Posted on
May 11, 2016 in
Traveling with Pets |
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Sometimes, the hardest part of a vacation is leaving your pet behind. We caught up with Dr. Kerri Marshall, Chief Veterinary Officer at Trupanion, for tips on how to take your best friend with you.
Road Trips
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A road trip is perhaps the easiest way to take your pet with you on vacation, but it’s important to know how to keep your pet comfortable and healthy on your trip.
Tips from the Expert:
- Make sure to take your pet on plenty of short practice trips during the weeks leading up to the trip, increasing the length of your drive as your dog or cat gets more used to car rides.
- Make frequent stops and schedule extra time. Many service areas and pit stops have designated pet areas where your pet can get fresh air and stretch his/her legs.
- Pack the essentials. Be sure to pack water (keep hydrated!), food, treats, toys, waste bags, pee pads or a litter box, a harness and leash, a water bowl, pet identification and medical documentation, a bed or blanket, and any medications your pet may need.
Pet Etiquette
Not everyone is an animal lover, so make sure to be considerate while traveling with your pet, especially in busy airports and train stations.
Tips from the Expert:
- Only take your well-behaved pet on the road. If you want your pet to travel with you, socialize him/her early and enroll him/her in obedience classes well before the trip. This will help your pet become a quiet, well-behaved travel companion.
- The same goes for people. Don’t let your pet go up to every person he/she sees unless it is welcomed. Even though your dog is the cutest pup out there, some people may not be in the mood to stop and love your pet, and others can be allergic or afraid of dogs and cats.
- If you are carrying your pet on board, be sure to be sensitive to those next to you who may not be used to pets or could be allergic, and keep your pet secured within their carrier. There are some very “breathable” carriers that will help keep your pet cool during the trip. Put two pee pads on the bottom so you can simply lift and toss one if your pet has to use it.
Safely Driving With Your Pet
Your pet needs to be safely secured during travel, but that’s not all. As a driver, there are important safety concerns you should be aware of.
Tips from the Expert:
- Use harnesses, carriers, or barriers when bringing your pet in the car. Just as humans need seat belts, animals need some form of safety restraint when in the car. Pet carriers can confine and secure your animal and make him/her more comfortable. There are also special restraining harnesses and pet barriers that can connect a dog to safety belts and keep pets secured.
- Keep your pet in the back seat and do not drive while distracted. In the event of an accident, pets riding in the front seat can face severe injuries from airbags or impact with the windshield. Putting your pet in the back seat is much safer for both the pet and the driver.
Keeping Your Pet Calm During Travel
Whether you and your pet are on a plane, on a train, in a car, or on a boat, there will be hundreds of distractions and new places to explore. So keeping your pet calm can be a challenge.
Tips from the Expert:
- Your pet will benefit from familiarity during travel. Be sure to pack a favorite toy or blanket that smells like you. Something familiar in a new environment will be relaxing and comforting to your pet.
- In some cases, it may be best to give your pet medication to help him/her calm down. Visit your veterinarian prior to the trip to discuss what you should give to your pet to help calm him/her throughout the trip.
Sticking To A Routine
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Perhaps one of the most important things to keep in mind is your pet’s routine. Vacation travel makes this tricky, with busier days away from the hotel, so make sure you allot extra time for a routine.
Tips from the Expert:
- Feed, walk, and play with your pet at the same times you usually do to avoid any additional stress. Do not change your pet’s diet over the course of your trip.
- Make sure to keep your dog or cat secure in the new environment. Many pets get lost on vacation when they get loose in an unfamiliar location.
Taking Your Pet Through Airport Security
Make sure you know what to do when dealing with the TSA.
Tips from the Expert:
- Give your pet plenty of exercise and water, and then arrive at the airport early. Be sure to have a health certificate from your veterinarian and records of your pet’s up-to-date rabies vaccine.
- Take precautions when bringing your pet through airport security and make sure you have a secure way to remove your pet from the carrier. Your pet’s carrier will have to pass through the security screening along with your luggage. If you choose to remove your dog or cat from the carrier, you will need a secure harness. Look for a harness and leash with no metal—you must carry your pet through the security scanner. You can also request a secondary screening that will not require you to remove your pet from the carrier.
International Travel
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Each country has its own laws and regulations regarding pets, so make sure to do your research before taking your pet abroad.
Tips from the Expert:
- Some countries (or states like Hawaii) have very strict quarantine requirements because they are considered “rabies free”—check ahead with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian needs to be accredited to give you an international health certificate for travel. Plan ahead and make your appointment within 30 days of travel.
- In some cases, it’s best to give your pet medication to help calm him/her down, especially for longer trips. The safest medication to use is Benadryl, in its pure form known as Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride. It is vital that you select a form of Benadryl that does not contain other medications for cold or sinus symptoms; only the pure form of Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride is safe for your pet. Talk to your veterinarian prior to the trip to discuss how much you can give your pet or if you need a stronger prescription option.
- Enroll in pet medical insurance prior to the trip to ensure you are able to afford veterinary care for any illnesses or injuries your pet could develop over the course of the trip. Check to see if your policy will allow you to go to a veterinarian outside of your home country if your pet gets sick.
Flights
Flying with your pet is sometimes unavoidable and needs extra thought and care.
Tips from the Expert:
- Visit your veterinarian prior to your trip, preferably within 10 days of your departure, and ask for a health certificate. Many airlines require a certificate to travel with your pet. Consult your veterinarian about the proper procedures, including cabin versus cargo and medication options.
- Choose an airplane-approved pet carrier that is comfortable for your pet. There are soft and hard-sided pet carriers available at most pet stores. Make sure it has proper ventilation and that your pet fits comfortably and has the ability to stand and turn around while inside the carrier. Give your pet some time prior to traveling to get accustomed to the new carrier. Be sure to affix your name, address, and telephone number to the carrier.
- Bring a current photo of your pet as a precaution. If your pet gets separated from you, a recent picture will make it easier to identify your pet when found.
Hotel Stays
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If you’re staying in a pet-friendly hotel, there are still some rules you must follow with your furry friend. Check out our favorite pet-friendly hotel chains for ideas about where to stay with your dog, cat, or other pet.
Tips from the Expert:
- Call ahead to verify the hotel’s pet policy. Many hotels allow pets, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are pet friendly. Do not assume that whatever is listed on the hotel’s website is thorough. Verify pet fees, the policy on leaving pets alone in the room, and whether there are size or breed restrictions. Ask the customer-service representative from the hotel to email the information so you have it in writing.
- If you plan to leave your pet alone for any period of time, consider hiring a pet sitter to keep your pet comfortable during your stay. Most hotels prohibit you from leaving your pet alone in the room.
- Look for a hotel with a large grassy area nearby for romps with your pup, or one that offers extra services such as dog walking or luxurious pet beds for use during the stay.
Leaving Your Pet At Home
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In some cases, it’s just best to leave man’s best friend behind. It’s important to weigh each option given the length of travel and your pet’s habits.
Tips from the Expert:
- Arrange for a pet sitter. In-home sitters can give your pet a sense of security while you’re gone. Visiting sitters can help keep a routine in place as well, and your pet will be happy for the company. Many will also bring in your mail, put out your garbage, and generally keep your house safer by making it appear occupied. Hire a friend, neighbor, or family member; there are also many in-home pet sitters available for hire.
When boarding your pet:
- Look for a kennel with a good reputation. Start off by asking pet-owning friends about their pet-boarding experiences. Your vet will also likely be able to recommend a trusted kennel.
- Ask to take a tour of the boarding grounds. Take a look at where your pet would be sleeping, eating, and playing. Checking out the boarding facility firsthand is the best way to get a good impression of where your pet will be staying and how he/she will be treated. Ask yourself a few key questions: Does the kennel look and smell clean? Does the kennel staff seem caring and knowledgeable? Do the pets look happy?
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