It’s no secret that traveling (by air or car) is a huge part of the holiday season. For those planning to bring a furry friend or two along, here are 10 quick tips to keep in mind:
- Veterinarians often get questions regarding tranquilizers when pets travel. Sometimes these can be warranted. However, if you help to prepare your pet for travel, most do very well without sedation, especially if they have a SENTRY Calming Collar or SENTRY Calming Spray to help calm and ease them.
- It’s never a good idea to feed just before travel. However, it’s important to ensure that your pet stays hydrated. Freeze water in a bowl, so that it can melt on the way and can even be licked in its frozen state.
- Be sure to have your pet properly identified. Microchips are very effective, easy and one of the best identification tools available for your pet. In fact, some countries require a microchip ID before pets can enter.
- Ensure that your pet is current on immunizations and carry their records with you. If an emergency comes up, you may need to board your pet or have them checked out by a veterinarian.
- Bring your pet’s normal food, toys and treats. Bring a little extra for those unforeseen disruptions in your plans.
- Make it fun! Reward with delicious pet treats to make the experience more positive.
- For international travel and flights, health certificates provided by your veterinarian are a requirement. An examination and the proper paperwork will have to be done within 10 days or less of your departure date. Also check with airlines about any additional requirements they may have in place.
- Whether you are planning to fly or drive, be sure to line the carrier with a puppy pee pad. This will absorb any accidents and keep your pet dry. Remember to pack extras for any further or return travel.
- If your pet has never traveled before, leave the carrier open and casually lying around the house a few weeks before you leave. This way your pet can sniff it out and possibly climb inside. Who knows, they might actually like it!
- Put a worn shirt in your pet’s kennel while you travel. The scent will help soothe and calm them.
Do you have tips to share? What’s worked for you in the past? Please share your tips and comments below. Happy holidays!
-Photo Credit: From flickr by Chris Boland