Traveling With (or Without) Your Pets

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The summer months are upon us, and that means it’s time to travel.  Whether you leave your furry friends at home or take them with you, you must know a few things before you go.

It is especially wise to make a quick trip to the veterinarian in advance of taking your dog or cat with you on a vacation.  While there, make sure your pet is current on all vaccinations and is in appropriate health to travel.  If you plan to board your pet at your destination, a health certificate and a rabies vaccine certificate will be required.  The natural world is brimming with things that can harm your dog, and if you intend to take your pup on a camping trip, a thorough medical examination and complete vaccination will drastically reduce the risk of your little loved one being harmed.  Your veterinarian can also prescribe sedatives for your dog or cat if he or she is a nervous traveler.

While a visit to the veterinarian is highly recommended before you travel with your pet locally, it is absolutely required before international travel.  Just as you need legal documentation and other provisions to enter another country, as does your pet.  The exact requirements depend on your destination, but generally, most travelers must meet the following specifications.  The pet must have:

1. A microchip and a scanner to travel with.  Scanners are available for rent from Avid at the cost of $20 a month and from Home Again for just the charge of shipping.  Microchips are administered by your veterinarian at a reasonable cost.

1. An original rabies certificate.  An inactivated vaccine must be given.

1. A Bilingual Veterinary Certificate.  This form must be signed by your veterinarian and the International Veterinary Office in Salt Lake City.  Your veterinarian will instruct you how to obtain this form.

1. A health certificate for the airline.  Check the airline you intend to travel with as each airline has its own set of guidelines.

Interstate travel requires a health certificate different from the certificate required by airlines for international travel.  A rabies certificate is also required for interstate travel.  Consult your veterinarian long before you travel internationally, state-to-state, or even locally to know what to prepare for.

If you plan to fly with your pet, do your research about all the available airlines.  Examine the airline’s animal transport and welfare policies.  Some airlines will allow pets in the cabin, some won’t.  Some airlines will not ship dogs as checked baggage while others will only accept dogs shipped as cargo.  Some airlines only allow service animals to fly.  Most airlines will charge an extra fee for pets to fly and are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.  It is also wise to inquire about pet insurance.  An airline that does not insure pets is probably not the airline of choice.  Finally, it would not hurt to make sure the airline’s crews are trained to handle animals.

You must understand the potential hazards associated with flying your pets before you book your tickets.  If your pet is flying in the cargo hold, the most dangerous time for him or her is that spent on the ground, as the cargo hold is unventilated and is neither cooled nor heated until takeoff.  If traveling in the summer, fly during the early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower.  Avoid flights with multiple stops to reduce to danger of heatstroke or hypothermia during layovers.  In addition, avoid holiday travel whenever possible as the chance of delays is much greater.  Once in the air, you may ask the flight crew to make sure your pet has adequate shelter and ventilation, and you may even ask to check for yourself.

Traveling by car with your pet is just as meticulous as traveling by air.  You must first make sure your pet is trained to ride in the car.  It is recommended that pets be confided to the back seat in either a carrier or a harness attached to the car’s seat belt for reasons applicable to the safety of the driver, the passengers, and the pet itself.  Pets must never be allowed to ride in the bed of a truck, as this is highly dangerous and illegal in some states.  It’s estimated that in excess of 100,000 dogs die from falls from pickup trucks every year.  If you must transport your dog in the bed of your truck, do so safely.  A crate specifically made for that purpose and appropriately tied down is the most acceptable method.  Dogs love to stick their heads out the open window, but this is also not a safe activity.  Many dogs are injured by road debris, insects, and other objects flying into their eyes, nostrils, or windpipe.  The cold air being forced into their lungs can also cause serious injury.  Keep all windows up, but make air flow in the car is adequate.  It is recommended that drivers stop every two hours to stretch their legs, and your pet will be grateful for the same break.  Let your pet walk around, answer the call of nature, and have a drink of water.  Do not feed him or her, however; feeding during the trip, even while you’re stopped, may induce car sickness.  Be sure to take along the appropriate tools to clean up after your dog or cat (i.e., a litter box for cats and plastic bags for dogs).

If you intend for your dog or cat to stay with you at your hotel, be sure to book with an establishment that allows pets.  Most hotels will state on their Web site whether or not they allow pets.  Make sure to take along your pet’s creature comforts from home, such as beds, blankets, toys, and food and water bowls.

Many travelers board their pets at their destination.  If you choose to do so, be sure to do your research.  Select a facility that is sanitary, well-kept, of adequate size, and has a caring, well-trained staff that is willing to work with your needs and the needs of your pet.  Again, a health certificate and rabies vaccination certificate will be required.

If your pet is not vacationing with you, take the appropriate measures to ensure his or her care while you are gone.  If you leave your pet at home, be sure to leave him or her under the care of a responsible, trust-worthy neighbor, friend, or family member who can meet your pet’s needs according to your satisfaction.  Your veterinarian may also prescribe anti-anxiety medications if separation does not bode well with your pet.

You may also choose to board your pet while you are away.  Again, select a facility you are comfortable with.  We conveniently supply all the above-listed attributes at our outstanding on-site boarding facility.

For information on our boarding facility or for additional tips and information about traveling with or without your pet, please feel free to contact us at 801-825-9191.  Know before you go.

Written by Trent Olsen