Just a decade or so ago, it was common for people to kennel their pets or ideally find a pet sitter when they went on vacation. These days, adventurous cats can be seen on Instagram shamelessly hiking through the backcountry with their owners.
On the other hand, more and more hotels have “pets welcome” policies, so no one is amused when I say I want to bring my dog on a trip.
While my animal companions and I may continue to ride in the car simply for comfort, many people choose to ride with their furry friends on planes, trains, or, less commonly, I also put it on a boat. Inviting your four-legged family member can greatly enrich your trip, but it also involves careful consideration, thorough preparation, and overall great responsibility at each stage of the journey.
We reviewed research and asked pet experts to uncover the most common and complex issues involved in the decision to include a pet in your travels, such as camping during a domestic road trip or flying cross-border. Did. After all, your pet companion's health and well-being is just as important as the major logistical factors you face during the travel planning process.
Pre-travel health check
At a very basic level, you should schedule a veterinarian visit before heading out or flying to make sure your animal is healthy and up to date on key vaccines. Depending on the risks present at your destination, you may want to consider other vaccinations, such as vaccines for leptospirosis, Lyme disease, canine influenza virus and rattlesnake, says a renowned veterinarian at national home service The Vets. says Nicole Savageau. Preventive medications such as flea, tick, and heartworm (transmitted through mosquito bites) preventatives should also always be given.
When traveling, be sure to carry your pet's documentation, such as vaccination records and medical history. It would also be wise for him to research and prepare information for 24-hour emergency veterinary clinics at his destination. Because medical emergencies always seem to occur at the most inopportune times, and it's hard to stay calm when something happens. for a moment.
You can find a list of veterinarians and pet emergency hospitals in the United States on the American Animal Hospital Association website. Keep the National Animal Poison Control Agency number (888-426-4435) on hand, along with the rest of your pet's documentation, in case your pet ingests something potentially toxic.
Pet travel reservations
If you're flying, you'll need to book a ticket for your four-legged friend when you book a ticket for yourself, as there's a limit to how many pets you can carry on a single flight . According to Gail Martz, CEO and President of Sherpa Pet Trading Company and creator of Sherpa, the award-winning airline-approved soft-sided pet carrier, there is something special about your pet. He said research needs to be done to find out if there are any restrictions. Things flying in the cabin.
Just as important as asking your airline or railroad company about pet-related requirements and restrictions, it's also important to ask about the pet policies of the hotel, vacation rental, campground, etc. you'll be staying at. Many properties advertise themselves as pet-friendly, but the degree to which they are pet-friendly varies.
Many hotels may have breed or weight restrictions, or may require additional fees or deposits for guests who plan to bring their pets with them during their stay. Some properties are committed to welcoming pets, offering special amenities and menus for your furry family member.
Pet travel requirements
What requirements must my companion animal meet to cross state lines or travel internationally? These prerequisites are set by the destination, but the airline must meet them. Be sure to check with your airline, as some may have their own requirements that may not be met. When such conditions are met, pet parents need to be aware that preparation (often well in advance) and proper timing are critical.
why? This is because a Veterinary Examination Certificate (“Certificate of Health”) must be obtained and signed by a federally certified veterinarian and is only valid for a limited period of time. Again, this largely depends on the requirements of the destination, but typically it is within 10 days of border crossing. You may also need additional documentation from your veterinarian proving your pet is up to date on required vaccinations.
Approval of the certificate by the USDA may also be a provision for international travel. For more information on this subject, check out the American Veterinary Medical Association's (AVMA) Animal Travel and Transportation Resources and Basic Timeline for Interstate and International Travel with Animals.
Please note that the state of Hawaii and many foreign countries also have quarantine requirements for animals. This means being isolated from your pet and kept in isolation for a pre-determined period of time. This is an important consideration when deciding whether to bring your pet with you on your trip. For the various pet travel requirements of your destination country, you should check with that country's consulate or embassy to confirm its regulations.
Proper identity verification
It happens. The animal panics and runs away from the carrier or owner. In an unfamiliar environment, there is no way for the animal to return to its owner after it has recovered from its fear. Ensuring your pet travels in a secure airline-approved carrier when flying, or on a leash when you're out and about, is a basic way to ensure your pet's safety. It's a part. Still, they must wear up-to-date ID tags and license tags, and in fact must also be microchipped.
When it comes to microchip implantation, the steps are not always straightforward. So make sure you have the correct type embedded, and this is important but often overlooked, register your chip number using your current contact information. Without this step, the microchip will not function as a GPS locator and is therefore useless, as many owners believe. The chip itself only transmits a unique number that can be detected by a special scanner, and only becomes useful when it is entered into a database and registered in the owner's information. If you adopted a previous pet, contact your microchip company to re-register your information on the chip. The old owner's contact information is equally unhelpful.
It is also important to pay attention to the type of microchip being implanted. If your pet gets lost overseas, the typical types used in the United States may not be helpful. In fact, some countries require pets to have an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-certified microchip only if they enter their borders. Fortunately, these days many of the leading pet microchip manufacturers ensure that their products are ISO certified, so they can be scanned and recognized in other countries.
Make your pet's health a priority
Taking your fur baby on a trip isn't very fun for anyone if you're feeling stressed and out of sorts physically, mentally, or emotionally. In addition to considering their basic health and safety, bring what they need to feel safe and comfortable in unfamiliar environments and plan ahead to ensure their broader well-being. is needed.
Mertz says you can prepare your pet for the carrier by first getting them comfortable in the carrier well in advance of the trip. “Get your pet a carrier at least a month before your trip, and work together to make sure your pet is comfortable while in the carrier. Take short, easy trips in the carrier to places like the dog park. Plan a few times so they look forward to getting into the carrier.'' Once they get used to their environment, you'll be surprised to see how they adapt to confined spaces. Once established as a safe space, dogs tend to consider it their “den,” an instinctive throwback reminiscent of their wolf ancestors.
This is especially important when traveling by plane, Mertz points out. “The best pets on board are the ones that no one knows is there. Pets have to stay under the seat for the entire flight, so it's important that they're comfortable in the carrier bag.”
Be sure to book your pet's air travel at the same time as your own air travel.
Also bring snacks, toys (avoid squeaky items as they will annoy passengers), a portable water bottle, a collapsible water container, and a small blanket or clothing that smells like you or your partner. It would be good to do that. home environment. A dog's or cat's sense of smell is much better at perceiving the world than a human's, and this can make your pet feel more at ease.
Martz also advises preparing for potential accidents (potty emergencies or motion sickness) by bringing extra towels and making sure your pet's carrier has an absorbent liner. I am. He can line the bottom with a disposable toilet pad made to absorb urine and line it with a waterproof plastic film, or choose a washable type. She also recommends “avoid feeding your dog large meals within six hours of your trip to reduce the chance of motion sickness.”
This last piece of advice applies to human-animal interactions in all situations, whether you're at home, walking around the neighborhood, or on vacation. No matter what situation you're faced with, “it's important to stay calm,” Mertz says. “Pets are sensitive to their owners' emotions. Staying calm and relaxed can help reduce their stress levels.”
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