Pets and travel

Traveling with your pet

Traveling with a beloved four-legged friend is becoming a growing trend, and in order to make any driving, flying or cruising trip a joyful experience, for both the pet, as well as its owner, several things should be kept in mind.
• Always have your pet's tags updated and visible, and if possible, add your address and phone number, as well as the pet's name. This will speed up a recovery in case the pet gets lost.
• An open door or window, and an inviting smell, can be enough to spark your pet's curiosity and before you know it he or she is gone. For that reason, it would be a great idea to have a tracking microchip implanted before you go on a trip. Through the chip and a universally accepted recovery plan wanderers can quickly be traced and safely retrieved.
• Most hotels and resorts will urge travelers with pets to book in advance. This way, special provisions can be made and pet regulations explained.
• While travelling, pets should be kept safe in either a secure kennel or carrier, or placed in a travel restraining harness. Pets who are allowed to stick their heads out the window of a moving vehicle can be injured by particles of debris and/or become ill from having lots of cold air forced into their lungs. Also, never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck. They can jump, or be thrown out by the vehicle's sudden motions.
• Stop frequently during trips to allow your pet to drink or eat, exercise and relieve himself.
• Remain with your pet at all times, as pet thieves can be lurking behind the corner.
• Leaving a pet unattended in a parked vehicle is a definite no-no, even more so on hot days, when extreme heat can be fatal.
• Never permit your dog to walk around without a collar, ID tag, and leash.
• Keep treats, water and toys handy.
• Be considerate and always clean up after your pet.

Many people think that it is impossible to take their pet on a plane when, in reality, it is not that difficult at all. Being well informed about pet travel, and familiar with airline rules and policies is half the battle of taking your beloved pet with you on a trip, and while it is not recommend taking your animal on a plane, unless as carry-on baggage, sometimes you just have no other choice.
Unfortunately, if your pet is anything larger than a small dog or cat, you cannot take it with you in the airplane cabin. This means your pet will have to travel as cargo or checked baggage and you will not be able to visit. This is not a great option, but sometimes that is all you can do, especially if you are moving, or are gone for an extended period of time.
Here are some general tips to bear in mind when flying with your pet:
• High altitudes and sedatives are a dangerous combination for your pet and should never be mixed.
• Always keep your pet's leash and collar handy so you can take him or her for a walk prior to departure.
• Never take the pet out of the kennel inside the airport.
• Mark your pet and its travel kennel with identification tags, which should include your name, your pet's name, home address, phone number or any other important contact information.
• Never use a muzzle on your pet during travel as this may aggravate it.
• Prior to a trip familiarize your pet with a new kennel so that it feels comfortable in it, come travel time. Remember: a pet will have to remain in its kennel during the entire flight.
• Most pet supply stores will carry air-travel approved, soft-sided, for in-cabin travel, and hard-sided kennels. Furthermore, airlines will also sell kennels at their service counters.
• When you make your flight reservations, always include advanced reservations, or special arrangements for your pet as well. This will reduce the chance that the airline will refuse your pet on board, which may happen if there are too many unannounced pets.
• When you take out travel insurance for yourself, also consider including your pet. They too need legal or medical protection.
• For animals other than dogs or cats, it is best to contact the airline for its acceptance policy.