog can handle 60- to 90-minute daily walks on typical ground, begin your transition to rougher terrain. Initially, you’re trading challenge for time, so keep your first hikes relatively short—maybe 30 minutes. You want to build strength and stamina, including toughening up your dog’s footpads. If 30 minutes goes well, then increase time and distance 15 minutes or a quarter of a mile each outing. Just remember to keep things shorter if you’re crossing steeper terrain.

CANINE HIKING BASICS

Watch your dog for signs of fatigue or paw tenderness. Don’t rely, however, on your dog to tell you if you’ve gone far enough. Dogs often find hiking new areas so fun that they’ll continue hiking longer than is prudent. This is one reason I prefer out-and-back routes, rather than trails that loop. It allows me to make better decisions for my dog on any given day.

TRAIL TRAINING

I’m also a big fan of teaching dogs to yield the trail. I use the cue “off trail,” which signals my dogs to step off the trail, sit, and wait for people, dogs, bikers, and horses to pass.

Under normal conditions, dogs typically drink about one ounce of water per pound per day. During exertion in both hot and cold weather, those needs increase.

If you are going to allow your dog off leash on hikes, make sure you have trained both a solid “leave it” and a reliable recall. These things may protect your dog from eating things she finds along the way, preying on small game, falling victim to large predators, and facing other trail hazards.

WATER

Typically, if my dog won’t accept water, even if I think she needs it, I pour it over her head or splash it on her armpits to provide a little bit of cooling on hot days.

Always know and follow trail rules. Some places require dogs be leashed at all times. Some—including many national park trails—don’t allow dogs at all.

I carry as much water for my dog as for myself, even on routine two-hour hikes. I also leave a large beverage cooler with more water and ice in my car so we have something fresh and cold to drink when we get back to the trailhead.

CANINE HIKING BASICS

BASIC EQUIPMENT

Use your dog’s collar for tags only, and hook the leash to a good harness instead. If you’re taking serious treks or hiking on tough terrain (especially “slick rock” areas of places in Utah and elsewhere), train your dog to wear protective booties.

You do not want to be in a situation where you have to carry your dog long distances for help, due to a paw injury. 40

Most dogs conditioned to wear packs can carry about 25 percent of their body weight, including their own food and water. Some dogs, though, depending on breed and build, will be more comfortable carrying just 10-15 percent of their body weight.

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LOST DOGS

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For safety’s sake, I recommend the following things, which might help you find your dog if he goes missing on a hike:

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Recent photo of your dog in your pack Collar with up-to-date ID tags Microchip Dog whistle (sound carries farther than your voice) LED strobe light attached to your dog’s collar or harness GPS beacon

Written by Roxanne Hawn for Embrace Pet Insurance Find more information at https://www.EmbracePetInsurance.com

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FINDING A TEMPORARY PET SITTER WHILE ON VACATION Many dog lovers enjoy a trip with their best friend safely in tow but aren’t sure what to expect when they reach their destination. What do you do when you can’t take your dog with you on every outing? As the world’s largest network of pet sitters and dog walkers, Rover.com rounded up these tips for finding great pet care – even on the road.

Can I leave my dog in a hotel?

If you’re booking a room in a pet-friendly hotel, keep in mind they may prohibit you from leaving your dog unattended. If you are allowed to do so, keep your dog safely crated while you’re gone. However, If you’re going to be away for more than a few hours, finding a pet sitter or dog walker on Rover is a good idea.

FINDING A TEMPORARY PET SITTER WHILE ON VACATION

What about staying with relatives?

Even if you’re staying in a dog-friendly home, it’s helpful to book pet care if leaving your dog alone. Dogs, like us, can feel nervous in an unfamiliar environment, and an anxious dog is more likely to get into trouble.

Signs of dog anxiety include: • Pacing • Whining • Lip-licking or yawning • Barking 44

• Chewing • Potty accidents

Help your dog adjust by sticking as closely as possible to their usual routine. How to book a temporary pet sitter or dog walker

Rover provides on-demand walking in many cities; simply download the app and book a walk. Think of it as the Uber for dog walking!

If on-demand isn’t available, use the Rover search feature to find local sitters and walkers to spend quality time with your dog, provide exercise, or watch them in their home. Use the app or the website to search, then contact the sitter through Rover. They’ll get back to you quickly – often within minutes. After that, set up a meet and greet. Be sure to cover your pet’s routines and any behavior concerns. You’ll want to bring along your dog’s food and treats

for in-home stays, and always provide your vet’s contact information.

Love me, love my dog

These days, many establishments welcome your leashed dog. Before you go, research local pet-friendly restaurants and hikes, wineries, and more. Happy travels! Find more information at https://www.Rover.com/blog

145 N. Sierra Madre Blvd. Suite 11, Pasadena, CA 91107 626.421.6818 | info@sleepypod.com www.sleepypod.com