Tips for Traveling with the Family Pet
Your pet is part of the family, and your vacation wouldn’t be the same without your animal companion. So how do you make sure your pet is comfortable and safe while you’re traveling? Review these tips to ensure good pet care when you’re on the road.
Visit Your Veterinarian
Make sure you have proof that your pet’s vaccinations are current, as these are required for foreign travel and sometimes for interstate trips. Also, some airlines require a health certificate that is dated within 10 days of your trip. Having your pet equipped with an identification microchip is also a good idea in case you are inadvertently separated.
Decide on Transport
Most airlines are used to transporting pets; just check with the airline you’ve chosen and follow its specific animal care guidelines. Small pets can usually ride with you as long as they stay in a carrier stowed under the seat. Larger animals usually will have to travel in cargo. Most bus and train companies don’t allow animals, but driving is always an option, and there are many pet-friendly hotels.
Select Your Carrier
It’s best to keep your pets inside a carrier or strapped into a harness while you’re driving. This prevents them from distracting you and keeps them safe in the event of a sudden stop. Make sure the carrier is big enough for them to stand up and turn around in, and strap the carrier in place for maximum safety.
Bring the Basics
If space permits, bring food and water from home. Switching brands of food or varieties of tap water as you travel from place to place can cause digestive problems—the last thing you want when you’re in a car with an animal. Also make sure you have an adequate supply of any medicine your veterinarian has prescribed.
Your veterinarian can be your best friend when it comes to pet travel. At Heart of Chelsea Animal Hospital, our staff members are also pet owners who can advise you on traveling safely with your beloved friend. Call us at (917) 675-3708 to schedule a consultation at our office in Chelsea.
