As you try to arrange your travel for this holiday, you cannot help but think about the welfare of your lovable canine or feline friends. We surely cannot leave them behind if there is no one who can take care of them. In this case, the family pet will have to go with you on your holiday. Here are some useful tips when bringing your pet on transit:
Vet clearance
Just like for us humans, pets are also stressed out when they travel. It is important for you to bring the furry cute rascal to the veterinarian for a general check-up. It will also come handy if you can get a referral to a good vet in your destination.
To see if your pet is fit to travel, the vet will do a physical. Vaccinations which will help protect your pet and which will help suffice certain regulations should be administered. The vet will let you know if your family pet is fit to travel. It will be more comfortable for your pet to go on a flight in the evening when it is a bit cooler.
Most airlines will ask you for a health certificate for your pet. It should bet within 10 days prior to your travel. You should also remember that your pet might be subjected to a period of quarantine when you arrive at your destination. You can ask your travel agent if this applies to your destination.
You can call your embassy or other concerned agencies about a month before your flight so you can ask about regulations they may have in their state or territories. This way you can avoid all the hassles and also make sure your pet is safe. Some places require entry permits while other countries limit the period of stay for certain pets.
Identification
Make sure that your pet has your name and phone number on its tag. Also bring familiar toys so it will relax a bit during the journey. Just in case, bring some photos of your pets which may be useful if it gets lost.
Pets and Planes
Most airlines limit the number of animals on board. Make sure that you notify your agent to contact the airline so necessary reservations can be made. You should also inquire about the dimensions of the pet carrier allowed by the airline. Most airlines require that the dog or cat should be at least 2 months old before it can board a plane. Never bring subject a pregnant pet to air travel. Write or printout feeding instructions which you can post on your pet’s carrier even during short flights.
Some domestic flights permit small pet carriers holding animals less than fifteen pounds. These small kennels can practically fit under the seat just in front of you but make sure you inform the nearby passengers that you have a pet with you in case they want to switch seats or in case they have allergies. If you will be bringing your pet with you, always bring a scooper and paper towels for you know what. For international flights, you can pay extra so they can ship bigger animals in the forward cargo area where temperature is better controlled.
Travel Kennel
While you make sure that you are getting a good seat on the plane, make sure that you are getting a good travelling kennel for your pet. Introduce the travel kennel to your pet a few days before your scheduled travel. Let him sleep and eat there. You can throw in your old shirt so you can assure your pet that it is okay to go in there.
Label the kennel “Live Animal” if you are shipping your family pet. Also draw arrows to make everyone understand that the kennel should be upright always. Make sure you have clean pet dishes for food and water. Secure the door of the kennel but do not place locks cause airport or airline personnel may do some checks. Aside from the tag on the collar, put your name and contact information on the kennel.
By the way, do not forget to ask your travel agent if there will be an extra cost if you will travel with your pet buddy.
Road Trip
If you are travelling by road, one of your primary concerns will be heat stroke. In case you are travelling on a hot and humid day, make sure the pet goes out when you get off the car. If this is not possible, park in a shaded area and leave the windows a bit open to allow good air circulation.
Before setting off, check that your vehicle’s air con is working properly. It is also advisable to put your pet in a travel kennel so you can remain focused on your driving. Use a mesh crate which will allow your pet to stand, lie down, or turn. Take some stopovers so you can stretch and also walk your pet a bit.
If your pet is not used to riding a vehicle, try to accustom him a few weeks before your trip. Observe if he gets really fussy and gauge if he can really travel with you. Some give sugar candy (Never give chocolate!) to help with motion sickness. Try to avoid feeding your dog six hours prior to your trip on the road.
Hotels
Sadly not all hotels allow pets in their facilities. You need to check with your travel agent if your accommodation is pet-friendly. If you are able to book a pet-friendly motel or hotel, it will still be useful to have plastic bags and scooper so you can clean up after your pet does its thing. Try to book a room which will be at the end of a hall so in case your pet gets loud, other guests will not be bothered.
When bringing your pet with you, travel planning is very vital for its safety. Planning well ahead of time will ensure a perfect holiday for you and your animal buddy.
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