A Guide to Traveling with Your Pet

Have you wanted to visit friends or relatives, or perhaps hike the trails at a scenic park? Did concerns over leaving your pet behind prevent you from going? Traveling with your pet is easier than you think.

Air travel with pets falls into two categories, in-cabin and cargo. In-cabin pets must be small enough to fit into a carrier that will slide under the seat in front of you. Pets too large to fit comfortably in a carrier must travel in cargo. Cargo holds are heated, cooled and pressurized, just like the passenger compartment.

Before you make a reservation, be sure the airline will accommodate your pet. Some airlines do not take pets in-cabin; some discount airlines don't accept pets at all. So if you purchase your airline tickets through the Internet, make sure your pet will be able to travel with you.

Pet passengers require a reservation, whether traveling in-cabin or cargo. Airlines have restrictions on the number of pets they will carry in order to provide safe travel for all. So making your pet's reservation at the same time you purchase your ticket is a good idea. Extra charges for both in-cabin and cargo pets will be assessed.

Purchase a health certificate from your veterinarian. Health certificates are only good for ten days, so if your visit will be longer than that you will have to purchase another health certificate for the return trip.

Your in-cabin pet will need a carrier. These soft-sided carriers come in several sizes, so buy or borrow one that allows your pet plenty of room. Some of these can be bought with wheels to make transport through the airport easier; these also reduce "pet space" under the airplane seat. Window and middle seats have more room underneath than aisle seats due to the seat configurations.

Pets traveling in cargo will need an airline-approved kennel. Generally, these are hard-sided, non-collapsible crates. If your pet already has a sturdy crate it may double as a shipping kennel, but do make sure it is airline approved.

Most experts do not recommend tranquilizing your pet. The motion of the airplane seems to have a soporific effect, causing pets (and people) to snooze. Once in the air you'll find that your pet will probably sleep. A word about training is appropriate here. Crate training your pet will make him/her a better traveler. There are many resources available that will show you how to accomplish this. Time spent training will definitely pay off.

Don't hesitate to join the legion of folks who travel with their pets. With a little preparation can be safe, simple and rewarding.


Source : A Guide to Traveling with Your Pet

Traveling with your dog

Going places with your dog

Dogs do like to travel well. Adventurous by nature, they want to check out new sights and sounds. They like to meet and see new people. But this does not mean that traveling with a dog is as easy as traveling with your clutch bag. Here are some tips on how to have a worry-free travel experience with your pet dog.

Hiring a pet sitter

If you are traveling far away from home without your pet dog, you might want to hire a pet sitter who could take care of your dog full-time. A pet sitter could be a member of your family or a friend who could stay over in your house and watch over your dog. You could also ask your veterinarian who could recommend someone to do the pet-sitting.

Leaving the dog in a kennel

If you choose to leave your pet in a kennel, shop around for recommendations for a good one from friends that own dogs or your vet. Go to the kennel before taking your dog and check if animals look well-cared for and the facilities comfortable and clean. Chat with the staff to make sure that your dog will be cared for properly.

Traveling with your dog

Should you decide that you’re bringing the dog along in your travel, ask the vet some tips on how to best travel with a dog, including problems on the transportation method. Ask if he or she could give your dog a certificate of clean health.

If you are flying via airplane, you should have a sturdy carrier for your pet. If not, the airline could ask you to buy a carrier from them. Some airlines allow your pet in the passenger compartment with you. Some put all the animals in the luggage compartment.

If you are riding in a car, the air conditioning should be kept on. Do not leave your dog unattended in a car that is parked. Do not park in direct sunlight even for a brief period of time, as it could drastically raise the heat temperature inside your car that might result in dehydration, heat stroke, or worse.

Foreign travel

Traveling with a dog or any other pet in foreign countries can prove to be difficult. Check with your vet for some tips. You might also want to ask the local consulate of the country you are visiting what are their requirements for you to bring your pet along.

Going places with your dog may be a pleasant experience. But you should remember taking a dog, or any pet with you, anywhere could be a bit difficult.

On The Road With Your Dog

A lot of dogs like go on adventures, which makes travel attractive for them. This is their natural hunting instincts making them want to meet new people and explore new places. However, it may pose as a problem since taking a dog along during your travels may be inconvenient. Quite a few people are frightened of dogs and the mess that dogs make while you're traveling can be very troublesome. It should also be noted that many lodgings and transportation services don't cater to pets such as dogs and cats.

Having your pet watched over by a professional pet handler may be needed to take care of your dog during the trip. You also have the option of having your pet stay with a managed kennel. When checking around for a place for your dog to live while you're away, make sure it is comfortable and clean. The dogs staying there should also look content and well-taken care of. A few of these dog kennels allow for you to provide your dog's own sleeping blanket, toy and his favorite foods for while you're away. Make sure, though, that your dog has had its immunization since it is a regular requirement for your dog's stay in such places.

Though, if you really insist on your pet's company when traveling, here are a few tips:

- A clean bill of health from your veterinarian. Your vet should also be able to provide you a certificate for this.

- Buy a sturdy dog carrier. This is a must since you'd rather not lose your pet en route to your destination. A few airlines have dog carriers available for sale though they can be quite expensive. Also, remember that some airlines prefer having your pet in the compartment for luggage . If you really can't part with your beloved, get a reservation from an airline that allows pets to remain with you during the flight.

- Dogs need good ventilation to keep them cool. Try to get air-conditioned cars when traveling cross-country. This is also true if you are traveling in trains.

- Don't let your dog hang his head out the window while the car is moving. It may be tempting to let your pet play around, but the risks of falling out or getting hit are still there.

- Leaving your dog inside the car or under the sun is risky. Heat stroke is a serious danger to your pet and can even be fatal.

- Never leave your dog unattended, especially when he is in his carrier. He may get stolen or kidnapped. This also goes for when he's wandering around. Sometimes, pets can be too adventurous and may end up in trouble, or worse, getting you in trouble.

- Fast pulse, rapid panting, red eyes and gums, excessive slobbering, feverish temperature or vomiting, means that your dog needs to see a vet quickly. Have cool towels placed on your dog and get to the closest pet clinic as soon as possible.

- Some countries have specific rules about pet travel. Try to familiarize yourself with them and try to follow them to avoid legal troubles later.

- A certificate for rabies vaccination and a notarized local language certificate from the closest embassy or consulate is sometimes required, so get one just in case. Better safe than sorry.

- In preparing for a long trip on the road, ready identification for your pet. A collar with the dog's name, your name and a handy contact number can save you from a lot of trouble.

- First-aid kits for your dog can be easily fixed up. Remember that some emergencies are special to dogs. A flea or tick powder is a good addition to this.

- Have a ready supply of your pet's favorite doggy treats during the trip. Make sure to bring more than enough to last the entire trip to be safe.

- Pack the essentials: clean water, dishes, favorite dog toys, leash, brush, plastic bags and towels, anything than can help your dog stay happy during the trip.

- A dog should be given the chance to answer the call of nature every two to three hours so it won't make any embarrassing messes.

Hopefully, these tips can help you have a better time with travelling with your dog. Bon voyage!