Are you making any late-summer trip plans? Perhaps you’re traveling to a remote lodge or to meet your family at the beach. Some of our furry friends really, really like exploring new locations with their people. Others would definitely prefer to stay at home. Of course, you may need to travel with your pet for reasons other than vacations, such as relocation. Read on for advice from a local Nacogdoches, TX veterinarian about traveling with Fido and Fluffy.
Packing For Your Pet
You’ll need to bring a travel bag. You should include food, treats, a few toys, towels, bedding, a spare leash and collar, a tie-line, and a pet-first-aid kit.
You will also need to bring your documents. (Pro tip: upload them to the cloud so you can access them from anywhere.) If you’re not sure if your pet’s food will be available at your location, consider shipping some to yourself.
Booking a Flight for Your Pet: Key Trips
Flying can be quite stressful for pets.
We normally recommend against flying with bigger dogs unless absolutely necessary. If you must fly with your pet, take your time and conduct your research before booking.
People often want to know what the rules are for flying with pets. Service animals are always welcome on planes. Air Canada accepts pets, but if somebody on the flight has allergies, your pet cannot fly unless they are in a carrier with a filter. Going to the United States? The TSA has several common procedures for allowing pets past security. Pets must be leashed or in carriers, but you may need to remove the leash and carry your pet through the metal detector. Carriers will also undergo inspection.
Aside from that, each airline is unique. Southwest, Alaska, United, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Spirit, and Frontier are among the airlines that allow pets to fly in-cabin. However, you should check with the airline. They may also vary depending on weight restrictions and whether you are permitted to purchase a seat for your pet.
Choosing Flights And Airlines
If you’re traveling with Fido or Fluffy, try to book a direct flight if possible. The longer the day/flight, the more stressed Fido and Fluffy will become. A three-hour direct flight will be less harsh for your pet than a 14-hour trip with layovers.
If your pet is little enough to fly with you in the cabin, that is excellent. However, larger pets may need to travel in the luggage compartment. Consider twice before booking, as this can be stressful and uncomfortable. Not only are the luggage bays very loud, but they lack the same climate control as the cabin. If there are any delays, your beloved friend may be trapped in his kennel for a while.
That’s not to suggest that pets cannot travel safely in cabins. You will need to be diligent. Check out each airline’s website and read reviews from people who have traveled with their dogs. Also, try to schedule a direct trip or one with only a quick layover.
You should also talk with your veterinarian. You may need travel documents. Your pet may also require further vaccinations or parasite treatments. Of course, this will be determined by where you are traveling.
It may also be beneficial to give your pet anti-anxiety medication or sedatives when traveling. Don’t give your furry pal anything unless your vet approves. If you do end up giving your pet any calming medication, make sure to follow the directions exactly.
Also, ensure that your pet is microchipped and wearing ID tags. GPS tags are not a bad idea, either. Just look at the numerous possibilities before making a purchase.
It is also critical to ensure that your contact information is on file with the carrier. This can be accomplished with baggage tags, but a mailing label covered with clear tape would suffice.
Taking A Road Trip With Your Pet
Car rides are undoubtedly gentler for Fido and Fluffy than airplanes. Some of the guidelines remain the same: you must still exercise prudence, and take every precaution to keep your buddy comfy and safe on the trip.
Carsickness
Some pets, like people, are prone to vehicle sickness. If your pet gets sick on the road, you can try desensitizing them by taking them for drives. Begin with short distances and gradually expand them. Your veterinarian may also be able to prescribe medicine.
Another note: if your pet does get carsick, don’t feed them just before a trip.
Keeping Pets Comfortable
Getting a fantastic crate is a good place to start, but it’s not the only thing to think about.
Make certain the cabin is comfortable. If you’re traveling in the summer or winter, start the engine and adjust the climate control before taking your pet out to the car.
You should also ensure that your pet has adequate air circulation. Break a window and/or turn on the ace.
When working with dogs, make sure to take regular breaks to allow Fido to stretch his legs and relieve himself. This is an excellent opportunity to use a park or trail locator app.
Crating Pets For Travel
By law, pets must travel in a container or carrier on airplanes. This isn’t generally regulated when it comes to car rides, but it’s still by far your best option. Even if Fido glances around while riding with his head out the window, it is extremely dangerous. Bugs, gravel, dust, and even lighted cigarettes could land in your dog’s face. Furthermore, if you had to stop abruptly—or worse, in an accident—he could be seriously harmed.
Make sure your pet’s crate is comfortable. Add some soft bedding and comfort toys.
Of course, getting your pet comfortable in their crate should begin well before the actual travel. Ideally, this should begin when your canine companion is still relatively young. Even if you don’t plan to crate your dog nightly, he should be comfortable with being crated for travel or appointments.
Your furry buddy should ideally view their crate as a pleasant den rather than a jail cell. You want him to establish good associations with it. Start by offering him toys and treats in their crate, then start feeding him in it.
From there, you can progress to closing the door and gradually increasing the length of time your pet spends in the crate.
You can also look at automobile seat belts and netting. Just be careful with these. They prevent your furry bestie from wandering around the cabin and getting in your way, but they may not provide much (if any) protection in the event of an accident. Read reviews and contact your veterinarian for help.
Fun With Fido On Your Trip
When you get to your destination, keep your dog on a leash or in a fenced area. You may also want to research local dangers. Every habitat has unique flora and fauna, some of which may be hazardous.
Once you’ve checked in, take Fido for a stroll and let him explore. This is a terrific way for you and your pet to acquire a feel for your surroundings while also spending time together. Don’t forget to snap cute pics!
Not Travelling With Pets (Consider Boarding)
While all of the advice we’ve offered above is sound, we do want to point out that, in many cases, pets are both safer and more comfortable being boarded at a trustworthy kennel. Always put your pet’s safety first.
Make An Appointment At Our Nacogdoches, TX Animal Hospital
Is your pet in need of a travel certificate? Please do not hesitate to contact us for any of your pet’s veterinary care needs. As your Nacogdoches, TX pet hospital, we are here to assist!
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