With winter coming to an end and warmer weather starting to make its way back, it’s time to get to work on those spring break plans this year! Although we are still dealing with a few COVID-19 restrictions, we have the benefit of being able to plan around it this year! There are many ways to make this year’s spring break a memorable one for both you and your furry best friend.
Hit the Road
Get those travel playlists ready and prepare for a drive! Car rides are a great way to travel with your pet.
Life is a Highway
Go on a road trip with your pet this year! Whether you’re wanting to plan a trip to the beach, the mountains or a city you’ve never been to, taking a road trip is an awesome way for you and your family to take the vacation you usually do. Pro tip: Pets can get car sick just like us. Be sure to pack some anti-motion sickness medication for everyone!
While you’re planning your trip, be sure to check if your destination is pet friendly. Whether you choose to stay in a hotel or an Airbnb, be sure to check their rules prior to booking. Need a few destination or trip ideas? Here’s a great place to start your planning!
RV There Yet?
So, you found a place you really want to visit, but it isn’t pet friendly. Here’s an idea: rent an RV! We know… an RV may not serve that continental breakfast or be as beautiful as the house you saw on Airbnb, but it does allow for a cozy stay with your pet while including most, if not all, the amenities you could need on the road.
Another great aspect of traveling with an RV are the actual RV parks you’ll be in. Many RV parks have grass and room for your pet to get out and play to burn off the energy they might have pent up during the drive. Whether it’s a walk on the leash, wrestling in the grass or playing some fetch, there should be plenty of room for you and your pet to enjoy each other’s company outside of the vehicle and away from home. Just make sure you bring a bag for your pet’s bathroom breaks (if they don’t use a litter box)!
Explore the Outdoors
Need some fresh air? Camping and hiking are great ways to spend time with your pet outdoors!
Pack it Up
Are the mountains calling and must you go? Pack it up! It’s time to go camping. Camping is a fantastic way get outside and away from the house. Find a state or national park that’s pet friendly and get your camping gear ready. If you need a quick and easy way to check, go to BringFido and read your destination’s pet policies and reviews! Also, if you plan on flying to get to your destination, be sure to read up on the airline’s vaccination guidelines for pets.
Before you plan on going out of town, remember that there are probably plenty campgrounds near you as well! These are great options if you’ve either never gone camping or just feel like you need to get your pet acclimated before taking a trip far from home.
Not sure what to pack for the trip? Check out this guide to camping with your pet!
Happy Trails
If you don’t want to travel very far, your local walking and hiking trails are a great way to spend time with your pets during the spring season. As the weather starts to warm back up and scenery starts to actually look like scenery again, taking your pet out for a walk or a hike from time to time can be a nice break from the routines you may have gotten into during the months with harsher weather. For those who may have fallen a little behind on your new year’s resolution, this is the perfect way to catch back up!
While you prepare to hit the trails, it’s important to know what and how much your pet can handle. Plan the trail around what kind of pet you have and what you think your pet is capable of doing. Also, bring a backpack while you’re out. You never know when your pet may need some water or snacks for the trip, and the same goes for you!
When it comes to the outdoors, it’s also important to remember that this is where many pet parasites and allergies occur. Make sure your pet is properly protected and vaccinated prior to taking them with you for outdoor fun! If your pet needs to get updated on vaccinations, schedule an appointment here!
Become a Local Again
If it’s been a while since the last time you visited the city, it might be a good idea to take your pet around town and do all the local things again!
As the weather starts to warm up, it could be a great time to swap your desk at home for some outdoor seating at a coffee shop. Grab a leash for your pet, bring some bags to pick up after your pet and work while enjoying the weather and a cup of joe (plus a puppuccino/kittyccino).
If sightseeing and shopping is more of your cup of tea, bringing your pet along is a great way for them to also get some exercise while enjoying the things you love together. Also, call the stores and attractions you plan to visit in advance to make sure they are pet friendly and don’t mind having a furry visitor!
Regardless, we all could get back into the swing of doing things like “the good old days,” so why not take some steps towards it by being locals with your pets again?
A Word From Shawsheen Animal Hospital
If you’re a traveler at heart, we know COVID-19 restrictions have made things tough the last couple years. However, nothing makes us happier than seeing your pets getting to spend time with the ones they love the most. We hope you and your furry friends get to spend a safe and enjoyable time together this spring, wherever it may be. If you do plan on going out or doing any of the activities we listed, make sure your pet is protected from parasites and up to date on vaccines to keep them happy and healthy. Have fun, be safe and enjoy the new season!
