When it is time to plan that long deserved holiday, every family is exited about the adventure awaiting… BUT WHAT ABOUT OUR PETS?!  This important family member that may not be included in our traveling plans… COME ON , PEOPLE!!!

Most Pets travel very well and would LOVE to be included in the fun.  There is more and more PET FRIENDLY accommodation available all over the country.  Try a new destination!  If your pet(s) join you during your holiday, you could be more relaxed because you do not have to worry if your pet(s) is well looked after at home….  Even if there is ample food and fresh water, YOU WILL BE MISSED!

“Let’s GO!” Daddy…
(at Carnarvon)

We traveled for thousands of kilometers and the road was our home…Our Pet Children, Bruno & Junior, traveled along and enjoyed every moment!

Bruno & Junior sleeping peacefully…

Both of them had their special place to lie down and “chill” while we we driving.  Junior (the eldest) enjoyed taking a nap during the trip.  Bruno, on the other hand, was to scared that he would miss out on the action.  He would sit on the passenger seat and enjoy the scenery…

oooh…I must find the right spot…quickly!

We soon got to recognize their needs.  After about 3 hours of constant traveling, the bladders were full and it was time for a “pitstop”.

Yeah…now I feel much better!

During a “pitstop” it was always the same routine. First – empty the bladder, then a bit of running around to stretch the legs and at the same time they marked some territory.  We always provided a snack and made sure they drank some fresh water.  Like a content baby, they would be ready for the next 3 hours of travel.  All animals have that “build in clock”  and it did not take them long to set their clock to traveling mode!

We are at Shipwreck “Aristea” in Hondeklip Bay

It is mostly dogs that travel with on holidays, but cats, rats and big birds also travel very well.  Hamsters, mice and rabbits are stressed very easily and might not survive a long trip.  Reptiles are very sensitive to heat and vibration.

There would be times that even the best traveling pet may experience discomfort.  Normally this happens when traveling on a heavy corrugated road, hearing the frightening sound of a big truck passing by, excessive heat and over indulging.  During these moments you can comfort your pet by holding him/her close to you and reassure them with a comforting soft stroke and whisper.

Junior strolling along…

Bruno could not resist the water…

 

If it is really impossible to take your pet with you on holiday, it is better to arrange that someone stays with your pet at home where it can be in its own environment.  You will still be missed by your loyal friend but might be forgiven easier than after a stay at the kennels!

Explain to your pet sitter all about the habits and daily routine.  It is very important that your pet’s routine stays unchanged to prevent possible pining. Do not stay away for too long and make sure that you reward your pet with a treat at the reunion.  If your pet realizes that you do return after a while and it gets rewarded for waiting… the next time that you leave them behind with a sitter, it might be a bit more bearable…

“SURE..I Can Travel!   says (Dusty) our cat.

For more information on pet friendly accommodation – please visit www.petfriendly.co.za

Herewith a few photo’s of Bruno and Junior enjoying their travels…

I’m waiting for the ball – throw now please

What did you say? Who are you?

Water from a stream…sweet!

Look mom, I’m up here!

Not another photo?!

Catch a wave with a friend…

Look at my teeth…cool hey!

This is life! A nap till supper time…

Karoo roads…not for me, thank you!

Can we do some ball playing people?!

What a day…I’m exhausted!

Sweet dreams…..