The exciting summer travel season is right around the corner. As you book flights and hotels, you might want to include the four-legged members of your family. Whether you plan to arrange a relaxing stay at a pet boarding facility or take them on an adventure with you, here's what you should consider ahead of time to ensure everyone enjoys a safe and fun vacation.

How to Travel With a Pet

1. Travel Documents

Your pet should have a tag with your current phone number attached, so you can easily be reached if they get away from you. For extra peace-of-mind, consider having them microchipped. These tiny radio frequency identification tags need no batteries or power source and are implanted just under your pet's skin. In the event your pet loses their collar, a shelter or animal control agency can read the chip with a scanner to access your contact information.

2. Comfort

If your pet experiences anxiety or medical issues like motion sickness, travel may cause them stress and discomfort. A veterinarian could prescribe medications such as trazodone to help reduce anxiety, but this could also cause unwanted side effects such as drowsiness. If your pet won't enjoy traveling, consider a pet boarding facility. This will ensure they will be in a safe environment and receive plenty of attention and playtime while you are away. Many facilities feature live webcams, so you can check on them in real time. 

3. Planning

Pets need frequent breaks during long road trips or flights. Try to plan time into the schedule to stop and let your pet stretch their legs and do their business. If you are staying in hotels or motels, confirm they are pet friendly when making your reservation. Additionally, disrupting your pet's feeding schedule or introducing strange foods can upset their stomach, so bring a supply of their usual food and try to stick to regular feeding times. 

If travel doesn't suit your pet, pamper them with pet boarding at The Paw Spa Pet Resort in Omaha, NE. This 12,000-square-foot facility features on-site vet services, 24/7 monitoring, a "catio" for feline relaxation, and a year-round pool for canine swimmers. Their well-trained staff members supervise playtime, feedings, and treats, while you can keep watch over their live webcam. To schedule your pet's stay, call them at (402) 516-8888 or visit their website for more information.