Traveling with Pets
Advance planning is necessary to make trips enjoyable experiences for both you and your pets. As you plan your excursions you will be well aware of the surroundings, activities and situations you will be putting yourself into, but your pet depends on you to prepare them for the coming changes. Without adequate preparation the outing can become very stressful for both of you.
No matter where you take your pet, there will be a need to have it leashed or tethered at some time. Although collars are sufficient, harnesses have proven themselves to be more secure and are recommended. Working with your pet on a leash prior to embarking on your journey will make those occasions more enjoyable for your both. Identification tags bearing your name, address, and phone number should be firmly attached to the collar or harness. Microchips or tattoos are also methods of identification that may be considered. Many pets are lost or run away while on trips with their owners. Should this happen, contact the local animal control office as soon as possible.
The use of a pet carrier will do much toward making a trip more enjoyable for both you and your pet. If you get a carrier, put a mat in it, and use it as a pet bed while at home. Let them get comfortable with it with both the door open, and with it closed. It will become one familiar item that will stay with them, when all others have gotten left behind. Not only will it provide both a safe and secure place for you to keep them when needed, it will become a safe haven for them when they are anxious or scared. When selecting a carrier pick a model that is strong, is of adequate size, has a moisture proof bottom, is well ventilated, has sturdy handles for transporting, and has food/water dishes that are accessible from the outside. If there is a possibility that you may be traveling by air at some time, make sure to pick an airline approved brand or model.
If traveling by some commercial carrier, be aware that the rules and restrictions may vary widely between one carrier and another. Some carriers may allow your pet to travel with you in the passenger compartment, while others may require them being placed in the baggage area. Be sure to inquire about any requirements, restrictions, and conditions you must be prepared for as well as any the liabilities and limitations that apply to pets. Pick carriers that will handle your pet personally rather than those whose baggage handling is totally automated. If your commercial carrier does not have provisions for insuring your pet has adequate food and water, you may need to adjust your itinerary so that you can personally look after it during layovers or connections. Select schedules that not peak periods and with the minimum number of connections or layovers to reduce the possibility of you and your pet becoming separated. Replace the mat in your pet carrier with "poddy pads", adult diapers, or some similar product, to make you pet as comfortable as possible while in transit.
Your pet should have all it's required vaccinations, and you should carry supporting documents to that effect. If traveling out of the country (or to some islands), check with your carrier or agent about restrictions or quarantines as they might apply for each of your planned stops (including your return home).
Although water is permitted, you should not feed your pet for six hours before your departure time. Water should be available in the cage during transit, and replaced with fresh water as soon as possible after arrival. Make sure the cage has specific feeding and identification labels permanently attached and highly visible.
No matter where you take your pet, there will be a need to have it leashed or tethered at some time. Although collars are sufficient, harnesses have proven themselves to be more secure and are recommended. Working with your pet on a leash prior to embarking on your journey will make those occasions more enjoyable for your both. Identification tags bearing your name, address, and phone number should be firmly attached to the collar or harness. Microchips or tattoos are also methods of identification that may be considered. Many pets are lost or run away while on trips with their owners. Should this happen, contact the local animal control office as soon as possible.
The use of a pet carrier will do much toward making a trip more enjoyable for both you and your pet. If you get a carrier, put a mat in it, and use it as a pet bed while at home. Let them get comfortable with it with both the door open, and with it closed. It will become one familiar item that will stay with them, when all others have gotten left behind. Not only will it provide both a safe and secure place for you to keep them when needed, it will become a safe haven for them when they are anxious or scared. When selecting a carrier pick a model that is strong, is of adequate size, has a moisture proof bottom, is well ventilated, has sturdy handles for transporting, and has food/water dishes that are accessible from the outside. If there is a possibility that you may be traveling by air at some time, make sure to pick an airline approved brand or model.
If traveling by some commercial carrier, be aware that the rules and restrictions may vary widely between one carrier and another. Some carriers may allow your pet to travel with you in the passenger compartment, while others may require them being placed in the baggage area. Be sure to inquire about any requirements, restrictions, and conditions you must be prepared for as well as any the liabilities and limitations that apply to pets. Pick carriers that will handle your pet personally rather than those whose baggage handling is totally automated. If your commercial carrier does not have provisions for insuring your pet has adequate food and water, you may need to adjust your itinerary so that you can personally look after it during layovers or connections. Select schedules that not peak periods and with the minimum number of connections or layovers to reduce the possibility of you and your pet becoming separated. Replace the mat in your pet carrier with "poddy pads", adult diapers, or some similar product, to make you pet as comfortable as possible while in transit.
Your pet should have all it's required vaccinations, and you should carry supporting documents to that effect. If traveling out of the country (or to some islands), check with your carrier or agent about restrictions or quarantines as they might apply for each of your planned stops (including your return home).
Although water is permitted, you should not feed your pet for six hours before your departure time. Water should be available in the cage during transit, and replaced with fresh water as soon as possible after arrival. Make sure the cage has specific feeding and identification labels permanently attached and highly visible.