Safety Information in the Heat

Never Leave Your Pet in the Car
On sunny and warm days, the air in the car doesn’t circulate and the temperature can rise within minutes to a point where it can become life threatening. Even if the windows are cracked, cars heat up quickly and your pet can be in danger. For example, a 70 degree day will quickly heat up to 104 degrees inside the car.

Hot Pavement Awareness
If it’s 95 degrees outside the pavement can be up to 150 degrees. Press the back of your hand against the pavement for 10 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your pup’s paws.

Watch for Heatstroke
Even if you don’t keep your pets in a hot car, hot summer weather can still be bad for your pet’s health- find out about the symptoms of heatstroke in dogs, and how you can prevent it.

Rest Stop Areas Mean Everyone Gets a Break
Take your dog out for a walk; offer some water and a snack. Be sure you’ve got plenty of water around for both you and your pets, especially on hot days.

Sunblock is for Pets, Too
Did you know that animals can get sunburned, too? This is especially true for animals with light-colored skin. If that describes your pet, talk to your vet about getting some pet-safe sunscreen and then be sure to use it (particularly on areas like the nose and ears). Protect their feet as well; the pavement and backcountry trail rocks and sand can be scorching on pets paws.

Backcountry Hiking
In the backcountry a leash is recommended, not required, but dogs do need to be under verbal restraint and not chase or harass wildlife. Be sure to keep your pets away from dangerous cliff areas, dogs can fall or get stuck on ledges when allowed to run off leash.

Practice Water Safety
Just because your dog loves the water doesn’t mean he always knows its dangers! Keep an eye on your pet around water, especially when it’s an unfamiliar place. Animals won’t know about fast-moving currents, how tired they can get if they swim out too far (or for too long), and potentially-poisonous water sources, among other things. If your pet will be in and out of water often on your trip, bring along a life-jacket for him or her, too.

Desert Plants
You might be familiar with the plants that grow where you live, but desert plants such as cactus, cheat grass, foxtail or other plants can be a problem for pets. The danger for pets lies in sharp spines or the “invasiveness” of dry seed pods that can work its way into fur, paws, skin and mucous membranes and removal may require a visit to the vet.

Keep Bugs Away
Spring, summer and fall is high travel season, and it’s also a high bug season. Things like sticktight fleas, ticks, lice and even heartworm can be an issue for your pets during the warm months so take precautions against them before you leave home.

Travel and Lodging

Find Pet-Friendly Accommodations and Activities
Before you leave home, you can find out about a variety of pet-friendly events going on in and around the places you’ll be visiting on your trip, and you can also make sure you’re booking stays at hotels, campgrounds, and vacation rentals that allow pets. Check our lodging listings for pet friendly accommodations.

Accommodations
Don’t leave your pet alone in your lodging, even if the hotel is dog friendly, a barking dog can be considered a nuisance. If local animal control is called your pet may be impounded at the shelter.

Pack with a Purpose
Keep pet travel essentials in your vehicle. This list includes a water bowl, bottled water, extra leash and collar with identification tags, poop bags, an old towel, pre-moistened wipes, a basic first-aid kit, necessary medications, a copy of health records, bedding, treats, one or two favorite toys and at least a three-day supply of food.

Kennels and Carriers
Some places require that your pet be in a carrier or crate when left alone. A kennel is also a safe way to travel for your pet.

Pet Health

Vet Records
Bring a copy of your pet’s vaccines. Hotels and vacation rentals often ask for proof of your pet’s vaccines.

Medication
Make sure you have enough of it for the duration of your time away from home. Pick up refills for your pet before you head out.

Find the Local Emergency Vet
Know before you go where the emergency vet is in the area you are staying in case your pet becomes injured. It saves a lot of stress and time in the event that your pet needs immediate medical attention. Veterinarian offices located in Grand County are Moab Vet Clinic (435-259-8710) and Mill Creek Animal Hospital (435-259-2733).

For more information visit the Humane Society of Moab Valley’s website moabpets.org or call 435-259-4862.

Animal Emergency

Lost or Found Pets or other Animal Emergencies

• Grand County Dispatch: 435-259-8115
• Moab Animal Control: 435-259-8938
• Moab Animal Shelter: 435-269-0199

Local Veterinary Hospitals

• Moab Vet Clinic: 435-259-8710
• Mill Creek Animal Hospital: 435-259-2733

Boarding Services

There are several kennels with boarding services in Moab:

Moab National Bark
2781 S Roberts
(435) 259-7922

Moab Veterinary Clinic
4575 Spanish Valley Drive
(435) 259-8710

Animal Rescue

Humane Society of Moab Valley
956 Sand Flats Road
435-259-4862
moabpets.org

Underdog Animal Rescue and Rehab
4561 Sunny Acres Lane
(435) 260-8033
underdogrescuemoab.org

Pet Supplies

Pet supplies can be purchased at the following businesses:

Local Veterinarians