January 30th

By Mutt Mulligan

Plan for Vacation Day: tips for road-tripping with your pet

In honor of National Plan for Vacation Day, a time set aside to map out vacations for 2018 so you don’t leave vacation days unused, TurfMutt has these travel tips for pet parents who want to road trip with their furry kids.

Plan ahead. There are probably at least a few pet-friendly restaurant patios, hotels and even shops along your route, but they aren’t always easy to find. Sometimes you must call a business to find out if pets are allowed, and if so, if there are any size restrictions or fees associated with including them.

Ask for special pet treats. Some restaurants cater to pets on-the-go with treats like “pupuccinos,” plain hamburger patties and more. Just ask, you might be surprised by what’s out there! (Pro tip: be cautious with sensitive tummies and skip the treats if your dog is prone to car-sickness!)

Pack some familiar dog stuff. Make your dog feel at home away from home by packing his favorite dog bed, blanket, chew bone, food/water bowls and toys.

Plan pet breaks. Remember, your pets need breaks from the car, too. Find a dog park along your route where your pet can play or take a walk around a public park during your pitstop to make long car rides more bearable. (Pro tip: keep the clean-up bags handy!)

Keep their meal schedule consistent. Even on the road, you’ll want to keep your pet’s feeding schedule consistent. That means packing a bag that’s easily accessible with food, water and bowls.

Pack paper towels & stain remover. Even the best-planned trips can have issues! Always travel with clean-up supplies in an easy-to-reach spot just in case.

Be respectful. Most hotels and restaurants have very specific rules about allowing pets, like not leaving her alone in the hotel room. Know and follow these rules to ensure pet parents continue to be able to travel with their fur-babies!