Having a pet is like having a child. They need to be cared for, fed, and loved. The only difference is pets can’t precisely convey their specific needs – that’s where you come in!
Your pet will need food, water, toys, medication (if applicable), and, most importantly, love. Incorporate these pet traveling tips to make your journey as seamless as possible.
Traveling By Planes
Pets are not just for people. They can come along on your flight travels too! By anticipating special screening rules at the airport and coming prepared, your pet’s transition to flying should be a smooth one.
Holding an empty carrier in hand will make going through security far more manageable. Before arriving at the airport, be sure that all pets have their shots updated, so there’s no confusion during check-ins. If you suspect your pet will throw tantrums or display bad behavior due to fright, request a private room for your pet to calm down.
Book Your Plane Seat In Advance
Your furry friends may have to stay in the cargo if they’re not classified as service animals, forcing owners to cough up an extra $200. Because of this reason, it’s best to book a seat reservation in advance.
However, only some airlines allow this option, often charging a fee for bringing your pet on board.
Prepare Your Pet’s Carrier
The first step in preparing pets for travel is fitting them into their carriers for a comfortable, safe flight. Containers should have attached “live animal” stickers with a note confirming your personal and contact details and flight number. Pets should also have adequate room to stand and lie down, ensuring a spacious, stress-free environment.
It also helps to put food outside the box as long as it is included in the list of allowed food on the TSA food rules just in case of landing time delays. However, refrain from feeding pets five hours before your flight as a general rule of thumb. Animals, like people, suffer from motion sickness, and a full stomach could increase the likelihood of vomiting.
Research Your Destination
As an owner of a four-legged friend, many don’t realize that animal treats and vet records usually aren’t sufficient before traveling abroad. But don’t worry! When finding pet travel requirements for different countries or continents, many government sites offer pet immigration information.
With a quick google search, you can read up on all these rules, saving yourself and your pet from potential mishaps at airports. Once you know the countries that require vaccinations, find a veterinarian in your area to administer them. Pet insurance company’s like Bivvy may reimburse you for vaccination costs depending on your coverage plan.
Traveling By Road
The iconic images of dogs in cars have been immortalized for decades, with countless movies and cartoons portraying their pup as a free-thinking creature who happily sticks his head out the window. Despite this depiction, pet parents need to be aware of taking their four-legged friends along for road trips. Car owners must follow certain precautions to keep their dog’s behavior in check.
Preparing Your Pet For Long Trips
The sound of a car engine and long drives might be unfamiliar to your pet, so it’s best to acclimatize them beforehand. Build pet-car familiarity by doing a series of short journeys, gradually lengthening their time in the car. A quick drive down your parkway is a great starting point.
You’ll also want to bring along water for both yourself and your pet. However, it’s important to limit water consumption (including foods) since it can lead to digestive problems on longer journeys. For animals who suffer from anxiety, purchase soothing pills to calm their nerves. You’ll also want to plan plenty of stops, letting pups walk around and relieve themselves if necessary. Regular stopover points are also beneficial to drivers, helping avoid accidents on the drive home!
Don’t Leave Your Dog Unattended
Curious canines don’t err on the side of caution. They will playfully push switches, buttons, or even get stuck in your car’s power window. By staying and supervising your dog, you can prevent potential accidents harmful to your pet.
A parked car can also quickly heat up, making even a running air conditioner inadequate to prevent pets suffering from heat strokes. While cooling jackets are applied to help ease higher temperatures, your car’s interior should remain cool at all times.
Ensure Your Dog Is Comfortable
Many pets have in-built energy that needs the occasional release – so even if they’re not playing much during the day, their excitement will overflow during your car rides! If your pup becomes overly stimulated, try taking him/her on long walks at least twice per week (or more) to ensure a calmer dog during your road trip.
Implementing a comfortable seating arrangement is also conducive to a calm pet. With all the new sights and smells, your pet might be a little scared. Help make their transition easier by providing them with a secure carrier that’s appropriately sized.
