Pet Travel
Traveling with a pet can be a pleasant and fun experience – or a nightmare. It all depends on how well you prepare your dog or small pet for the journey.
Choose the best dog carrier
When traveling with a dog or other pet, planning and preparation are vital for your pet’s well being and your peace of mind. Preparation should include making sure your dog or small pet is comfortable by providing an appropriate dog carrier, dog bed or other pet products. It is also important to make sure your pet travels with a flat collar with a nameplate that contains your contact number, preferably the number of the mobile phone you are using while traveling.
If you will be staying with friends, be considerate, and find out in advance if your pet is welcome. The same goes for hotels, motels, parks, and campgrounds. If pets are not allowed, find out if kennel facilities are available. If the pet must be left alone in a hotel room, place a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door and inform the maid and the front desk. Consider bringing along a portable kennel for use in hotel rooms or the homes of friends or relatives who are not comfortable with your pet loose when no one is home.
General Tips for Traveling with a Pet
These tips that apply whether you travel by car or plane. Make sure your pet is properly identified with a current tag and/or a microchip. Groom and bathe your pet before a trip, and make sure to take your pet’s favorite pet foods, toys and dishes. You can find everything you need at a fully equipped online pet store such as www.dogcarriers.com Bring along proof of rabies vaccination and a current health certificate with you when crossing state or international borders.
Before leaving on your trip, consult your veterinarian to be sure that all required vaccinations are up-to-date and to receive a health certificate within ten days of travel.
Traveling with Your Pet by Car
If your dog is not accustomed to car travel, take it for a few short rides before your trip so it will learn that a ride in the car is a happy occasion. Cats should always be confined to a cage or in a cat carrier to allow them to feel secure and prevent them from crawling under your feet while you are driving.
A dog that must ride in a truck bed should be confined in a protective kennel or dog carrier that is fastened to the truck bed. Dogs riding in a car should not ride in the passenger seat if it is equipped with an airbag. Offer your pet a treat and praise at the end of the ride to associate a positive experience with riding in the car.
When you travel with your pet by car, stick to your regular feeding routine and give the main meal at the end of the day or when you reach your destination. Feeding dry food will be more convenient. Take along a plastic jug of cold water in case other reliable water sources are not available. Give small portions of food and water and plan to stop every two hours for exercise. Remember to include a leash with your pet's traveling supplies. If your dog gets car sick, ask your veterinarian to prescribe a medication to help.
When traveling by car, pack a simple pet first-aid kit that includes assorted bandages, antiseptic cream, an antidiarrheal medication that is safe for pets (ask your veterinarian to suggest a product), gauze squares, and the phone numbers of your veterinarian, a national poison control hotline, and a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital
Pets should never be allowed to ride with their heads outside car windows. Particles of dirt or other debris can enter the eyes, ears, and nose, causing injury or infection. If you must leave your pet in a parked car, don't leave him for a long period of time and be sure to lock all doors, park in a shady area, and open windows wide enough to provide ventilation without enabling your pet to jump out or get its head caught. Be aware of weather conditions. You should never leave your pet in a parked car when the temperature and/or humidity are high or when temperatures are near or below freezing
Traveling with your pet by air
Air travel requires preparation from pet owners. The airlines sometimes update their regulations on pet travel including restrictions on breeds and size. Check with your airline well in advance for their current regulations. Many of the major airlines now allow cats and dogs less than 15 pounds to travel in carry-on luggage that will fit under the seat.
Federal regulations require that pets be at least 8 weeks old and weaned at least 5 days before flying. Always try to book a nonstop, midweek flight and avoid plane changes whenever possible. During warm weather periods, choose early morning or late evening flights. In colder months, choose midday flights.
Reconfirm your flight arrangements the day before you leave to ensure there have been no unexpected flight changes. Arrive at the airport early, exercise your pet, personally place it in its crate, and pick up your pet promptly upon arrival at your destination. When boarding the plane, let the flight attendant know that your pet is in the cargo hold.
Transport crates, available from most airlines or pet shops, must:
- Be large enough to allow the animal to stand (without touching the top of the cage), turn around, and lie down.
- Be strong and free of interior protrusions, with handle or grips.
- Have a leak proof bottom that is covered with plenty of absorbent material.
- Be appropriately and clearly labeled. Include your name, home address; home phone number, and destination contact information, as well as a designation of "Live Animals," with arrows indicating the crate's upright position. (In addition, carry your pet's photo and health information with you on the plane for easy identification in the event the cage label is lost.)
- Be ventilated on opposite sides with exterior rims and knobs so that airflow is not impeded.
Before leaving on your trip, take the time to accustom your pet to the crate in which it will be traveling.
You can ask your veterinarian for specific feeding instructions. However, it is generally recommended for your pet's comfort, air travel on an almost empty stomach is usually best. The age and size of your pet, time and distance of the flight, and your pet's regular dietary routine will be considered when feeding recommendations are made. It is recommended that you not give tranquilizers to your pet when traveling by air.
Prepare Well to Travel with your Pet
The key to successful travel with your pet is good preparation. If you are planning to travel with your pet and you care about your pet’s comfort, you need to visit dogcarriers.com where you will find the biggest selection of dog and pet carriers on the internet as well as a full line dog beds, dog collars, dog toys and dog and all pet accessories in a wide range of colors and styles.