|
|
Travel Tips on Travel with Pets
- The American Pet Products Association offers some of their top picks for making summer traveling with your pet safe and more convenient. Click here to see their picks.
- To facilitate
airport screening, handlers of service animals are encouraged to
carry ID, such as:
-
According to the Humane
Society pet owners should always bring pet health documentation when
traveling across state lines, or to another country. The Wag’N Pet
Passport is the answer for those looking for a convenient way to
carry pet records. The Wag’N Pet Passport can be ordered online
within minutes, and setup with as little as one trip to the
veterinary office. Order the Wag’N Pet Passport at https://www.amazon.com/WagN-Pet-Passport-Version-2-0/dp/B003H3H0TQ.
- When making
airline reservations, let the airline know if you have an animal to
transport and then review the rules regarding kennel size,
ventilation, markings and contents. Reconfirm your pet’s
arrangements within 24-48 hours of the flight. It is important to
realize that airlines have complete control over whether or not they
allow an animal on a flight. They are not required to carry live
animals and can deny the animal for any reason, such as poor health
or disposition.
- Carry a current
photograph of your pet when traveling. If he becomes lost, having a
recent picture will make the search easier. (This is a good tip for
your kids as well!)
- If you're
planning to buy a bird overseas, learn about the strict regulations
for bringing it into the United States from the USDA’s Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). These rules include
obtaining a health certificate from the country in which you’re
buying the bird, and submitting the bird to a 30-day quarantine
period at an approved facility. Smuggled birds may bring in diseases
(such as the Newcastle virus) that could severely affect the U.S.’s
commercial poultry flocks.
- Traveling is
stressful on pets. Don’t assume that your pet will behave in the
same manner he does when he is at home. Keep him leashed and control
the number of new people he meets.
- To make walks
with your pet more convenient, be sure to reserve a room on the
ground floor.
- Certain animals
may experience severe motion sickness during car rides. Discuss the
situation with your vet who can recommend medication.
- If you own a
breed of animal with a pug nose (bulldog, Persian cat, etc.), your
veterinarian may recommend that you don’t transport him by air.
These animals can have problems breathing at high altitudes.
- When staying in a
hotel with a pet, make sure he is in his carrier and won’t disturb
other hotel patrons if you must leave the room for a short time.
Hotel employees may need to come into the room and your pet may not
react well to the stranger. Also, the door may be left ajar and your
pet may make a run for it.
- Traveling with a
pet can be a very enjoyable experience, but make sure you consider
the type of vacation you want before making the decision to bring
him along. If you plan to leave him in the room for long periods
while you shop in town or go for leisurely dinners, perhaps it’s
better (and less stressful) to leave the pet with a sitter.
- If you don’t have
a cage to use in your car for transporting your pet, another option
is a doggie car harness. These harnesses are specially designed to
work with your car’s seat belt to keep your pet in the seat in case
of an accident. These are especially helpful in preventing young,
untrained dogs from jumping into the front seat and possibly getting
in the way of the driver.
- Don’t be a driver
who allows their dog to lean out the window! Although you might
think your pet enjoys the fresh air, flying road debris injures many
pets each year. Instead, leave a window rolled down a few inches,
and stop every two or three hours for a short walk.
- Taking your pet
into Canada on vacation? Bring along a valid rabies certificate to
prove to Canada Customs that your dog or cat has been vaccinated
between 30 days and three years ago.
- Animals, like
people, need some consistency in their lives. If you are taking your
pet away from home for a while, try to keep to the normal routine
where you can. Use the same brand of pet food you use at home to
help quell stomach troubles. Walk them at the same time of the day.
- Your pet should
always have some kind of identification in case they get lost. This
becomes more important when traveling, as a lost animal in
unfamiliar territory won’t be able to find its way back home. Pick
up an inexpensive ID tube before traveling. Write down your vacation
address and phone number, as well as your home information. That
way, regardless of whether your pet is found on vacation or
afterwards, he can be returned to you.
- Use an animal’s
natural defenses when trying to get your pet in its travel kennel.
If he won’t walk into the kennel with a little coaxing, don’t push
him in face first. If you do, he will probably dig in with his back
legs and make the process more difficult. Instead, gently back him
in using a soothing voice and demeanor. Reward him once he’s in the
kennel with praise and a small snack.
- If you are
planning to take your pet on a long car trip, and he’s not
accustomed to car travel, take several short trips in the days and
weeks before the vacation. This will make the day of the trip go
much smoother since you won’t have to worry about a nervous pet.
- Pets travel more
comfortably – and in far greater safety – in the passenger
compartment rather than as checked baggage. Ask your vet about
sedatives and how to use them. Be sure to bring enough pet food in
your other carry-on to see them through the journey.
|
|
