More and more pet owners today are traveling with their furry friends. Many hotels now cater to travelers who decide to bring their pets with them during their journey. Various AirBnB rentals also allow pets in their residences. However, for your pet traveling can be difficult and cause a certain amount of stress. Also, are your pet vaccinations up to date? If you decide to travel with pets in tow, here are some important tips to keep in mind.
Important Tips for Traveling with Pets
Use a pet crate or carrier approved by the USDA. Whether you are driving or flying to your destination, your pet needs to be in container that is both comfortable and safe. A pet carrier allows you to be distraction free while driving.
- Don’t leave your pet alone. Many pets die every year because their owners leave them in the car on either very hot or very cold days. If you are driving, be sure to take your pet out of the car, if you will be gone for an extended period of time. If you can’t do this for your dog, consider dog boarding.
- Prep for your journey. Make sure you have plenty of food, water, and medication on hand for your pet. Keep their favorite blanket or toy in their carrier to reduce their anxiety. Finally, exercise your pet vigorously beforehand; so they can sleep throughout the journey.
- List all correct contact information. If you are flying, then check with the airline at the time you book your ticket. Airlines have restrictions on the size of pets allowed in cabin on different types of planes. In addition, there are times during the year in which pets are not allowed to travel in cargo due to temperature extremes. Each airline defines its’ own protocols regarding safe transport of pets. Your trip could be ruined if your pet is not allowed to travel with you.
- Get a final check-up before you go. When was the last time your dog had a checkup? Getting a veterinarian to make sure your pet is healthy and ready for travel is important and will give you peace of mind knowing they are ready for the journey ahead. In general, most airlines require a current interstate travel health certificate signed by a USDA accredited veterinarian. Consult with your airline and your family veterinarian prior to traveling to ensure you have the proper documentation for air travel.
If you are traveling with your pet, contact Sunset Vet Clinic. All three of Sunset Vet Clinic’s doctors are USDA accredited and have experience in assisting pet owners travel safely with their pets. SVC also offers pet boarding services for instances in which your pet cannot travel with you. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
