Here are 6 important tips for travelling with your furry buddy.
The Very Basics
Plan Ahead
You’ll want to make sure you have all the right paperwork and certifications before taking your pet on a long-distance trip. If you’re traveling by plane, make sure your pet is up-to-date with their shots, microchipped and that they have a valid health certificate issued by a vet within 10 days of travel.
Have the Right Carrier
Make sure the carrier you buy from PetCareRx can be easily transported in the car or on an airplane without being damaged or causing harm to your pet. Try out different carriers until you find one that works best for both of you!
Exercising before going on a trip is also key. If possible, try walking around for about 20 minutes to get them used to being outside and let off some steam before loading into the car or plane!
Consider Your Pet’s Health
You should know that there are several things to consider before taking your pet on a trip. You will want to make sure that they are healthy before, during and after the trip. Make sure they have all their vaccinations up-to-date, especially rabies! It is also important that you give them physical and emotional health checks leading up to their departure as well as afterwards.
You will need to take a health certificate with you for each destination so that your pet does not get into any trouble when entering new countries. This certificate should include information about immunizations given and any medications or supplements being taken by them.
Make sure you bring along special food items for your pet because he/she may react differently than most people when traveling long distances. These could inlcude things such as getting car sick from motion sickness or having trouble sleeping at night due to unfamiliar surroundings like hotels or motels. And also not feeling comfortable enough after being away from home for so long.
Examine Travel Options
There are many different ways to travel with your pet. You can drive, take the train or plane, and even board an animal-friendly bus.
For example:
- If you have a dog that’s healthy and young enough to endure the trip in a crate, then driving is one of the easiest ways to travel long distance with your pet.
- If you’re heading out on vacation but don’t want to spend tons of money on airfare, consider taking the train instead! There are plenty of trains that allow dogs onboard. Many even offer special carriages for traveling pets!
- You don’t even need wheels if you’re just going somewhere nearby.
Acclimate Your Pet to Its Carrier
Acclimating your pet to their carrier is an important step when preparing for long distance travel. It’s also a great habit to get into, as you never know when you might need it in the future!
Here are some tips:
- Introduce your pet to the carrier. Give them treats and toys while they are inside, so they associate positive feelings with being in there.
- Keep the carrier out at all times. This will make it easier for both of you if you need to put him/her in suddenly one day.
- Leave the door open and leave toys inside so your dog can go back and forth between rooms like normal and not want to escape. If they’re used to going through this process often, then they won’t be scared when it comes time for traveling long distance!
This helps with acclimation because once again we’re getting them familiarized with seeing/smelling/hearing everything before getting onto that big scary plane ride which could add another layer of stress if done on its own without proper preparation beforehand.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
Just like you, your pet needs to be prepared for any emergency that may arise while traveling. A good first-aid kit should include all of the basics like bandages, ointment, gauze pads and tweezers. If your pet has special needs or is on medication, be sure to bring enough medicine with you to last the duration of your trip.
Bring food and water as well in case you cannot reach a store or restaurant along the way and if you run out of supplies before getting to your destination. If possible, bring an extra blanket or bed for them to sleep on so they are comfortable during travel!
Have the Right Insurances for Your Pet
Make sure you have the right kind of insurance. Insurance is an important part of your pet’s health, so make sure you have the right kind. Many pet owners have a hard time affording it, but if they can find affordable insurance then they’ll be able to save money in other ways. If you’re not sure where to start with getting insurance for your pets, ask around and see what other people use.
Finally
Before you travel, you should check with your vet to see if your pet is healthy enough to travel. The types of illnesses that may require a trip to the vet include:
- Respiratory problems (including coughing and wheezing)
- Digestive problems (such as vomiting)
- Allergies or skin conditions (rashes, hives)
Your vet will also be able to advise you on how long each type of illness can last, so that you can more accurately plan your trip. It’s better to delay a long-haul flight until after an illness passes than risk making it worse due to stress or exhaustion. If your pet has an existing condition such as diabetes or heart disease and needs regular medication, it’s also important for them not to miss any doses during their travels.