Preparing for Pet Travel

A photo of Baguera by Andre and Marcela

When you are a companion to a loving animal friend (or two, or more), the hustle and bustle of travel preparations can be even more harried than usual. A trip with them in tow, however, can be all the more fun! Whether you’re traveling with your furry friend or leaving them at home, your to-do list is bound to be more thorough than the average traveler, so today we’re going to offer you some recommendations and tips for how to handle the pre-trip chaos.

If you’d like to take advantage of all the great travel recommendations we’ve given you the past couple of days, bringing your favorite furry companion along to pet-friendly New York City, San Francisco, or any of the other pet-friendly destinations and hotels we’ve suggested, here are some travel tips to make your vacation a little bit smoother:

Lost and Found

If your pet isn’t already wearing a collar and ID tag, now is the time to get one. Make sure all the information is up-to-date and includes a cell phone number instead of just your house address, since that will come in the most handy if you get separated while out on your adventure.

To raise your chances of reuniting with your animal companion in an emergency or separation, get your pet microchipped. Microchips are little devices no bigger than a grain of rice, embedded by a vet into the flesh of your pet so that should they lose their tag and collar, their identifying information (as well as your contact info) can be easily found when a local vet or animal shelter scans the chip. I’ve heard the chipping process hurts mildly, but when my very skittish cat was given one she hardly made a peep. Check out the following great resources to answer your questions about microchipping, lost pets, and more:

Pet Emergencies and Lost Pets
Pet Microchip Advice
Finding a Lost Pet

Keeping Healthy, Wealthy (in dog treats!), and Wise

You’ll want to bring your pet for a pre-travel check-up, both for peace of mind as well as for logistic concerns. After all vaccinations are up to date, ask your veterinarian to give you a health certificate which clearly states that your pet is healthy, fit to travel, and has received all necessary vaccinations, and then don’t forget to bring this certificate with you on your journey.

For pets with medical conditions, be sure to bring ample medication with you, as well as the prescription to verify why you are traveling with the meds. It’s also wise to add another tag to their collar stating medical conditions and disabilities. Medical alert tags are offered for free, along with free registry in a nationwide United States database. To find out more, visit:

Keep Your Pet Safe
Humane Society on Choosing a Veterinarian

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

The most convenient way to travel with pets is by car, where you have the most control over the environment and pacing of the trip, though air travel is popular as well. Consult your vet to help you decide which mode of transportation might be best suited for your pet.

When traveling by plane, contact your airline to find out their specific policies. You’ll need to procure an airline-approved carrier, as well. Whatever method of transportation you choose, a good carrier goes a long way with providing safety and comfort for your pet.

For car travel, it can be helpful to go on practice drives first. If your pet primarily associates cars with vet visits, he or she might need some help to understanding the meaning of a joy ride. This is where treats and rewards come in handy!

Don’t forget to research, research, research. Even within the United States, rules and restrictions for pet travel vary from state to state. Visit these handy resources for more information:

Regulations for Air/Train/Ship/Car
PetsOntheGo Transportation Resources
PetFlight Airline Travel Info
City Guides for Pet Travel in the U.S. and Canada

Packing

As stated above, you’ll want to bring vet records with you, medications (including a script incase of an emergency refill), and pet ID tags and collars. Cats and dogs have a well-developed sense of smell, so it can be very comforting to have an object or two from home to remind them of familiar surroundings—a blanket or favorite small pillow works well for that. You’ll also want grooming brushes, food bowls, treats, and other day-to-day supplies. Below are some great links for more packing tips. And don’t forget the toys!

Packing, Preparation, and Other Trip Tips
Pet Travel Toys
Humane Society Packing Guide

Sending a Postcard Instead

There are times when, even after careful consideration and trip planning, the best choice for both you and your pet is for them to stay at home. Pet health issues, personality, or logistical barriers can all play a factor in the decision. When you need to leave your pet behind, most people find they can best enjoy their trip knowing that their pets are in good care.

When friends and family aren’t available, professional pet sitters can be a great solution. Their services can include play time and walking in addition to daily feeding, so be sure to check out several sitters and find the services your pet needs. Some pet sitters even house-sit, providing full-time care for your pet. It’s recommended that you interview pet sitters beforehand and check their references.

National Association of Professional Pet Sitters
Pet Sitters International
How to Choose a Pet Sitter

Kennels and vet clinics are often a last resort because animals will get less attention, but some offer more human interaction than others, so research is crucial. Check with your vet, especially if your pet has medical needs, or check out the American Boarding Kennels Association site for listings of accredited facilities.

In addition to the above travel tips, consulting with your vet is always recommended. Wherever your adventures take you and your furry friend, have fun!

Additional Resources:

Information for Service Animal Travel
Etiquette for the Traveling Dog
Financial Tips for Pet Travel
News Articles on Pet Travel

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