Vacation season is rapidly approaching, and with it comes the decision of what to do with your pet. Do you hire a pet sitter or do take your four-legged family member on the trip with you? This element alone can cause some stressful moments in the trip planning stage. Of course, the pet sitters here at Sleep-Eas..ZZ are always happy to take care of your pets. However, if you choose to include your furry friends in all the fun, there are some things to keep in mind.

 5 Tips for Traveling Internationally with Your Pet

Before doing anything else, talk to your vet, as they will be able to get you headed in the right direction. After talking to your vet, the following things will need to be addressed:

1. Schedule any tests, vaccinations or inspections required by the country you plan to visit. Often, there are deadlines by which these items must be completed.
2. Visit the APHIS website if you have questions that your veterinarian cannot answer.
3. Contact the consulate or embassy of the country you will be visiting to ensure there are no new regulations or anything that has been overlooked.
4. Check with your carrier (train, plane, etc.) to see if there are any time constraints for moving animals. Often, transportation providers will have paperwork and rules that need to be addressed prior to boarding.
5. Keep in mind that the health related travel regulations are the same whether you plan to travel by plane, vehicle or boat.

If you do not feel comfortable handling this process on your own, there are agencies that will be happy to make the arrangements for you.  Also, as pets typically travel as baggage, they will go through the same procedure as baggage. Consequently, you will pick your pet up in the baggage claim area –unless you have traveled to a country where a quarantine period is required.

6 Tips for U.S. Traveling with Pets

Traveling in the States with your pet, doesn’t require all the paperwork of international travel, but you will still want to talk to your vet to ensure that shots are up to date and any health issues being treated can be managed while on your trip. You may also wish to get the name of a veterinarian in the area to which you are traveling, just in case there is an emergency. Once these two actions have taken place, then the following suggestions for traveling with your pet will be helpful:

1. If traveling by vehicle, do not let your pet roam around from seat to seat. It is safest to crate your pet and see that the crate is securely anchored via a seatbelt or harness.
2. Pack some of your pet’s favorite snacks; these can help calm your pet as well as make great rewards after Fido or Fluffy have been cooped up for a few hours.
3. If traveling with a cat, place a blanket over the carrier, as this will help them stay calm; cats like dark spaces.
4. Make plenty of stops along the way so your pet can stretch and relieve themselves. This will make both you and your pet happier.
5. Traveling alone with a pet is difficult. Consider having a friend come with you so that you can take turns having someone stay with your pet when you stop for restroom breaks.
6. Never leave your dog or cat alone in your vehicle. Either hot or cold temperatures mean unnecessary health risks.

6 Tips for Flying with Your Pet

1. When flying, always book a direct flight and travel on the same flight as your pet.
2. To keep your pet from dealing with motion sickness, it is recommended that your pet fly on an empty stomach. Give them plenty of food an exercise the day before, but skip the meal before the flight. However, you may wish to tape a zip bag of your pet’s favorite food and a bottle of water to the crate so airline employees can easily access it, should there be delays/unexpected layovers.
3. Clip your pet’s toenails.
4. Do not give your pet tranquilizers, unless prescribed by your vet.
5. Be sure you have a crate that is approved by the airline with which you will be flying.
6. Buy plastic identification tags. Your pet will need to go through security; avoid the unnecessary stress that metal tags will cause.

Traveling with your pet can be an exciting and enriching experience, but only if you have taken time to prepare in advance. As you plan your fun this year, be sure to keep these tips in mind. If you have other suggestions for pet travel, we would love to hear from you!

Share this Article!