Traveling with Pets
If you plan to take your pet with you on a trip, there are a few requirements. First, make sure the resort, hotel, or vacation rental allows pets. After outlining your pet travel parameters, take your pet to the local veterinarian for a check-up to make sure all vaccinations are current. You might tell your vet about your travel plans and seek any special advice and ask for a health certificate for your pet,
If you expect to fly to your destination, find out about the airline's pet policies. Whether driving or flying you'll need to carry the health certificate and vaccination records since they may be required for identification at various times, including at boarding and arrival. You will also need to have a sturdy, secure pet carrier for air flights and for the road.
A durable collar and ID tags with your home address and phone number are essential in case of loss or for identification. You might also consider having a microchip implanted under your pet's skin for scanning if the collar is lost. Keeping a current photo of your pet with you is helpful if there is a loss or an emergency.
Packing
Pets appreciate comforts of home just as much as their owners do. Bringing their own bedding, toys, treats and dishes will help your pets adjust better to travel. Bringing your pet's particular food is also important. Switching food for pets can lead to an upset stomach. A few more pet items to pack include:
A Few More Precautions about Pets and Air Travel
Book direct, non-peak flights to reduce your pet's stress, and allow extra time for flight check-in. Notify the flight attendants that you have a pet traveling with you, even if it's traveling in the cargo hold. Familiarize your pet with the carrier or crate, and place a toy or other item with your scent inside for comfort. Do not feed your pet 4-6 hours before flying. Try to avoid giving your pet a tranquilizer unless recommended by the vet. You can give your pet a small dish of water before the trip.
Car Travel can Make Pets Motion Sick
On the road, some pets get car sick so it's best to hold back feeding. A restraining harness may be helpful with a dog because it secures your pet to the seat but still allows movement. Pets also need to stretch their legs, too. Frequent stops will help to give your pet a rest from the car for exercise and potty breaks. Whether it's hot or cold outside, the best advice is to never leave your pet alone in the car.
If you expect to fly to your destination, find out about the airline's pet policies. Whether driving or flying you'll need to carry the health certificate and vaccination records since they may be required for identification at various times, including at boarding and arrival. You will also need to have a sturdy, secure pet carrier for air flights and for the road.
A durable collar and ID tags with your home address and phone number are essential in case of loss or for identification. You might also consider having a microchip implanted under your pet's skin for scanning if the collar is lost. Keeping a current photo of your pet with you is helpful if there is a loss or an emergency.
Packing
Pets appreciate comforts of home just as much as their owners do. Bringing their own bedding, toys, treats and dishes will help your pets adjust better to travel. Bringing your pet's particular food is also important. Switching food for pets can lead to an upset stomach. A few more pet items to pack include:
- An extra collar and leash
- Several gallons of drinking water from home to mix with water at your destination
- Any pet medications and supplements
- Your pet's brush
- Baby wipes to clean paws
- Full litter pan with extra litter for cats
- Old towels, carpet cleaner and disinfectant for cleaning up after accidents
A Few More Precautions about Pets and Air Travel
Book direct, non-peak flights to reduce your pet's stress, and allow extra time for flight check-in. Notify the flight attendants that you have a pet traveling with you, even if it's traveling in the cargo hold. Familiarize your pet with the carrier or crate, and place a toy or other item with your scent inside for comfort. Do not feed your pet 4-6 hours before flying. Try to avoid giving your pet a tranquilizer unless recommended by the vet. You can give your pet a small dish of water before the trip.
Car Travel can Make Pets Motion Sick
On the road, some pets get car sick so it's best to hold back feeding. A restraining harness may be helpful with a dog because it secures your pet to the seat but still allows movement. Pets also need to stretch their legs, too. Frequent stops will help to give your pet a rest from the car for exercise and potty breaks. Whether it's hot or cold outside, the best advice is to never leave your pet alone in the car.