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Automobile
Most pet owners assume that their animals love to ride in the car. This is not the case for them all. Some animals experience motion sickness just like humans which, can result in a messy trip. It is important to know how your pet will act in the car before jumping into your journey.
Before you embark on your trip, load your pet into the car and take him on a trip around the block a few times or, let him ride along with you while running errands that do not require him to be left alone in the car. This will allow him to get used to being confined in the car and give you a sense on how he will behave. If he seems to get nauseous or have motion sickness, call our office. There are several recommendations we can make to aid in the comfort of your pet. If he is restless, timid, anxious, or terrified, we can also prepare a mild sedative that will help him be calm for the trip.
A trip with your pet does not have to be difficult and we have unlimited resources to help prepare you and your friend for an enjoyable and relaxing time away.
Airlines
There are several things to consider when making travel plans that involve your pets. There are EVEN MORE things to consider when making travel plans with your pet(s) that involve airlines. Thinking ahead will save some major catastrophes in your travel plans when going by air.
First, find out what the airline you are flying on requires. Some airlines require that your pet(s) has a health certificate, provided by a veterinarian with their signature, in order to board the plain. These certificates ensure the pet is healthy and able to withstand climate change, as well as altitude change, while flying. This goes for pets that are flying in cargo or in cabin. Most of these certificates are only honored for 10 days as well. If your plans require a longer stay, you may have to make special arrangements with your airline.
Vaccination records, at least rabies, are normally required at the time of check-in as well. Sometimes, these records are required to have a veterinary stamp or doctor signature to validate them. Again, checking your airline’s protocol for transporting pets is a must before flying.
Here is a checklist of considerations before flying:
- General guidelines
- Some airlines allow passengers to carry on small animals in the cabin, just like carry on luggage. These pets must be transported in a kennel that is small enough to fit under the passenger’s seat.
- Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old and weaned before traveling with the airlines.
- Kennel safety
- Kennels must be enclosed and allow room for the pet to stand, sit, breathe, and rest comfortably. For pets riding in the cargo hold, the kennel must be easy to open, strong enough to withstand the stress of shipping, and free of objects that could hurt the pet.
- Kennels must also have a solid, leak proof bottom that’s covered with litter or absorbent lining. The airlines generally allow wire or other ventilated sub floors, but pegboard flooring is prohibited.
- In order to prevent cargo workers from being bitten, all kennels must have grips or handles. Kennels must also be labeled with “live animal” or “wild animal” on the top and one side with directional arrows indicating the position of the kennel. Lettering must be at least one inch high.
- Each species must have its own kennel with the exception of compatible pets of similar size.
- Food and water
- Instructions for feeding, watering, and administering medication to the pet over a 24-hour period must be attached to the kennel. The schedule will assist the airline in providing care for the pet in case it’s diverted from its scheduled destination. Food and water dishes must be securely attached and accessible without opening the kennel.
- Airlines and state health officials generally require health certificates for all animals transported by air. A licensed veterinarian must examine the animal within 10 days of transport and issue the health certificate.
