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Traveling with your pet is not always easy. Dr. Liza Cahn, a consultant for accepting PET insurance, offers tips on how to make the process easier. For both you and your pet.
Prepare your pets for your trip
However, although you plan to travel with your pet, such as cars, trains, plains, and buses, it is very important to prepare in advance.
4 Tips for Preparing Your Pets for Travel
Investigate the requirements and restrictions related to travel modes and destinations. This can be a rather complicated process, especially if you are planning to travel internationally with your pet. If you are flying, you will need to determine whether your pet will travel together in the cabin or be shipped as manifest cargo. Many airlines no longer allow animals to move as checked baggage. Book with your veterinarian for a health certificate (often required within 10 days of your trip) and make sure your pet is up to date with healthy, preventative care and vaccines. It is also important to consider your pet's age, breed and health. For example, Brachycephalic (flat face) variety has a much higher risk of stress-related respiratory problems. Buy the right carrier in advance so that your pet has enough time to get used to it. When traveling by plane, the airline has specific requirements regarding size, materials and ventilation. Adaptation training is essential to help your pet feel safe and comfortable in a wooden frame. Give them with treats and praise for exploring and entering the crate, offer high value treats and puzzle toys, and try feeding them in a wooden frame. Once they feel comfortable, you can close the door for a short period of time and go for a test ride in the car. Sedating your pet for a trip may seem appealing, but this is not actually recommended. Sedation can affect your pet's breathing, cardiovascular system, and temperature control. In some cases, it can cause disorientation, worsen anxiety, and lead to injuries. It is best to talk to your vet about anxiety medications (if any) may be recommended, especially if your pet is traveling with you in a car or plane cabin, and therefore under close supervision. Adapting your pet to a wooden frame and using pheromone sprays such as Ferryway and Adapil can also help with anxiety.
Find pet-friendly accommodations
Generally, there are plenty of options to find pet-friendly accommodations. There are several websites specializing in this. While many hotels and Airbnbs allow pets as well, it is important to read and understand your pet policy thoroughly to ensure that additional fees are required and stay up to date with certain vaccinations. If you are in doubt, please contact the property directly.
Navigate your air travel with animals
All of the above tips apply to flying with your pet, but some other considerations include schedules for direct flights whenever possible and travel if you're not busy. It is safest for your pet to fly in the cabin with you, but it has strict size requirements. The next best option is to ship your pet as manifest cargo. This is safer than sending as checked luggage due to stricter handling procedures and temperature control. Always check your airline's policies prior to your trip. They have requirements ranging from the size and type of crate that are acceptable to those that can be placed in crates with animals. Ideally, I would like to include some comfortable items, including familiar toys and bedding, small trash cans for cats, and plenty of fresh water.
