Traveling with Pets
Follow this safety tips and planning advice for easy pet travel. Learn how a little research can make traveling with pets (dogs or cats) a breeze.
Anyone with a dog or cat knows that a pet is part of the family. So how could you possibly take a family vacation without your beloved Fido? Whether you are hitting the open road or flying the friendly skies, traveling with pets requires a lot of prep work. If you want to keep your furry friend safe and happy (and minimize your own stress) take the time to plan out your pet’s travel needs well in advance.
Pets Traveling by Air
Before you book your flight to Hawaii or New Mexico find out what restrictions the air carrier has with regards to pet travel. Most airlines will allow dogs and cats on their domestic flights, although travel to Hawaii may be limited to service animals. Your next step is to check the airlines’ pet kennel restrictions. Some small pets may be allowed to stay with you in the plane’s cabin as long as you keep the animal inside it’s carrier. Do not try to make your pet fit into a smaller kennel just so she can be with you. The following guidelines will ensure that your pet carrier will be a comfortable fit for the animal.
- Measure the length of your pet from the nose to the base of the tail.
- Measure the width of your pet from shoulder to shoulder.
- Measure the height of your pet while she is standing.
- Use those measurements to choose a kennel that will allow your pet to stand, sit, turn around and lie down comfortably.
- Give your pet plenty of time to get used to the kennel prior to the trip.
The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that owners refrain from giving their pets any sedatives before a flight. Tranquilizers can disrupt an animals’ natural equilibrium and cause them to fall down and injure themselves during a flight. Sedatives can also cause respiratory problems when combined with the plane’s cabin pressure.
Talk with your veterinarian to be certain your pet is old enough and healthy enough for air travel. Even if your pet’s doctor gives air travel the thumbs up, it is possible that your airline has age and health restrictions that could thwart your plans.
A great tip for air travel is to freeze some water in a bowl and put that in the kennel with your pet. That way the water will not spill, but your dog or cat can still get some refreshment.
Traveling with Pets by Car
Some animals love the smell of fresh air and are content to sleep the day away tucked safely inside their carrier. Others come apart at the seams just at the mention of the words bye-bye. Ask your veterinarian about safe sedation methods for car travel and be prepared to take your nervous puppy on several walks during the trip. Over time, many pets come to enjoy traveling in a vehicle, especially when they know what kind of fun lies ahead.
To keep your pet safe while inside a moving vehicle have them stay inside a travel carrier. While it may seem like more fun to let Fluffy sit on your lap it is dangerous for the pet and for everyone else on the road. Giving your pet time to get used to the carrier and keeping a special blanket or toy inside will help them feel more comfortable when it comes time to travel. Make sure your pet has easy access to water and that the carrier isn’t placed next to a hot and sunny window. Heatstroke is a very real concern for pets so make sure their kennel is well ventilated.
Before you hit the road, make note of hotels along the way that welcome pets. Choice Hotels International has over 1,400 pet-friendly properties around the country. Holiday Inn Express is another well known brand that has pet-friendly locations through the United States and Canada. Marriot is also getting on board as more and more hotels under the Marriot umbrella are welcoming pets and their owners.
Pet Travel Basics
No matter how far you are traveling or what method you choose, there are a few things you should always remember. Keep a copy of your pet’s health record, including all up-to-date vaccinations. Make sure your pet is wearing it’s collar and identification tag at all times. Also, put together a list of emergency veterinarians in and around your vacation destination. And of course, bring a camera so you can take lots of pictures of you and your extended family on your next vacation.
