Traveling with Your Pets

By Diane Castle, D.V.M.

Taking a pet on a vacation or a trip can be a great adventure for you and your best friend. Preparation ahead of time can significantly improve both your experiences. The most important thing to consider is being honest about whether your pet will be comfortable with travel. Some pets may not be able to handle travel because of illness, injury, age or temperament. If your pet is not good with travel, you should consider a reliable pet-sitter or talk to your veterinarian about boarding facilities in your area.

The most common way to travel with your pet is by car. If you dont often take your pet in the car, start with short trips to fun destinations (such as PetsMart or a park) to help your pet get used to riding in a car. If your pet gets car sick, talk to your veterinarian about suggestions or medications to keep them comfortable.

To keep your pet safe and healthy while traveling by car:

• Make frequent stops (about every 2-3 hours) to allow your pet to go to the bathroom and get some exercise.
• Properly restrain your pet in the car to prevent injury to your pets, you and to other drivers. Pets should not be allowed to ride on the drivers lap or near the drivers feet for the same reasons you wear your seat belt.
• A crate or a specially designed pet harness that attaches to a seat belt are viable options for dogs.
• Cats should always be transported in carriers to prevent escape and/or injury.

Traveling by air with your pet may be an option but be aware that pets over 15 pounds must travel in cargo. Most airlines do not allow pets to fly in cargo during the summer months because of the risk of overheating. Small pets can travel in the cabin, but most airlines limit the number on each flight so make sure you make a reservation for your pet well in advance.

Most airlines also require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) issued within 10 days of travel.

It is recommended that you do not give tranquilizers to your pet when traveling by air because it can increase the risk of heart and respiratory problems as well as make it difficult for them to regulate their body temperature.
If your pet is not used to traveling in a crate, leave the travel crate sitting open for a few days before your trip so they can get used to the smell and so they dont get nervous when its time to get into it. Feeding them in the carrier at home may lessen their anxiety about the carrier also.

An important step that is often overlooked is that your pet may not be allowed where you are staying. Some accommodations allow pets and some will not, so be sure to check in advance.

If you are staying with friends or family, be sure to inform your host that your pet will be coming along and make sure that your pet is a welcomed guest as well.

If you are staying in a hotel call ahead to be sure pets are welcome. Some hotels only accept small pets or pets under a certain weight; so when making a reservation, make sure you inquire about the terms of their pet policy. Be aware that many do not allow you to leave a pet alone in the room. You will need to plan for a place for your pet if you go out to eat or tour someplace that does not allow pets. Leaving them in the car in hot weather is not an option since car temperatures rise quickly in the sun and can become deadly.

Animals can travel out of the country with you but keep in mind that you have to follow both the United States regulations, as well as the regulations in the other country to which you are traveling. Traveling to many countries involves weeks to months of planning to satisfy specific requirements so start your inquiries early. The United States Department of Agriculture website and your veterinarian are good sources of information. Knowing the requirements before you travel helps you decide if you are going to take your pet or leave it at home, and prepares you for what to expect if you do take your pet with you.

Traveling with your 4-legged family member can be a great experience but does require some preparation so that everyone can enjoy the trip.

Dr. Diane Castle is a veterinarian with Union Hill Animal Hospital. 770-664-8380, UnionHillVet.com