Traveling with pets may be challenging, given that pets of all types have special needs. However, it is perfectly possible to transport your pet safely from one place to another, provided that you prepare well for the trip. Consider the following important points to ensure that you and your pet travel comfortably and arrive at the set destination without any problems.
Is it a good idea to travel with your pet?
Consider your pet’s age, breed, and health before bringing it on a trip. Old and sick pets will usually not tolerate traveling. On the other hand, youngsters, especially when not weaned, may not be allowed to travel on board an airplane. Therefore, you should talk to your vet about your pet’s health status and ability to travel safely before deciding whether to bring it with you.
Consider the country where you will be traveling to and what accommodations you will have there. Some countries have restrictions regarding the types of pets that can be brought in due to quarantines and specific regulations. It is recommended that you check with the consulate of the respective country before you make any bookings. While some hotels and motels are pet-friendly, most are not. You need to check the hotel’s rules regarding the type and size of pets that can be brought in.
What important papers do you need to travel with your pet?
Traveling within the country requires no specific documentation besides your pet’s ID. You need a current color photo of your pet and an ID tag with your home address and telephone number. You can put your cell phone number and the address of the place you will be staying during your trip. In addition, you should consider bringing a list of any medical conditions and injuries your pet may have with you. This way, your pet will receive timely and adequate veterinary care if needed.
Traveling abroad requires ID, including a photo and an ID tag with your accommodation’s address and phone number. You can add any cell phone number you will use. In addition, bring many copies of your pet’s current medical records for the same purpose described above. These may also be necessary to enter the country you will be visiting.
A health certificate formally called a certificate of veterinary inspection, is also required for traveling abroad. Any licensed veterinarian can issue this certificate. It will include proof of your pet’s vaccinations and written confirmation that the animal is healthy. Keep in mind that airlines have requirements regarding the time when the certificate is issued. Most will require the certificate to be issued within ten days of travel and no more. An acclimation certificate may also be required by the airline you will be traveling with, so you need to check whether you need this document in advance. It’s also handy to have your pet insurance document with you; make sure you’ve got travel insurance for your pet if you still need to discuss this particular insurance with your pet insurance provider.
Call the consulate of the country you will be traveling to and check what papers you need for your pet to enter. You may need to provide additional documentation to local authorities, especially if you are relocating.
Will microchipping your pet be beneficial?
Microchipping will help in finding your pet if it gets lost or stolen. The microchip is registered with your name, address, and current contact number, so you will be contacted to collect it immediately when your pet is found. Investing in microchipping is beneficial for owners that frequently travel with their companions and those with pets that tend to stray. Implanting a microchip is perfectly safe for the animal.
If you are traveling abroad, check with the foreign country’s consulate to see if they require your pet to have a microchip.
How do I organize the trip with my pet?
If you plan to travel by plane, you need to check the airline’s regulations regarding pet travel and see whether your pet is eligible to travel on board. Then, make a reservation that includes your pet. It is important not to make bookings separately, as there may not be space on the flight for your pet. Vets recommend that you book a non-stop flight. You can book an early morning or late evening flight if the weather is hot. In the winter, you might prefer a mid-day flight.
Check the regulations of the airline regarding crate type and size. Your pet must be in an appropriate crate. Otherwise, it will not be allowed on board.
If traveling by car, you must ensure that your pet is properly restrained inside the vehicle. Small and mid-size pets will have the safest trip inside a crate. However, if you have a very large dog, you may consider other safe restraining options.
How do I prepare my pet for the travel?
You need to bring any medications that your pet is taking with you. It is recommended that you get a first aid kit as well. Bring a collar, leash, and/or harness, if appropriate. It would help if you also had bedding, food, and freshwater. It is advisable to get your pet’s toys and bowls so that your companion will feel great no matter where you go.
Ask your veterinarian about the most appropriate feeding schedule during the trip and make a plan to keep it. Check whether you will have access to your pet during a flight so that you can organize the feeding accordingly. Generally, it is recommended for pets to fly on an empty stomach. Sedating pets for travel is not advised. It is considered dangerous and unnecessary. Ensure that your pet is secured in the crate and has all the bedding needed to feel comfortable.
When traveling by car, your pet must be kept as cool as possible on hot days. Vets recommend that you stop every two to three hours to make your pet feel comfortable during the trip.
Traveling with a pet is an ordeal for your pet and yourself. Make sure you make your pet as comfortable as possible and talk to your vet clinic on the matter of taking your pet abroad. You will also need your vet to provide some paperwork for the airline, which shows vaccination records and details such as emergency phone numbers, addresses, etc.
Make sure you take your pet insurance travel certificate with you, as you will never know if you will need it at any point.
Also, prepare for the journey you are about to go on and read lots of articles, so you are clear on what you need to do and what you need to get done before your trip.
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