Traveling With your Pet
There are very few drawbacks to taking a vacation. Time off is such a valuable and wonderful treat. That said, some folks are hesitant to book a trip or are unable to fully relax when they are away from home because they have to leave their beloved pets behind.
Is it possible to travel with your pet?
You bet! But to make the experience comfortable for everyone, there are several things to consider. First and foremost, make sure it is safe for your pet to travel. For example, physically impaired dogs and cats may be at risk if they are taken outside of their home for extended periods of time. So if you are in doubt about your pet’s safety, be sure to ask your vet for advice.
Be Prepared
No matter how you are traveling, it is important to have a carrier for your pet. If you are traveling by plane, make sure the carrier is up to code. Equally important is to have a visible tag that identifies the pet with its name and your name, address and a telephone number (you may also want to include your vet’s number). You will also want to be sure to pack a copy of your pet’s current health certificate(s).
Take care of the basics – like grooming and feeding and watering – before you set off on your trip. And do not forget to pack your pets favorite toys and treats.
On the Road
If you are traveling by car, here are some guidelines that will ensure the safety of your pet and your passengers:
Cats should be contained in a carrier so they do not get underfoot and in the way of the driver.
No matter how cute you think it looks, do not let your dog stick its head out of the window! The dog may get dirt or debris caught in its eyes or ears or worse, he may lean too far out the window and land on the road.
Be sure to schedule frequent stops to feed, water, and exercise your pet. Prepare to take breaks every two hours.
Keep dry food, water, and bowls accessible for use during the breaks.
In the Air
Traveling by plane is nerve-wracking for a lot of people. Add an animal companion to the mix and it is even trickier. Here are some tips:
Before booking any tickets, call the airline and make sure animals are allowed on the plane and into the area where you will be landing.
Be sure to have all health certificates in order and have copies ready to show at the airport.
Your pet must be at least eight weeks old in order to fly with you.
Book the most direct and the quickest route possible. If possible, try to book during an “off-peak” hour so there will be less confusion and congestion at the airport and onboard.
Allow enough time before the flight to exercise your pet.
Use an airport approved carrier:
– the carrier must be strong and it must not leak
– the carrier must be properly labeled
– the carrier must be large enough so your pet can move around
– the carrier must be properly ventilated
The key to traveling with your pet is to do your research and be sure to cover all your bases before leaving home. When in doubt, ask your vet for advice and double check with airlines, hotels, etc. If planned properly, your pet may give a whole new meaning to “family vacations.”
Is it possible to travel with your pet?
You bet! But to make the experience comfortable for everyone, there are several things to consider. First and foremost, make sure it is safe for your pet to travel. For example, physically impaired dogs and cats may be at risk if they are taken outside of their home for extended periods of time. So if you are in doubt about your pet’s safety, be sure to ask your vet for advice.
Be Prepared
No matter how you are traveling, it is important to have a carrier for your pet. If you are traveling by plane, make sure the carrier is up to code. Equally important is to have a visible tag that identifies the pet with its name and your name, address and a telephone number (you may also want to include your vet’s number). You will also want to be sure to pack a copy of your pet’s current health certificate(s).
Take care of the basics – like grooming and feeding and watering – before you set off on your trip. And do not forget to pack your pets favorite toys and treats.
On the Road
If you are traveling by car, here are some guidelines that will ensure the safety of your pet and your passengers:
Cats should be contained in a carrier so they do not get underfoot and in the way of the driver.
No matter how cute you think it looks, do not let your dog stick its head out of the window! The dog may get dirt or debris caught in its eyes or ears or worse, he may lean too far out the window and land on the road.
Be sure to schedule frequent stops to feed, water, and exercise your pet. Prepare to take breaks every two hours.
Keep dry food, water, and bowls accessible for use during the breaks.
In the Air
Traveling by plane is nerve-wracking for a lot of people. Add an animal companion to the mix and it is even trickier. Here are some tips:
Before booking any tickets, call the airline and make sure animals are allowed on the plane and into the area where you will be landing.
Be sure to have all health certificates in order and have copies ready to show at the airport.
Your pet must be at least eight weeks old in order to fly with you.
Book the most direct and the quickest route possible. If possible, try to book during an “off-peak” hour so there will be less confusion and congestion at the airport and onboard.
Allow enough time before the flight to exercise your pet.
Use an airport approved carrier:
– the carrier must be strong and it must not leak
– the carrier must be properly labeled
– the carrier must be large enough so your pet can move around
– the carrier must be properly ventilated
The key to traveling with your pet is to do your research and be sure to cover all your bases before leaving home. When in doubt, ask your vet for advice and double check with airlines, hotels, etc. If planned properly, your pet may give a whole new meaning to “family vacations.”