The vacation season is finally here! It’s time to plan a nice trip or just activities and outings with family and friends. What about your pet? Depending on the animal’s behavior, it may be more or less advisable to bring your pet with you. Some will be more anxious than others about change and transport. But others would much rather follow you around than end up with a stranger (guardian) or in a boarding kennel with other dogs. Depending on your situation, here are a few tips to help you prepare for your departure:

1. Check your papers

• Before you leave, it’s important to remember to take your health record with you and update your vaccinations. Remember that some countries, such as the United States, require a minimum of 30 days after vaccination.
• give him his medal (don’t you have one? Click here) and, ideally, microchip him (see our microchipping program).

2. Choose a place that accepts pets

There are several sites and references to help you find good “petfriendly” places, whether for activities, hikes or accommodation:

https://emmenetonchien.com/

http://www.partoutavecmonchien.com/fr/home/

https://www.dogfriendly.com/

3. Check your health before you leave

It’s a good idea to make sure your companion is in good health before embarking on a journey with him or her. He may come into contact with other animals or other types of food, so it’s vital to protect him by giving him a short veterinary examination.

4. Provide safe, pleasant transport

If you’re traveling by plane, it’s important to contact the airline to find out about the safety requirements. They can change from company to company, so it’s important to have all the details at hand. If your dog is stressed during transport, it’s a good idea to take a sedative to calm him down during the flight. To do this, visit your veterinarian, who will write you a prescription.

If by car, several stops along the way are recommended. For you, of course, but also for your pet, who will certainly be thirsty or need to relieve themselves and stretch their legs. Remember to place your car in the shade and don’t leave your dog in it during stops.

Plan a comfortable, but above all safe, place for him in the car. In the car, we tend not to do enough to keep our pets safe. The best thing to do is to place your pet in a cage and secure it with a suitable safety belt. Here are a few tips from the SAAQ.

5. Lost your pet? No need to panic

Immediately contact the SPCA or the animal control department of the city where you are. If you don’t know who to contact, call the municipality, which will give you all the information you need. Put up posters all over the campsite or hotel. Ask around in local shops, and don’t forget to visit the vets. If your pet has his license and at least his microchip, then there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find him. If it’s a cat, be sure to look everywhere (but really everywhere!) in your hotel room. It’s often in places where you least expect them that they sneak in and hide.
You can also consult all our tips for finding your pet here.

Would you rather leave your pitou or minou in a boarding kennel?

Don’t hesitate to consult the locations certified by Anima Québec.
Otherwise, referrals from friends and family are generally a good guide. Be sure to check the reviews on Google or on the guesthouse’s Facebook page before committing yourself. Feel free to visit the site and ask lots of questions.

With these tips in hand, you and your companion can enjoy a well-deserved vacation!

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