When you are organizing a trip, there are a lot of aspects to consider. When you add a pet to the equation, all of those details might become daunting. You don't have to leave your cat, dog, or small animal behind whether you are traveling for leisure or moving to a new location.
Here are some suggestions for keeping your pet comfortable while traveling, regardless of the form of transportation or the distance. From packing and planning to feeding and boarding, this information will assist you and your pet in navigating every step of the way.
Here are some suggestions for keeping your pet comfortable while traveling, regardless of the form of transportation or the distance. From packing and planning to feeding and boarding, this information will assist you and your pet in navigating every step of the way.
Prepare for Your Journey
One of the most crucial aspects of traveling with your pet is pre-travel preparation. You may spare yourselves a lot of inconveniences if you plan beforehand. Here are some crucial things to take into consideration:
Rehearse With Your Pet: If this is your pet’s first time traveling, get them used to it by taking them on brief drives and then escalate the time gradually. Make sure they are in their crate at all times so they get acclimated to it. Take them for a walk around the train station or airport to familiarize them with the sounds and smells. Reward your four-legged friend for good conduct.
Rehearse With Your Pet: If this is your pet’s first time traveling, get them used to it by taking them on brief drives and then escalate the time gradually. Make sure they are in their crate at all times so they get acclimated to it. Take them for a walk around the train station or airport to familiarize them with the sounds and smells. Reward your four-legged friend for good conduct.
Buy the Correct Carrier
If you are purchasing a shipping crate for your pet, make sure it is approved by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Your pet should be able to stand, sit, and turn around comfortably in the carrier.
Make the carrier comfortable: line it with an absorbent base, such as shredded paper or fabric. Freeze some water before your trip starts, so it will melt when your pet becomes thirsty and won't spill during the loading process. Bring a container with dry food to feed your pet during a layover or long travel. Also, make sure your pet's identification is attached to the box in case it gets lost in the airport or train station.
Make the carrier comfortable: line it with an absorbent base, such as shredded paper or fabric. Freeze some water before your trip starts, so it will melt when your pet becomes thirsty and won't spill during the loading process. Bring a container with dry food to feed your pet during a layover or long travel. Also, make sure your pet's identification is attached to the box in case it gets lost in the airport or train station.
Plan a Pre-Trip Vet Checkup
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest pet owners notify their veterinarians before traveling. It may require multiple appointments to complete the vaccine calendar and get the paperwork ready, so schedule your vet visits well ahead of time.
Vaccines, tests, and certificates: rabies certificates, blood tests, and certain vaccines may be required up to 6 months prior to departure in some countries. Failure to follow these guidelines could result in your pet being separated from you when you arrive in your destination country, as government officials may need to quarantine your pet.
Flea protection and meds: If your pet needs tick and flea prevention, eats special food, or is on any medications, stock enough to last the whole trip and a few weeks afterwards.
Stress Reduction: get informed about therapies that may make your pet's journey not so stressful. If your pet is prone to anxiety, consult with your veterinarian about sedatives for the trip.
Vaccines, tests, and certificates: rabies certificates, blood tests, and certain vaccines may be required up to 6 months prior to departure in some countries. Failure to follow these guidelines could result in your pet being separated from you when you arrive in your destination country, as government officials may need to quarantine your pet.
Flea protection and meds: If your pet needs tick and flea prevention, eats special food, or is on any medications, stock enough to last the whole trip and a few weeks afterwards.
Stress Reduction: get informed about therapies that may make your pet's journey not so stressful. If your pet is prone to anxiety, consult with your veterinarian about sedatives for the trip.
Speak to the Airline Staff
If your pet is traveling in the plane's cargo hold rather than the cabin, double-check that they have loaded your pet onboard. This is especially critical if you and your pet have to fly many times. Don't be afraid to request confirmation from the airline employees if you haven't previously been informed of your pet's whereabouts before takeoff.
Because of the plane's air filtering system, pets, like people, become thirsty while traveling and flying. If you may keep your pet with you in the cabin, don’t forget to give your pet something to drink during the flight as they also get dehydrated because of the plane’s air filtering system.
Because of the plane's air filtering system, pets, like people, become thirsty while traveling and flying. If you may keep your pet with you in the cabin, don’t forget to give your pet something to drink during the flight as they also get dehydrated because of the plane’s air filtering system.
