Pets are more then just companions; they are so much a part of our extended families, that it's natural we want to take them along when
we travel.
Greenwich, Connecticut (June 12, 2009)–
According to the 2009/20010 American Pet Products Association’s National Pet Owners Survey, on average dog owners will take their pet on three car trips per year and cat owners will take their cat on five car trips per year. Now, pet
product manufacturers make everything under the sun to make a trip with
your pet safer, more convenient and enjoyable.
Pet Friendly Hotels
Many hotels across the country are adopting pet friendly policies. In fact, several chains have announced new pet-friendly policies which include everything from over sized pet pillows, plush doggie robes to check-in gift packages that include a pet toy, dog treat, ID tag, bone and, a nightly turn down treat.
Search for pet friendly hotels that accept both cats and dogs when you're
traveling so you can bring your furry friend along with the rest of the family!
Automobile Travel Tips
First time pet travelers will have extra work ahead of them - start out by caging or crating your pet and taking short drives, increasing the distances and durations. How well your pet responds to these "short trips" will be a good
indication on how good a traveler they'll make.
Pets should have collars and ID tags, at a minimum, in case pet and owner are separated. ID tattoos and a microchip are a preference, and owners should
also carry a recent photo of their pet to help describe your pet, just in case you get separated from your dog or cat
Crate, safety harness or other restraining device is important to ensure the safety of both your two & four legged family members
Cats should never be allowed to wander freely inside an automobile. Frightened cats invariably head straight for the foot pedals. Believe me, your
cat will feel much more comfortable in its own carrier with a blanket and toy
inside.
Dogs can get excited while traveling. The crate or car harness will keep him
safe in sudden stops and prevent him from jumping into the front seat with
the driver.
The American Veterinary Medical Association does not recommend tranquilizing or sedating pets when traveling by air. Check with your vet before dispensing any Med’s to traveling animals. However, a calming aid will help your pets relax & get settled in - calming aids come in a variety of forms including biscuits, tablets, gels, drops, and sprays, so, choose the one that best suits your pet’s individual needs.
Remember to double check on the fact that carriers are secured with a seat
belt or bungee cords.
Carry adequate amounts of fresh cold water - Ice chips are easier to give
than water and will keep him busy. A collapsible travel bowl for dispensing fresh
Water. Consider either bringing water from home or purchasing bottled water
along the way as the local water may upset your pet’s system
Do not allow pets to hang out windows - it's dangerous and may even cause inner ear damage, lung infections or, they could be injured by flying objects.
Try to keep as close as possible to food schedules – NEVER feed pets in a moving vehicle—even if it’s a long drive try to limit the quantity of food until your reach your destination. Less food is a better rule.
Make frequent pit stops – At least every few hours for exercise and bladder comfort breaks. Be mindful of your pet's personal needs and limitations –Is their preferred food available, how frequently they need to stop for a break, are they prone to car sickness etc
If your pet is prone to car sickness, do not feed within 4 hours of leaving and feed him minimally on the trip.
Be careful when introducing your pet to strangers; especially don't allow
curious children or adults to approach your pet without your supervision.
If traveling domestically;
AIRLINE TRAVEL
Pet travel check lists- Preparation” is THE major theme when traveling with pets
Prior to departure-
Obtain proper vaccinations and updated health certificates
Obtain a current photograph of your pet
Check your intended destination for any "pet" warnings such as
infectious diseases, parasites, tick other animal prone hazards and be
sure have updated vaccines.
Secure proper Identification for your pet (collar tags, or Microchip).
Obtain a current photograph of your pet so that you can attach it to
the kennel identification purposes. Should your pet escape from the
carrier, this could be a lifesaver. Also carry a photograph of your pet.
Put together a list of your pet’s essentials, any medications they take,
in addition to a few items that really make your pet feel comfortable.
Take pets to a Veterinary for a general check up and any renewal of
shots and obtain proper vaccinations and updated health certificates
Don’t forget about the 10 day rule for health certificates!
IF POSSIBLE:
PETS IN CABIN
On flights of less than 6 hours most airlines will allow pets to be taken with the passenger in the cabin (except travel to the UK). Some airlines allow animals weighting 15 pounds or less to ride in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Generally speaking the airline will only allow one pet per passenger and a maximum of two pets per cabin. The container for the pet must fit under the seat in front of you and must have a waterproof bottom.
To view the requirements for individual airlines visit this page: http://www.pettravel.com/airline_rules.cfm
PETS BEING SHIPPED AS CARGO
You will need to certify that your pet is healthy enough to travel as cargo which can be done by purchasing an Acclimation Certificate
You will need to purchase a USDA-approved shipping kennel which is large enough for your pet to stand, sit and turn around in comfortably.
Shipping kennels can be purchased here at uptownpetshop.net, from other pet supply stores or, the airlines themselves.
In addition, LIVE ANIMALS stickers are required to be place on the top
and sides of the kennel and the font must be larger than one inch tall.
Use arrows to prominently indicate the upright position of the kennel on the top of the kennel - write the name, address and telephone number of your pet's destination point, and whether you or, someone else is picking him up.
Make sure that the door is securely closed, but not locked, so that airline
personnel can open it in case of an emergency.
Line the crate bottom with some type of bedding—shredded paper or towels— to absorb accidents.
NEW IATA/APHIS PET KENNEL REQUIREMENTS
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TIPS
If you are taking a pet to another country (permanently or for a visit),
contact that country's consulate or embassy for information about any
requirements that you must meet. A list of consulates can be found at Foreign Consular Offices in the United States
Many countries require your pet to have an International Health Certificate
(APHIS FORM 7001 - "United States Interstate & International Certificate of
Health Examination for Small Animals") to be completed by the APHIS accredited veterinarian who certifies animal health status, conducts tests, and records test results for the individual animals being exported.
Completed and signed international health certificates for the export of animals
from the United States must be endorsed by a Veterinary Services area office
in order to be valid. To obtain the USDA endorsement of an international health certificate or any other documents relating to traveling with your pet, the documents must be completed by an APHIS Accredited Veterinarian.
The Missing Pet Network
http://www.missingpet.net/
The MPN is a group of volunteers sponsored by the USDA Animal Care Office,
who help people find missing pet animals. The group accepts no money for
their services, makes no endorsements, and does not accept advertising on their web pages.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
(www.cdc.gov) is your online source for credible health information.
Working with states and other partners, CDC provides a system of health surveillance to monitor and prevent disease outbreaks, implement disease
prevention Strategies, and maintain national health statistics. CDC also guards against international disease transmission, with personnel stationed in more
than 25 foreign countries
U. S. Department of State
www.state.gov/travel - The Dept. of State “Travel and Living Abroad” web page provides a plethora of information about global safety issues for travelers,
as well as information about passports, visas, adoption, living abroad, marriage
and divorce overseas, just to name a few topics. Most importantly, the site provides travelers with travel warnings, travel tips and other consular information.
World Health Organization (WHO)
www.who.int/about/en/ –WHO is the United Nations’ specialized agency for
health, established in 1948. Its website contains up-to-date information on health topics from around the world providing travelers with much needed information about safe food and water, insect and arthropod protection, travel medicine clinics, traveling with children and pets, as well as updates on diseases.