Don’t Leave Your Furry Family Members Behind

Be Prepared

• Call before you leave to make sure your hotel accepts pets. Check restrictions or fees.
• Vaccinations may be required when traveling.
• Plan your mode of transportation in advance.
• Avoid crowds; it may make your pet nervous or skittish.
• Use a leash to prevent losing your pet.
• Have an identification tag and a current photo if your pet.
• Have your vet install an ID chip in your pet.

Car Travel Tips

• Avoid leaving your pet unattended in the vehicle to prevent heatstroke. If you leave your pet in the vehicle, leave at least two windows open for a cross draft and fresh air.
• Plan for twice as many rest stops; animals need to stretch and go to the bathroom more than humans.
• Feed your pet only small meals before leaving to avoid motion sickness.
• Take your pet for ‘warm up’ car rides to prepare your pet for the long ride ahead.
• If you have a dog, teach it to lay down quietly inside of the vehicle, and avoid allowing it to stick its head out of the windows. This is a hazard to your dog’s eyes.
• You cannot train a cat. However, some will lay comfortably in a corner of the car, while others may need to be placed in a carrier.
• Keep a leash or harness on your pet even when in the car to prevent it from trying to bolt out the window.
• Have food, dishes, (a can opener if you have a cat), some treats, a favorite toy, a blanket, and a comb or brush. Paper towels, odor and stain removal supplies to clean up after your pet.

Air Travel Tips

• Air travel is stressful and crowded. Plan in advance to avoid various complications.
• Call ahead to make sure that your pet will be allowed in a carrier under the seat, or if it must be transported separately.
• For smaller pets, especially fish, check with the airline freight departments, or pet stores to supply shipping containers for your pet. Smaller animals are often more susceptible to stress and shock that larger ones.
• Some airlines require a health certificate before they fly. Call ahead for requirements.
• Clip your pet’s nails to avoid snagging and injuries.
• Pet’s identification, including the destination, should be clearly labeled on your pets tag and kennel. Write ‘Live animal’ on the kennel in big letters, along with care information.
• Be early, especially for air travel. When shipping your pet, leave two hours for processing.
• Notify the person receiving the pet. Give them the flight and waybill number. Pets can usually be picked up within 90 minutes of flight arrival.

Alternatives
Instead of bringing your pet on your travels, keep them at home with someone familiar to feed and care for your pet twice a day. A boarding kennel or a professional sitter are also options.

References:

1. This information was obtained directly from www.healthypets.com