By Michaela Meade
A holiday getaway is just what is needed at this time of year, but it can be heartbreaking to leave a pet behind or organising for them to be looked after can seem impossible.
Preparing to take the four-legged family members with you on your long-awaited can also be difficult.
RSPCA Victoria chief executive Dr Liz Walker said preparation was key when considering taking your pet on your holiday getaway with you.
She said securing pet-friendly accommodation was very important
“I think, increasingly, accommodation does allow you to take your pet,” Dr Walker said.
“The main thing to think about if you are taking your pet away, is to make sure it’s the right thing for them, too.
“Make sure your animal is comfortable travelling the distance it needs to travel, and [that it is] happy to go in the car.
“It is also really important that people update the microchip details to make sure that if the pet gets lost, [the vet or person who finds the pet] can contact you.
“Apart from that, when you’re taking your pet on holiday, make sure you take their medication, and that you can contain them when you need to.”
Dr Walker said making sure your pet is kept hydrated, ensuring their safety by securing them, and not leaving a pet without fresh air if you make a stop were important factors to keep in mind when travelling with a pet in a car.
Dr Walker said for air travel, it was important to think about if the animal can cope with the long distance and loud noises.
“The companies who operate those services [of flying with pets] have fairly clear standards,” she said.
“Make sure [the pet] has water, and that you consider the flight time so that they’re in their cages for as short of a period of time as possible.
“Also speak to your veterinarian, and see what they might recommend for your particular animal.
“If you’ve got a very stressed animal, it might be best, and it’s okay, to leave them at home, if the trip is just going to be too stressful for them.”
