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Pet Travel Guide: Tips For Traveling With Your Pet
Author: Peter Shannon
Here are some important pet travel tips that you need to know
while planning a vacation with your pet.
Bringing your pet with you on your vacation is becoming easier.
Lots of hotels and motels are accommodating pet travel.
Most National Parks have strict regulations restricting pets.
Check with them ahead of time. Your pet may not be able to walk
with you but you can still spend some happy time together.
Before you bring Fido or Fluffy on your trip make sure that
they are physically up to it. Take her to the vet first and be
sure that she is in sound health.
Make sure she has all her necessary vaccinations along with a
health certificate to bring along with you on your trip.
Be sure she has a collar with ID tag that contains your name
and phone number. If she gets lost somehow, that could be the
only way she gets back home.
A pet that is not well behaved can be a problem and may not be
suited to travel. She will be in strange surroundings and you
don't want her to scratch or bite out of fear and confusion.
If you must leave your pet home please be sure that she is well
cared for. Professional pet sitters, kennels, friends or family
are options available to you.
Leave explicit instructions for care and the phone number of
your vet.
Most airlines will accommodate pet travel but they all have
their own rules. Dogs and cats are usually ok but other pets
may present a problem.
Your pet can travel either in the passenger cabin or in the
cargo hold. Pet travel in the cargo hold can be a little rough
and ventilation is not the best. Your vet should be able to
help you evaluate if Fido or Fluffy is up to it.
Well behaved pets that are able to travel in an appropriate
sized container may be brought with you on the plane. They will
be treated as carry on luggage and will have to ride under your
seat.
Pet travel in your car is a much more straight forward
arrangement for all. Some pets can't handle it though and it is
best to make sure she is up to it before your vacation starts.
Take basic safety precautions like not letting the animal run
free in the vehicle. She could cause an accident. This means
that she should be leashed securely or travel in a pet
container.
Never leave your precious pet in a hot car with the windows
shut. It doesn't take long for the temperature inside to reach
lethal levels.
Make sure you provide her with fresh water and food. For dogs,
she will greatly appreciate frequent stops to get a quick bit
of exercise.
When bringing your pet to a motel or hotel that accommodates
pet travel please be sure to follow all their rules. A bad
experience will make it more difficult for future pet owners.
Keep her leashed and clean up after her. Do not allow her to
damage property by chewing or scratching.
Be prepared for emergencies and possible problems due to
stress. If possible, find out the name and phone number of a
local vet or animal hospital near where you will be staying.
With a little effort your vacation can be safe and fun for both
people and animals. Remember, Fido or Fluffy can't look after
themselves so it is up to you to be sure that their traveling
needs are taken care of.
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