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Travelling With Your Pet
Travelling with your pet can bring many challenges. But by planning ahead, you can provide ac omfortable experience for your pet ( good pet care), and avoid any pet health problems. Plan ahead If you plan to travel by plane, bus, train or boat, find out if your pet will be welcome and what kind of reservations and transport arrangements must be made. If you’ll be staying at hotels, motels or campgrounds, you must check if animals are allowed or if kennel facilities are available. Travelling by plane Having your dog along may add enjoyment to your trip. It's important to keep your dog's health and safety in mind when traveling, so be sure to check with the airline well in advance of your trip. Familiarize yourself with the airline's pet requirements so that you can avoid any last minute problems. Here are some basic tips for airline travel with your dog: 1. Take direct flights and try to avoid connections and layovers. This eliminates missed baggage connections and the chance that your dog will be left in extreme weather.
2. Many airlines will allow one pet in coach and one in first class, with some provisions. Some airlines limit the number of pets traveling within the cabin area so be sure to notify the airline that your dog will be traveling with you. Your dog must be in a standard cage that will fit under the seat and must not disturb your fellow travelers. 3. Update all vaccinations and take all necessary health papers with you. A health certificate for your dog will be required for most flights. If you are traveling to a foreign country, be aware that many countries require a specific health certificate. It may take several days or even weeks for your veterinarian to acquire the form so plan well in advance. You might also inquire about possible requirements to quarantine your dog should you be traveling to a foreign country or an island. 4. If possible, use airlines that hand carry your dog (inside the cage) to and from the aircraft. Otherwise, the cage could simply be placed on a conveyor belt. 5. Do not feed your dog for six hours before the flight; allow water until flight time. Water should be available in the cage. Give the dog fresh water as soon as it arrives at the destination. 6. Avoid the busiest travel times so airline personnel will have extra time to handle your dog. 7. Do not tranquilize your dog without first discussing it with your veterinarian. 8. Make sure the cage has specific feeding and identification labels permanently attached. 9. Baggage liability limitations apply to your dog. Check your ticket for liability limits or, better yet, speak directly with the airline. If you are sending an economically valuable pet, you may want to purchase additional liability insurance. 10. Be aware that airline travel may pose a risk for dogs with a pre-existing medical problem. For example,you should give serious thought to traveling by plane with a dog who has kidney disease or heart disease. Also, one study has shown that short-faced breeds of dogs (English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pekinese) do not travel well in certain situations. Discuss these issues with your veterinarian prior to travel.
Your dog's travel cage will be its "home" for much of your trip. It's important to choose the right cage. Here are some helpful guidelines: 1. The cage should be large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around freely. 2. The walls of the carrier should be strong and waterproof. This will prevent crushing and waste (urine) leakage. 3. There must be adequate ventilation on at least three sides of the cage. 4. The cage must have sturdy handles for baggage personnel to use.
5. The cage should have a water tray which is accessible from the outside so that water can be added if needed. 6. Cover the bottom of the cage with an absorptive covering or underpad. Check with a pharmacy for the flat absorbent underpads that are designed for bedridden people with bladder control problems. Try to familiarize your dog with the travel cage before you leave for your trip. Let your dog play inside with the door both open and closed. This will help eliminate some of your dog's stress during the trip. By applying a few common sense rules, you can keep your traveling dog safe. 1. Arrange ahead of time to stay in a hotel that allows pets. The links page lists several online travel directories. 2. Make sure that your dog wears a collar with an identification tag securely fastened. It should have your name, address, and telephone number. 3. If you leave your dog unattended in lodging rooms, make sure that there is no opportunity for escape. My dog once escaped by flipping the door handle on the hotel room. Leave the dog in the cage or in the bathroom. Use the "Do Not Disturb" sign. Remember, advance planning is vital to making the trip an enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.
Travelling by car
If your pet is not used to being in a car, take him for a few short rides before your trip. Your cat will probably be safer and more comfortable in a carrier. Pets should NEVER be allowed to put their heads outside the window when riding in a car. Dirt particles can cause injury or infections and cold air taken into the lungs can lead to illness. If you’re taking a long drive plan ‘snacks’, exercise and rest stops about every two hours. Give the main meal at the end of the day.
Dry food is more convenient but if your pet needs canned food, dispose of any unused portions if they cannot be refrigerated. It is not recommended to leave your dog or cat in a parked car for a prolonged period of time. If you must leave your pet in a parked car, lock all doors and open windows enough to provide good ventilation, without allowing him enough room to jump out or get hid head caught. Remember, on hot days, the temperature in a parked car can rise to dangerous levels in just minutes and your pet could die of heat stroke.
Travelling by bus, train or boat Not all inter-city or inter-provincial bus lines allow you to travel with your pet, so phone ahead for information. VIA Rail does not permit pets to travel in passenger cars but they may travel in cages as checked luggage. Some cruise ships do welcome pets. Check with the cruise line or ask your travel agent.
Ensure your pet ALWAYS wears a collar with complete identification and a license tag. Pack his favourite food, toys, dishes, cool water and a leash. Have your pet examined and vaccinated, if necessary, by your veterinarian before a long trip. If your pet must travel in a crate or carrier, make sure it is strong, large enough for him to stand up and turn around, has a place for food and water, is well ventilated, has a leak-proof bottom and closes securely. If you are planning a trip abroad with your pet, contact the consulate or embassy of your destination or ask your travel agent for advice as health and vaccination regulations vary greatly. Find MORE ANSWERS at Dr. Jones' Inner Circle! |
